| How to Check and Add Power Steering Fluid Posted: 16 Oct 2016 05:00 PM PDT Most cars except some electric and hybrid vehicles have a hydraulic power-steering system that enables the driver to turn the steering wheel without a great deal of effort. The power-steering system consists of several items: a rack and pinion connected to the front wheels; a piston inside the rack and pinion, which is moved by pressurized fluid from the power-steering pump that helps to turn the wheels; and a cylinder containing fluid mounted on the pump or remotely mounted for easier access. (If there isn't enough fluid, steering becomes more difficult and either the pump or rack and pinion could be damaged without fluid to cushion them.) Therefore, it's important to check power-steering fluid levels on a regular basis and add fluid when necessary. - Look for the reservoir cylinder. If you're having difficulty turning the steering wheel or a high-pitched whining noise issues from the steering wheel when you turn it, chances are your power-steering fluid is low. The power-steering fluid can be found in a cylindrical reservoir near the power steering pump or remotely located with hoses from the pump, and should be clearly labeled. The cylinder may be made of either plastic or metal.
- If you can't find the cylinder, consult your owner's manual for the location. While the power-steering reservoir is usually located in the same space in most cars, newer vehicles may place them elsewhere for economy or space.
- Check the level of the power-steering fluid. If the reservoir cylinder is made of translucent plastic, you may be able to see the fluid level inside the cylinder. If the reservoir cylinder is made of metal, or if the plastic is not sufficiently transparent, you'll check the fluid level with a dipstick, which is usually attached to the cap.
- On some cars, the power-steering fluid level can only be checked accurately after the engine has run for a brief period, and sometimes you must also turn the steering wheel in either direction several times while the car idles.
- On other cars, there are gradations on the dipstick or cylinder for both a "hot" level, after the engine has been running, and a "cold" level, after the engine has been off for a period of time. On still other cars, there may be "Min" and "Max" lines for acceptable fluid levels. Be sure to compare the power-steering fluid level against the correct mark.
- Examine how much of the dipstick is covered by power-steering fluid. If you are using a dipstick to test the power-steering fluid level, first wipe off any excess fluid from the dipstick when you first take it out of the cylinder, then reinsert it as far down as it will go and pull it out again.
- Examine the color of the power-steering fluid. Good power-steering fluid should be clear, amber or pinkish in color.
- If the power-steering fluid is brown or black, it has been contaminated with bits of rubber from connecting hoses, seals or O-rings. In this case, the car should be taken to a mechanic to see if any of the power-steering system parts need to be replaced, along with the fluid.
- The power-steering fluid may look darker than it actually is. If you have any doubts, look at the color of the power-steering fluid stain on the rag or paper towel you wiped your dipstick off with. If the stain is the color the fluid is supposed to be, your fluid is not contaminated.
- Add power-steering fluid as needed to the correct fill level. If your car has gradations on the cylinder, you can add the fluid steadily until you reach the correct "hot" or "cold" fill level; if you checked the level with a dipstick, add the fluid incrementally to avoid overfilling the reservoir.
- Be sure to use only the power-steering fluid that is recommended for your car, as it will be the correct viscosity (thickness) for your car's power-steering system.
- The manufacture does not recommend using transmission fluid in place of power steering fluid. There are too many different types of fluid, and if the wrong fluid is used, it may cause failure of power steering and its seals.
- Be careful not to overfill your power-steering unit with fluid. It's probably better to under fill your unit than overfill it. That's because power-steering fluid expands as it heats up and works its magic. If you fill your unit all the way to the top and then try to drive your car, the expanded pressure could begin to cause problems and might necessitate expensive repairs.
- Replace the cylinder cap. Depending on the make of car, you may have to push or screw the cap into place. Be sure it's firmly attached before you close the hood.
- Power-steering fluid should be checked at regular intervals or if it gets contaminated. If you notice a significant drop in the cylinder level, or have to add fluid frequently, you may have a leak somewhere in the power-steering system. If you hear a noise when you turn the steering wheel, it means the power-steering pump is starving for fluid.
- Power-steering fluid should also be replaced at the intervals called for in the car's owner's manual. Heat from the engine and surrounding environment will, over time, reduce the fluid's ability to do its job and cause wear and tear on the power-steering system components. Replacing the fluid is cheaper than having to replace either the power-steering pump or the rack and pinion.
EditThings You'll Need - Rag or paper towel
- Funnel
- Power-steering fluid
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| How to Cheer Up a Friend Posted: 16 Oct 2016 09:00 AM PDT It can be difficult to watch a friend deal with painful things. This could be anything from a death of a family member or loved one, an illness, a breakup, or even a failing grade in school. While you can't always cheer your friend up, there are some things you can do to make sure she knows that you're there for her and to help distract her from her pain. EditBeing There for Your Friend - Listen to your friend. Listening is one of the most important things you can do for someone who is hurting. Active listening shows that you care about your friend and she is being heard. Often, intently listening is more valuable than any other gesture.[1]
- When you're really listening make sure that there are no other distractions. This means don't check your phone, don't try to talk to other people.
- Try to make eye contact with her while she's talking. You don't need to stare, but eye contact shows that you're paying attention and that you're engaged. It's also a good way to avoid being distracted.
- Let her know you can be the person she can call any time of day or night. Sometimes friends will lean on you, other times you will lean on them. Being a friend means being available, even when it's inconvenient.
- Ask open-ended questions. Instead of jumping in with your feelings, perceptions and experiences, ask questions about your friend's experience. When your friend talks about her break-up, for example, ask her about what she's feeling and what she needs from you.
- Instead of asking, "Are you sad?", consider asking "What emotions are you feeling?" and "Is there anything I can do to help you?".
- Spend time with your friend. When people are sad, it's easy to want to crawl into a cave and want to be alone. But humans function better when social needs are met. Too much isolation can cause mental and physical breakdown.[2] Think about enjoyable experiences that you can have together. Being there physically for your friend and engaging in fun activities will help bring cheer to your friend.
- Offer to come over and hang out, watch a movie, or get food together. Any way that you can spend quality time together is beneficial.
- Give physical comfort. Touching is a language all its own and it can be used to convey the idea that you are there for your friend, that your friend is safe with you. It's good to check in with your friend before you offer physical comfort, because she may not appreciate touch.[3]
- A hug can be truly important and healing. If your friend is upset, especially if she's feeling highly emotional, a hug or even a touch on her arm can send the signal that you are here for her and that she is safe.
- If your friend is uncomfortable with touch, bring your dog over or encourage your friend to cuddle with her cat. Animals can be very comforting and many people feel safe petting a dog or cat.
- Learn to empathize, not sympathize. Sympathy is about feeling sorry for someone, rather than feeling pain with your friend. You want to feel what your friend is feeling and let her know that you're engaging in their pain with her.[4]
- For example: say your friend Mary recently lost her husband. Sympathy would be saying "Poor Mary. I feel so sorry for you for losing your husband." Empathy, on the other hand, would be saying "Oh Mary, I feel your pain about losing your husband and how much you loved him."
- Make life easier for her. When a friend is experiencing something that hurts her deeply, it can be difficult to do even the most basic activities. Let her know that you're here to help by taking on some of those tasks and making life easier for her.
- You can offer to cook meals, or help clean the house. Housework, especially, has a tendency to fall by the wayside when someone is upset.
- You can offer to go shopping, or drive her to a doctor's appointment.
- Think about ways to help that will be most helpful to your friend and bring her some cheer.
- Always ask your friend how you can help instead of assuming that something will make her feel better. Don't make assumptions when you are there to help.
- Send her gifts. Who doesn't cheer up even a little when given a gift? This can help your friend remember that people still care. You can't always be physically present for you friend, but you can make sure that she doesn't feel like she's suffering alone.
- Bake her favorite cookies and mail them to your friend with a note telling them how much you care for her.
- Pick up something that reminds you of her and send it with a card.
- Send her little things to make her laugh: a funny card, a funny story about something you saw, pictures of the two of you doing silly things from a long time ago. Keep it light and think about what will make your friend smile.
EditDistracting Your Friend - Go for a walk. Sometimes a change of scenery can help distract your friend from whatever it is that is upsetting her. Take a walk around your area and keep your eye out for cool or unusual, or funny sights.
- Be present. Instead of talking about whatever the problem is, look at the color of the sky, or discuss what that weird smell might be. Watch the animals and engage with the environment.
- Have a movie night. Movies and tv shows can be a great way to help your friend keep her mind off her troubles, at least for a little while.
- Avoid upsetting films. For example: if her father has recently died of cancer, avoid movies where a parent dies, or where someone has cancer. Likewise, if your friend has recently been dumped, movies about relationships tend to be the wrong way to go. Keep it light and enjoyable.
- Be Silly together. Silliness is a great way to distract from pain and encourage smiles and laughter. After all, "laughter is the best medicine" as the age-old saying goes. Laughter also has health benefits and improves some bodily functions.[5]
- Take a stroll back in time to childhood. Make snow angels or a blanket fort, only talk to each other in outrageous voices, or replace walking with skipping or jumping.
- Do some silly art, such as drawing silly self-portraits or writing silly poems.
- Do something new together. Doing something new and unusual is a great distraction and can increase happiness.[6] It means that you're having to think about the new thing instead of focusing on whatever it is she's upset about.
- Try a new workout class at the gym, make crafts together, plant a garden, or paint.
- Don't spring a new thing on your friend without checking with her first. This could overwhelm and upset her, which is the opposite of what you want.
- Help someone else together. Helping other people lowers stress, heightens compassion, and heightens capacity for resilience.[7] Someone who is going through a difficult time has need of all of these things.
- Volunteer for something. Volunteering is a great way to foster community, do good in someone else's life, and participate in something important. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, or volunteer to walk dogs at the animal shelter. Be a reading buddy for children or offer time at a nursing home.
- Help cheer up a different friend. Sometimes working together to help someone else in their problems can help cheer someone up, because it helps take the focus away from one's own life difficulties.
- Do something nice for someone else. You can cook for a different friend or create a card from both of you.
- Take a trip. Sometimes a great way to distract your friend from unhappiness is to take a trip. Travel introduces new sights and new places and keeps your friend from wallowing in whatever unhappiness she's dealing with.
- You can opt for a long vacation: touring Europe, or hiking the John Muir trail, or road tripping through Canada.
- You can also choose something smaller: a weekend getaway at a nearby beach, a couple days backpacking in the mountains, or road tripping to the next city to see a band you both love.
EditAvoiding Common Mistakes - Allow your friend to be sad. Avoid saying things like "cheer up." This is one of the worst things you can say to someone who is upset, especially if she's struggling with depression or anxiety. When you say this you're telling your friend not to be sad. Telling someone to "cheer up" is putting focus on you more than your friend. You're saying that your feelings of discomfort about her unhappiness is more important than her unhappiness. And that is something a friend should never do. It's important to experience emotions, even when they are unpleasant.[8]
- Don't tell someone how to feel; everyone is entitled to feeling and expressing emotions.
- Resist avoiding your friend. Sometimes it can be hard to know what to say when confronted with a friend who is in pain. Don't avoid your friend because you feel awkward about talking about her problem. Instead, focus on what you can say that is supportive. Often you don't need to say anything other than "I'm so sorry. I'm here for you if you need anything."
- Keep the focus on your friend. Don't make her pain all about you. This is a mistake that a lot of people make! You think that you're relating to your friend and her problems, but instead you're turning it into a you-fest.
- You can relate to your friend, but make sure that it doesn't turn into you telling lots of stories how you went through something similar and that you're just fine now.
- For example, don't say: "I know what it feels like to be broken up with. Remember when Jordan dumped me in front of everyone? I was feeling so awful about it all the time, but I also got over it. I've been doing really well about the break-up lately."
- Instead, consider saying something like this: "I know that it really hurts right now. I can promise that you'll feel better later, but right now you're going to feel really unhappy. I'm here for you in whatever you need."
- Avoid offering solutions unless they ask for them. Often people don't want you to offer them solutions, especially when they're venting about a situation. What many people want is to feel like they've been heard and that someone knows what they've going through.
- For example don't say: "I know your cat just died. Maybe you should hit up the shelter and get a new one. There's so many cats that need a good home." This feels invalidating about the emotions your friend has about her dead cat.
- Instead you might say: "I was so sorry to hear about your cat. I know you loved her so much. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."
EditKnowing Your Limits - Take care of yourself. If you're feeling overwhelmed by your friend's emotions and problems you may need to take a break. It can be draining to be the constant emotional support for someone else. Make sure that you aren't their only means of support. There is a difference between being supportive and being a caretaker to a friend. Know the difference, and be prepared to set limits.[9]
- If your friend is always calling and wanting you to do things for them, be prepared to say no. It's ok to acknowledge your other responsibilities. Say: "I know you are hurting and would like a friend. I care about you and want to help you. I need you to respect my time, too and tonight is not a good time for me. Let's find time this weekend".
- Don't let your life slip. Keep engaging with other friends, going to the gym, and doing other regular activities. Don't let your friend take over all of your time.
- Know when to encourage your friend to seek professional help. Sometimes people can't deal with emotion and events on their own. In that case, as a friend, you may need to recommend that she get professional help. There is nothing wrong with needing a little extra help, especially with things like marriage break-ups, the deaths of loved ones, and illness.
- Watch for signs of depression: difficulty with concentrating or remembering details, difficulties with making decisions, decreased energy, insomnia or excessive sleeping, sad anxious or empty thoughts, physical pains and issues that do not go away with treatment, thoughts or discussion of suicide, feelings or worthlessness or helplessness.[10]
- When you're discussing the idea of seeking professional help, don't tell your friend that she is sick and needs to go into therapy. Say something like: "I know that you're really hurting and I think it might be a good idea to talk to someone who can really help you. Remember that I'm here for you."
- Call outside help if your friend is in danger. If your friend is in a violent or abusive situation, or if she is threatening to commit suicide, the best thing you can do as a friend is to call emergency services. This is a situation that you are not equipped to handle, and it is best left to experts. Being a friend means prioritizing safety. Make sure your friend is safe and that her life is not in danger.
- If you suspect abuse, you can call The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or live chat online with http://www.loveisrespect.org/.
- If you believe your friend is suicidal, you can call The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-TALK).
- You can't always cheer someone up. Sometimes you simply have to allow your friend to be sad or upset. Simply make sure that they know you're there for them in whatever capacity they need you to be.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Prevent Low Platelet Count Posted: 16 Oct 2016 01:00 AM PDT A very low platelet count is also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets are tiny, colorless plate-shaped cells that help the blood clot when your body's tissues are damaged, allowing the formation of a scab that provides the framework for healing.[1][2] For people with thrombocytopenia, minor scrapes, cuts or bruising can become major injuries because the bleeding is difficult to stop.[3] Your doctor can usually determine whether you have low platelet count through a physical exam and blood test.[4] Fortunately, there are certain practices that can help keep platelet count at a healthy level. EditMaking Preventive Lifestyle Choices - Avoid alcoholic drinks, such as beer, wine, and hard liquor. Alcohol can damage bone marrow and impair platelet function.[5] It also slows your body's production of new platelets.[6]
- Heavy drinkers are particularly likely to experience a temporary drop in platelet count.[7]
- Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals. Low platelet count can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, such as pesticides, arsenic, or benzene, all of which slow platelet production.[8] If your job requires you to work with chemicals such as these, take the necessary safety precautions.[9]
- Ask your doctor about medications you're taking. Some medications can cause a low platelet count. Even NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can have an effect on your platelet count.[10] NSAIDs may also thin your blood too much, which is a bigger problem if you are also having platelet issues.[11] Do not stop taking any medication you have been prescribed without talking to your doctor first.
- Blood thinners such as heparin are the most common causes of drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia. This type occurs when the medication causes your body to produce too many antibodies, which destroy your platelets.[12]
- Chemotherapy drugs and anti-seizure medications such as valproic acid may cause drug-induced non-immune thrombocytopenia. This type occurs when your medication keeps your bone marrow from producing enough platelets.[13]
- Other medications that may interfere with platelet production include: furosemide, gold, penicillin, quinidine and quinine, ranitidine, sulfonamides, linezolid, and other antibiotics.[14]
- Get vaccinated. Several viral diseases, such as mumps, measles, rubella, and chickenpox, can affect your platelet count.[15][16] Getting vaccinated for these diseases can help preserve your health and avoid a low platelet count.[17]
- You should also talk with your pediatrician about vaccinating your child. Most children are healthy enough for vaccination.
EditMedicating Your Symptoms - Visit the doctor at the onset of low platelet symptoms. A doctor will administer a Complete Blood Count (CBC), which will show the health of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In order to be considered normal, platelets should be between 150,000-450,000 per microliter of blood.[18] Symptoms of a low platelet count include excessive or easy bruising, and superficial bleeding that appears as a rash on the skin. Additional warning signs include:[19]
- Bleeding that will not stop after 5 minutes of pressure
- Nose, rectum or gum bleeding
- Blood in your urine or bowel movements
- Unusually heavy menstrual flow
- Feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Treat the underlying medical condition. Because many causes of low platelet count are caused by diseases or medical conditions, your doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment route for you to treat the condition. This is more effective than merely treating the symptoms.[20]
- For example, if your low platelet count is a reaction to a medication, your doctor may prescribe a different medication to see if this helps bring up your platelet count.[21]
- Take prescribed medication. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, such as prednisone, which help slow your body's destruction of platelets.[22] This is usually the first-choice treatment drug.[23]
- Your immune system may also be overfunctioning, and could be suppressing your platelets. In this case, your doctor may prescribe immunosuppressants.[24]
- Eltrombopag and romiplostim are medications that can help your body produce platelets.[25]
- Your doctor may also prescribe oprelvekin (brand name Neumega) or another medicine that has been approved to stimulate the production of stem cells (and thereby platelets). Many cancer patients take this drug as a preventative measure because it is easier to prevent low platelets than build them back up.
- There's a risk of side effects with this medication, so your doctor will determine whether to prescribe it based on her assessment of your risk of developing a low platelet count. The doctor will also consider whether you have any heart issues, because Neumega's side effects include fluid retention and heart palpitations, which can exacerbate heart conditions. Additional side effects can include diarrhea and other digestive issues.[26]
- Store healthy blood with a hospital. Consider this particularly if you are often anemic or you are going through cancer treatment. Many hospitals help you to give your own blood, to be stored in case you need it to prevent low platelets in the future. Ask your doctor if this is a good preventative measure in your case.[27]
EditMaking Dietary Changes - Consult with a doctor or registered dietitian. Before you make any significant changes to your diet, even if you think your changes will be healthy, you should consult with your physician or a registered dietitian.[28]
- Many health conditions and prescription medications must be taken into account when planning a diet plan, so consulting with a professional will keep you safe and healthy.
- A registered dietitian is an expert who has completed education, training, and supervision in the field of nutrition. Dietitians can help you determine a healthy diet and fitness plan that will account for any health conditions you have and medications or supplements you take.[29]
- Make any changes to your diet slowly. Implementing changes to what you're eating on a daily basis in a gradual fashion will help your body adjust appropriately. Sometimes altering your diet can cause unpleasant symptoms as your body adjusts to the new foods and eliminates the remnants of the old foods.[30]
- Making gradual changes will also ease any cravings you may feel for what you used to eat, such as sugary treats or salty snacks.
- Eat foods containing folate. Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin; folic acid and food folate are both sources of folate.[31] Folate deficiency can cause your bone marrow to have difficulty making enough platelets.[32]
- The recommended daily intake of folate varies, but adults should usually have between 400mcg and 600mcg a day. A full list of recommended daily allowances by age can be found at the National Institutes of Health website here.[33]
- Beef liver, leafy and dark green vegetables, legumes, fortified cereals, and nuts are good sources of folate.[34]
- Eat foods containing B12. If you don't consume enough vitamin B12, your bone marrow may have difficulty making enough platelets.[35] Vitamin B12 is also essential to red blood cell formation.[36]
- The recommended daily intake of B12 varies, but adults should usually have between 2.4mcg and 2.8mcg daily. A full list of recommended daily allowances by age can be found at the National Institutes of Health website here.
- B12 is commonly found in animal products, so vegetarians and vegans may need a supplement. Good dietary sources of B12 include shellfish, beef liver, fish, fortified cereals, and dairy products.[37]
- Eat probiotics. Foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt and fermented foods, may help improve the immune system.[38] Probiotic bacteria may also help regulate the immune system, which may help people with autoimmune disorders (a common cause of low platelet count).[39]
- Good sources of probiotics include yogurt with live cultures, kefir (fermented milk), kimchi (Korean fermented vegetables), and fermented soy products such as tempeh, miso, and natto.[40]
- Eat a balanced diet of fresh food. Eat a wide variety of foods, particularly different fruits and vegetables. Eating widely will help your body get all of the nutrients it needs. In addition, try to eat locally; buy produce when it's in season in your local area. Not only will you be getting the freshest produce, but there's also less chance it has any additives or pesticides in order to keep it fresh for transport across long distances.[41]
- Visit the grocery store often to shop for fresh produce because the nutrient content decreases with time. Instead of doing all of your shopping on one day, plan to go to the store a few times per week.
- Always choose fresh varieties over frozen and canned foods. For example, if you have the choice between fresh corn on the cob and canned corn, go for the fresh.
- Eliminate processed and sugary foods. Replace these foods with whole, unprocessed food. For example, eat whole grain cereals, brown rice, and whole wheat products. Again, read the labels of products as you shop. Reduce the amount of white flour, white rice and processed foods you consume because these have been and "refined", or stripped of their nutrient-rich coating.
- Be sure as well to reduce the amount of white sugar you consume, as well as other sweeteners, such as fructose, corn syrup and honey. Cut back as well on fruits with lots of sugar, including mangoes, cherries, and grapes, as well as sugary fruit juices.[42] Sugar can contribute to promoting high levels of acidity in the body.
- Most causes of low platelet count are not diet-related.[43] While maintaining a healthy diet is good for your overall health, it is not a substitute for medical consultation or treatment.
- Go to the doctor immediately if you see small red or purple dots on your legs or feet. This is called petechiae and it is a minor hemorrhage that is indicative of low platelet count. Similarly, if you notice bleeding that seems like it won't let up (such as a nosebleed), then you should consult your physician. Women who are menstruating should watch out for a heavy flow that seems like it won't stop.[44]
EditSources and Citations
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