| How to Prevent Texting and Driving Posted: 18 May 2017 05:00 PM PDT Texting and driving is not only illegal, but it is also highly dangerous. Texting distracts your attention and can lead to accidents. Though people know this about texting and driving, they do it anyway. To help prevent texting and driving, turn your phone off or place it where you cannot get to it, use an app or blocking mode, and think about the risks. EditEliminating the Temptation to Text - Turn your phone off. A good way to prevent texting and driving is to turn your phone off. This helps you not hear any text or social media notifications, or see the screen light up when you get a text. If you don't see any new messages, you won't be tempted to look at them or respond.[1]
- As soon as you stop, you can turn the phone back on. If you are on a long car ride, you can pull off the road every hour or so to check your messages if you need to check them.
- Put your phone on silent. If you don't want to turn your phone off completely, turn it to silent. Even on silent you can see when you have a message. Just make sure you put the phone face down so you can't see it light up with a new message and be tempted.[2]
- If you want to leave your phone ringer on, you can silence your text message notifications.
- Place the phone in a location you cannot reach. If you want to keep your phone on, you can try to place it in a spot where you cannot reach it while driving. This helps keep your phone unavailable so you cannot be tempted to sneak a peak. Try placing it in the trunk, glove box, behind your seat, or in your console.[3]
- If you do this, make sure you will not want to reach to these inconvenient places while driving. Trying to grab something out of reach can cause an accident.
- Send texts before you drive. To avoid a situation where you realize you need to send a very important text, take a moment before you start the car to send any texts you need to. If you will not be able to wait to read the reply, send the text after your trip.[4]
- You should also plug your destination in your GPS and pull up any playlists you want to listen to before you start the car. This is also very distracting while you drive.
- Get someone to text for you. If you are in the car with someone, ask them to read you any texts you receive. You can also ask them to respond to the texts. This allows you to respond while driving without texting yourself.[5]
- You should only let the person on your phone if you trust them and don't mind them reading your text conversation.
EditUsing Your Phone's Technology - Turn your phone to the Do Not Disturb mode. Each smartphone comes with a Do Not Disturb mode that can be very helpful for trying to prevent texting and driving. The mode makes it so no calls, texts, or alerts can get through while the phone is in it. This can eliminate distractions and reduce the risk your will read or respond to a text.[6]
- In Do Not Disturb mode, you will be able to allow exceptions. This can allow family members to call you in case of emergency.
- Download a prevention app. There are apps you can use on your smartphone to help prevent texting while driving. Some apps will block all texts or calls while you are driving. Some apps will reward you for not using your phone while driving over 6 mph, and others will provide audio files for you to listen to when you receive a message.[7]
- Apps to help you stop texting include Live2Txt, SafeDrive, Drivemode, and DriveSafe.ly.
- Use voice commands. Most smartphones have technology that will turn your voice to a text message. If you can figure out how to work your voice function, you can text using only your voice, even if you are driving.[8]
- Before you try this, determine how the voice text function on your phone works. Having to look at the phone and figure out how to get to the text defeats the purpose of handsfree voice-text.
EditAssessing the Risk - Ask yourself if it is worth the risk. Every time you get the urge to text while driving, ask yourself, "Is reading that text right this moment worth crashing my car?" or something similar. By thinking about the risk each time you want to text, it may help you get out of the habit completely.[9]
- This can also help you learn patience. Having the patience not to text because of the risks can be a good thing.
- Take the pledge. Many websites and cell phone companies have pledges that you can take against texting and driving. The pledge is your promise that you will never text and drive. By pledging, you acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving and that it can injure or kill other drivers.[10]
- Let your friends and family know you are driving. Before you get behind the wheel, send a text telling someone the conversation will be on hold for now because you are driving. You may also use a code at the end of a text, like #D that lets the person you are texting know you are about to start driving.[11]
- When you let someone know you are driving, you can tell them, "I am driving. I will not respond for the next 45 minutes. You can wait that long to respond so I'm not distracted."
EditPreventing Others From Texting and Driving - Place an app on your teen's phone. Parents can install apps that help prevent teens from texting and driving. These apps can alert you to when your teen uses their phones while driving, and also when the teen turns off the app. Talk to your teen about using these apps on their phone and their purpose. You want to help them learn safe driving habits, not make them think you are spying on them.[12]
- Cellcontrol is a paid subscription service that provides a device that goes in the car which hooks to the app. The app blocks the phone from receiving or sending texts while the car is moving. It also blocks other features, like the camera.
- Drive Safe Mode is another app for parents that helps prevent the driver from sending and receiving texts.
- Talk to the person. If you see someone who constantly texts and drives, consider having a conversation with them. You may want to ask them if they are aware of the dangers of texting and driving, or just tell them you feel uncomfortable when they do that while you ride in the car with them.[13]
- For example, if you have a teen driver, have a family discussion about the dangers of texting and driving. Discuss possible alternatives to help keep your teen off their phone.
- If you are in the car with someone who is driving, ask them not to text while you are a passenger. Say, "I am very uncomfortable with texting and driving because it is so dangerous. Will you please not text while you are driving me around?"
- Offer to text for the person. If someone is trying to check their phone while driving, offer to read the text and respond for them. This keeps their eyes on the road, and they still get to send a text they feel is really important.[14]
- Try saying, "I am happy to text them back so you can concentrate on driving. Just tell me what to say."
- Set rules. Setting texting and driving rules in your family can help everyone, teen and adult drivers alike. Make it a rule that no one can text while driving, even the adults. This sets a good example for teen drivers and keeps everyone safe.[15]
- Set consequences for texting and driving. For example, your teen may lose driving privileges if they text and drive.
- Don't text and call each other while you know the other person is driving. This reduces the risk that your family will text back.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make Healthy Waffles Posted: 18 May 2017 09:00 AM PDT Nothing says "good morning" like a plate of hot, buttery waffles. Watching syrup pool in the tiny pockets and ooze out when you dig your fork in for each delicious bite is truly a treat worth hopping out of bed for. But if you're like most people, there's always a nagging doubt in the back of your mind that maybe all that sugar and butter and griddle-fried flour isn't very good for you. Never fear—by simply swapping out a few key ingredients, you can feel better about your dietary choices without having to sacrifice this timeless breakfast favorite. EditIngredients - 2 cups (240g) flour substitute (whole wheat flour, almond flour, rice flour, or blended oats or nuts)
- 2 cups (480ml) buttermilk
- 1/3 cup (80g) butter substitute (coconut oil, applesauce, Greek yogurt or fruit filling)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) oil (canola, vegetable, olive or sunflower)
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
Toppings - Maple syrup, honey, agave nectar or other natural sweetener
- Fruits, nuts and other healthy toppings
Makes about 8 waffles EditChoosing Healthier Ingredients - Cut down on basic white flour. You don't have to eliminate flour from your waffle batter entirely. Simply reduce the amount of enriched all-purpose flour you use by about half, then fill in the missing portion with other low-carb derivatives like whole wheat, almond or rice flour. When the time comes to chow down, chances are you won't even be able to tell the difference.[1]
- Adjust the amount of flour as you see fit for your own personal take on the recipe.
- Most of the carbohydrates in traditional waffles come from starchy white flour.
- Use flour substitutes. If you happen to have an intolerance to gluten, or you're trying your best to stick to a holistic diet, you can dispense with flour altogether and bring in more nutrient-packed ingredients to do the job. Flax meal, rolled oats or even blended nuts will all work well for this purpose.[2]
- Other types of grains can give your waffles a complex, nutty flavor.[3]
- For smoother waffles, make sure your flour substitute has been ground or blended to a fine consistency.
- Try it with eggs. Not many people know that eggs can be used in place of flour, butter and milk. Combine 2-3 large eggs with a couple teaspoons of baking powder to help them set up. Add a sweetening agent, such as mashed bananas, and you're ready to go. It's that easy! Eggs are loaded with protein and good cholesterol, and when cooked they'll take on a fluffy, spongy texture that's nearly indistinguishable from traditional waffles made with flour.[4]
- Whip whole eggs together with the baking powder and salt before incorporating them into your batter mix.
- It's even possible to make a simple carb-free version of waffles using only eggs and a few dry ingredients. Combine egg waffles with savory items like bacon crumbles, turkey sausage or low-fat cheese.[5]
- Replace butter with lighter options. A good portion of the calories in waffles come from butter, whether mixed in with the batter or served on top. Instead of butter, give applesauce, Greek yogurt or the infinitely-useful coconut oil a shot. Taking butter out of the equation can spare you the long-term health risks, and the guilt, of high-fat breakfasts.[6]
- Coconut oil is especially versatile, as it can be used as a spreadable semi-solid at room temperature or a smooth liquid when heated.
EditCooking the Waffles - Mix the waffle batter. Combine your baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar and flour substitute of choice in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 eggs, a tablespoon of oil and a dash of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and whisk until they form a smooth, thick mixture.[7]
- Break up big lumps in the batter, but don't overstir. This can make the waffles dense and gluey.[8]
- If you're using tough, fibrous ingredients like oats or flax, soak them in a shallow bowl of buttermilk to soften them before blending them and adding them to the batter mix.
- Heat and grease the waffle iron. Plug in the waffle iron. Coat both surfaces of the iron with light cooking spray and let it begin preheating. Have your batter and a ladle ready nearby.[9]
- No need to prep with cooking spray if you're using a newer nonstick waffle iron.
- Keep the heat somewhere between medium and high so that it doesn't get too hot between batches.
- Spoon the batter onto the hot waffle iron. Use enough batter to cover the inner surface of the iron, leaving a little room around the edges for the waffles to cook up. Once the batter begins to bubble, closed the lid of the iron.[10]
- Make sure you pour the batter on thick enough to cover the grid ridges on the iron, or the waffles won't hold together.
- Most waffle irons will only be big enough to fix one waffle at a time. Portion each ladle of batter consistently so that you have none left over when you're done cooking.
- Cook the waffles until they're golden brown. The waffles will take about 4-5 minutes to cook to the optimal finish. A perfect waffle will come out golden-brown and crispy on the outside while still being light and airy inside. Repeat until you've used up the remaining batter.[11]
- Take a peek at the waffles periodically to make sure they're cooking evenly.
- Waffle batter can also be refrigerated for a day or two if you don't plan on using it all right away.
EditAdding a Nutritious Finish - Drizzle the waffles with a light sweetener. Bypass the maple syrup, which is almost entirely sugar, and opt for an organic sweetener like honey or agave nectar that's naturally lower in sugar. Nut butters are another good choice, as they spread well and contain high amounts of proteins and good fats. You'll still get the warm, sticky sweetness you crave, only without accidentally consuming an entire day's worth of carbs in one meal.[12]
- Warm the sweetener in the microwave for a few seconds to make it easier to pour.
- Go easy on the sweetening syrups. Even low-sugar alternatives can add up if you use too much.[13]
- Top with fresh fruit. Layer your guilt-free waffles with fresh banana or apple slices, or on a heaping spoonful of glazed strawberries. The sweet and tangy zest of fresh fruit provides a wonderful counterbalance to the mild, earthy qualities of whole grains. And, of course, you'll be receiving your daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals.[14]
- If you prefer richer, more decadent toppings for your waffles, try cooking down fresh fruit with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and a little bit of honey or stevia into a flavorful compote.[15]
- Play around with other wholesome additives. Look for other ways to incorporate healthy ingredients into your waffles where less-healthy ones are ordinarily used. For instance, whipped cream or cream cheese can be traded for low-fat cottage cheese, and coconut flakes can be even better than powdered sugar when sprinkled on top.[16]
- Mix in blueberries, chopped walnuts or dark chocolate morsels to give your waffles some variety of flavor and make them more filling.
- Don't feel like you have to replace every single main ingredient. A little butter or maple syrup is fine in moderation.
- Serve your waffles with a couple poached eggs, a fresh fruit cocktail or a side of turkey bacon.
- Waffles made with non-wheat flours are no less scrumptious, and they're suitable for gluten-free eaters.
- Add a scoop of whey protein powder to your waffle batter mix for a hearty, protein-packed breakfast.
- Make healthy waffles a part of your weekly meal prep routine by whipping up a batch of batter in advance and refrigerating it until you need it.
- Portion control is just as important as the ingredients you use when counting calories. Even health-conscious waffle recipes can adversely affect your weight or blood pressure if you overindulge.
EditThings You'll Need - Waffle iron
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric egg beater
- Ladle
- Blender or food processor (optional)
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Come Out As Transgender Posted: 18 May 2017 01:00 AM PDT Coming out as transgender is different for everyone. With time, you'll find patience and confidence in the process. Focus first on coming out to those you trust. Your friends and family may have questions, and not understand what it's like to be transgender. Help them to better understand by being informed and ready to explain what your identity means to you. It's okay to be uneasy about this process, but with a stronger support system, you'll feel more at ease. EditFiguring Out What You Want to Say - Know your audience. Think about the people in your lives, and that ones who you trust. You may have certain friends or relatives who are more understanding and loving than others. Evaluate both the people who will likely support you and those who may not.[1]
- If you are a minor, the coming out process may be more challenging since your parents are still legally responsible for you. If you are concerned that your parents will not be accepting, consider talking first with a friend or family member who you can trust. You may want to have someone on your side before coming out to your parents.
- Focus on preparing to come out to trusted and loving friends and family first.
- You don't need to come out to everyone all at once. Be strategic and tell those who are likely to be your allies first.
- Inform yourself and do your research. Be knowledgeable about transgender issues. Understand the questions that your friends, relatives, and others may have about gender identity. By being more informed, you will show maturity and thoughtfulness in your coming out as transgender.[2]
- Find literature or reading materials in your community or online. There may be LBGT community centers or youth groups in your area that provide information and helpful brochures.
- Learn about ways that your friends and family can be your allies via GLAAD: http://www.glaad.org/transgender/allies
- Understand your equal rights as a transgender person via the National Center for Transgender Equality: http://www.transequality.org/
- Find support as a LGBTQ youth about your coming out concerns via The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 or http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
- Consider writing a letter first. Get your thoughts out on paper as a way to find your voice and focus on what you want to say. No matter who the letter is intended for, be courteous and give them space to process the information.[3]
 - A letter can help you to focus on what you want to say without interruption.
- If you use a letter as a framework for coming out, it allows for the possibility of revision until you feel more comfortable with what you want to say. For example, let's say your tone is at times angry about being hurt in the past, and feeling unloved. Consider revising it to focus on how you are a stronger and more confident person about who you are, and what feels right for you.
- Sometimes a letter can reduce the pressure of face-to-face conversations, and can be useful if the person who you're coming out to is far away. For example, "I know it has been a while since we last saw each other. I hope that we can see each other soon, and I can tell you more about what I've been going through. I have been struggling with my identity for many years. I want to be able to talk openly in the future about what I'm going through."
- Consider having this letter handy when the day comes that you meet and talk in person about coming out.
- Practice what you want to say out loud. Sometimes it's good to practice, in the same way you might practice when giving a speech or preparing a presentation. It can help you find the right tone and words to use. It can help you become more comfortable with saying "I'm transgender."
- Find a private room or space where you can practice.
- Consider practicing with someone who you trust and who you've already come out to.
- Don't try to rush and say everything at once. Pace yourself, and allow the audience to process each part of what you have to say.
EditComing Out - Identify the best time and place to come out. Think about the "who, what, where, and when" of coming out. Be sure about who you want to tell, and that you trust them. Choose somewhere that is neutral and safe. Consider spaces that are more private, where there aren't people who you know who could be eavesdropping.[4]
- Choose a time that won't feel rushed or shortened by other activities, events, or obligations. Make sure that there is ample time to talk.
- Consider places that aren't at school or at work. Avoid spaces where there are people you know and don't trust.
- Be confident and authentic in coming out. Make sure that you want to come out, rather than feeling like you have to. Remember that this is your life, and how you come out is entirely up to you. Be confident in who you are, and share authentically about your experiences with being transgender. Understand your own identity at a transgender person.[5]
- It's your life, and you can decide how, and in what ways, to come out. Be uniquely who you are and share from your experiences with being a transgender person. For example, you might share about what has been a struggle for you, such as feeling out of place among your peers. If coming to terms with being transgender has been a relief for you, then share this as well.
- Be thoughtful in how you describe and understand yourself as a transgender person.
- When talking about yourself as transgender, speak firmly with confidence. Be willing to be flexible and responsive to what others have to say. Consider saying, "I am confident that I am transgender. I know that you may have questions or not know what to say. That's okay. I'm open to listening."
- Be patient when coming out. This process won't happen overnight, and will continue to shift and change as you and your loved ones understand more about being transgender. Know that as you get older, go to different schools, get jobs, or interact with new people that you will still be coming out throughout your life. Be patient with the process.[6]
- While it may be nerve-racking at first, being honest with yourself and others about who you are will be deeply gratifying and make you feel better over time.
- Be accepting that others may not understand this process in the same way. Be patient with others who may want to help, but have ignorance about what you're going through. For example, if someone says, "You don't seem like someone who's transgender," be patient, and explore what being transgender means to you, rather than trying to correct them.
- Focus on how to remain calm, centered, and relaxed. Do things that help to relieve stress in healthy ways before you plan to talk about coming out.
- Sit and talk about coming out. Learn to be open and direct in a loving way with your friends and family. Allow them time to respond and ask questions. They may react with shock, support, or frustration, but no matter what, remain calm and respectful. Tell them about your journey, and that you wish to transition or identify as transgender.
- Be open to answering their questions, no matter how small or odd the questions may seem. If you are not sure of how to answer, then provide them with resources or reading materials to help them.
- Give them time to respond, and understand that their first reactions may not represent how they feel later on. Sometimes shock or confusion can affect how a person responds.
- Consider that some people may react out of ignorance, be concerned for your safety, or try to change your mind. Tell them you are taking the process of coming out seriously and have thought about their concerns.
- Help to break down any stereotypes or myths. For example, they say, "Are you going to be a drag queen?" then you could respond with information about what it really means to be transgender.
- End the conversation if it is not going well. In some cases, having a conversation about coming out might not work out as you hoped it would. If you feel like the people you are coming out to are not being supportive or kind, then you might want to gracefully end the conversation for the time being.
- Try saying something like, "I appreciate you listening to me, but that is all that I want to share right now. Maybe we can talk about this again sometime in the future." Or, you might also say something like, "I'd like to talk more about this, but I have to run. Let's talk more another day."
EditFinding Support - Seek advice from supportive friends or family. Continue to reach out to those who trust and have been by your side in the past. Ask them about challenges they have faced in their own lives, and how they overcame them. Show them that you care about what they have to say.
- Finding advice and support in person can be reassuring and helpful as you continue to come out and let others know about your gender identity.
- Understand that even if your friends or family have not personally experienced what it is like to come out as transgender, they may have personal struggles with their own identities. For example, ask them, "Have you ever faced feeling like you didn't belong or fit in?"
- Feeling different or misunderstood is something that everyone goes through from time to time in their lives. Use this as a way to connect with others who feel this way, rather than distance yourself.
- Talk to supportive professionals about your gender transition. Many people who want to transition as transgender wish to make physical changes to their body. You may be struggling with what you plan to do both physically and emotionally. Seek advice from experts who have helped others find their path.[7]
- Talk with your doctor about making physical changes to your body. This may involve hormone replacement therapy or surgery. Talk with your doctor about a possible referral to a specialist in these types of medical procedures. Ask, "I am considering transitioning as a man (or woman) and want know about the medical treatments available in this area. Can you help me or make a referral?"
- Possibly meet with a counselor or therapist about the coming out process. They may help to give you insight into your concerns, and help you cope with your concerns. There may be a counseling center in your area that focuses on the needs of the LGBT youth and adults. Talk with them about individual or group therapy.
- Connect with the LGBT community. Whether it's online or in-person, there is an LGBT community out there that can help you navigate your coming out process, and what feels right for you. You don't have to feel alone or isolated as you make choices about how to talk with your family, or what to do when things are tough. Seeking support will make the process easier for you.[8]
- Find online forums or support groups. This can be helpful if you're not yet ready to talk with people face-to-face.
- Find community centers in your area. Go to CenterLink and find a directory of centers: http://www.lgbtcenters.org/
- Find peer support and counselors to talk with by phone or by chat. Go to the GLBT Hotline: http://www.glbthotline.org/
- Don't rush and be confident in who you are. This is an ongoing process of self-discovery that can be ultimately rewarding.
- Plan your discussion time when coming out accordingly, so you won't be interrupted and will have ample time for questions.
- Give people time to adjust. It can be a shock, but with time most people will come around.
- If you are feeling unsure about how to talk about it, try writing stuff down.
- This may cause some family and friends to not want to talk to you. Unfortunately this is a by-product of ignorance and resistance to change.
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