| How to Avoid Contributing to Traffic Congestion Posted: 10 Aug 2017 05:00 PM PDT If you drive frequently, traffic congestion can be a major daily headache. With a few simple driving techniques, however, you can be part of the solution. Being a safe driver can help speed up the flow of traffic, but you can also take alternative transportation, such as buses or bikes. You can even plan your route and trips strategically to reduce the time you are on the road, helping relieve the burden on other drivers. EditDriving Safely in Traffic - Maintain a gap between cars. Every time you tap your brakes, the cars behind you will do the same. This can cause a ripple effect for miles down the road. Try to keep a gap between you and the car ahead of you. If another car slows down or tries to merge, you should have enough room to slow down without braking suddenly.[1]
- Keep at least two or three seconds between you and the car in front of you. This means that it should take you two or three seconds at your current speed to reach the other car.[2]
- Stay at a consistent speed. Try to stay at the speed limit, or go at the speed of traffic. If you need to slow down, take your foot off the gas, and do not brake unless you need to. In many cases, if you keep a gap between cars, you may be able to slow down without braking.[3]
- When there's an accident or a breakdown on the side of the road, do not slow down to look. Instead, keep going at the rate of traffic.[4]
- Cruise control can help you maintain a steady speed on the highway.
- Avoid changing lanes too often. The more you change lanes, the more other cars may have to slow down to accommodate you. While you may sometimes need to move over, try changing lanes only when necessary.[5]
- Allow other drivers to merge into your lane. By letting cars in the merge lane come into your lane, you're helping the flow of traffic. If you see cars trying to merge, allow a gap between you and the car ahead of you so that they have room to enter.[6]
- Pay attention to the road conditions. Stay alert by scanning ahead as far as you can. Remain aware of what is happening around you. Watch for road hazards, accidents, bottlenecks, or other problems along the road.[7]
- Many highways have signs that will alert you of delays or traffic jams. You can either prepare to slow down or find an alternate route.
- Avoid taking your eyes off the road. Do not text, read the news, check your social media page, or take your eyes off of traffic, even if traffic has stopped dead. Always watch what is happening in front of you. You never know when traffic will start moving again.
- If you are bored, turn on music or try a podcast.
- Pull over quickly and completely if you have a problem. If your car begins to break down, move to the slow lane, slow down, and pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights, and use your cell phone to get help immediately.[8]
- If you are on the side of a busy highway, you should remain in your car. If you must exit, exit on the passenger's side to avoid getting hit by a car.
EditTaking Alternative Transit - Carpool to work. Ask your coworkers if they would like to start a carpool arrangement. Every member of the carpool can take turns picking up each other and driving to work. This reduces the number of cars on the road while letting you bond with your coworkers.[9]
- If you can't find people to carpool at work, you might be able to find a group online or through an app, such as Scoop or Rideshare.
- Some cities may have express lanes that only carpools can use. Not only does this cut down on traffic, but it also gets you to work faster!
- Take the bus. Check to see if there any bus stops near your home, work, or major shopping centers. Instead of driving, you can take the bus to get around. You may even be able to buy an unlimited bus pass for a certain amount of time.[10]
- Many local transits have apps that will tell you when the next bus is coming. They may even locate your nearest bus stop or help you plan a route.
- Ride the rails. If your city has a subway or train, you might consider getting a pass so that you can ride it to work or shopping. Subways can get busy too, so leave a little early so that you can get where you need to go. This is a great option for people who live in suburbs outside of a major city.[11]
- Walk or bike to work. Walking or riding a bicycle are both great ways of getting to your destination without contributing to traffic. Not only will this take cars off the road, but it will improve your health and help the environment as well! It is also a much cheaper way to get around.
- If you are riding a bike, obey all traffic laws, and use the bike lanes where you can.
EditReducing Your Commute - Live closer to your work. If you can, try to find a home that is closer to your work or to major shopping centers. This will cut down the time you are in the car. It can also make it possible to walk or bike to your destination instead of driving.[12]
- Work from home if you can. If your job allows it, try working from home one or two days a week. This will prevent you from having to drive into the office, which will eliminate your commute entirely for the day.[13]
- Do all of your errands at once. Plan your errands carefully so that you only need to make one trip to get what you need each week. This will reduce the amount of trips you need to take and the length of time you spend on the road.[14]
- Make a list of things you need, and post it to a fridge or door. If you run out of something, write it down right away so that you do not forget it on your list.
- Try to do your errands on the way home from work or school. This will help you avoid making a separate trip.
- Take an alternate route. Check the traffic report either online or on the morning news to see what routes are jammed. If your usual route is busy, try to find a different way to get to work. Most GPS systems will warn you about traffic, and they can also help you find a different route.[15]
- There are many apps, such as Waze or Intrix, that will give you traffic results as you drive. If a jam develops as you're driving, they can change your route for you.[16]
- Travel on off-peak hours. Major roads typically have rush hour periods where you're likelier to encounter traffic. To help reduce the burden, try travelling outside of these hours. Plan your errands and tasks for off-peak times, and leave early for work if possible.[17]
- The hour between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. is usually very busy, as people are going to work or school.[18]
- Afternoon rush hour in most places occurs between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. because people are leaving work to return home.
- Some places may experience a rush around lunchtime as well.
- Drive courteously. If you see another car trying to change lanes or merge, let them.
- Always keep your eyes on the road.
- Even if you drive safely, circumstances can change quickly on the road. Always be alert, and use your best judgment when driving in traffic.
- Do not text, put makeup on, or read the newspaper even if traffic is moving very slowly.
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| How to Do Geode Nail Art Posted: 10 Aug 2017 09:00 AM PDT Geode nails are one of the most popular looks of the season. Inspired by geodes, they are a combination of drab, stony gray and glistening, shimmering purple. Because of their organic nature, there is no right or wrong way to do geode nails, and they are perfect for those who don't have a steady hand. They take a while to create, but the results are well worth the time and effort. EditLaying Down the Base - Prep your nails. Clean your nails with a manicure brush and wipe away any old polish with acetone or nail polish remover. Trim and file your nails down to a shape that suits you.
- If you don't have a steady hand, apply some petroleum jelly to your cuticle area. This way, you can wipe it off at the end.
- Apply a base coat to each nail. Start by applying the base coat to just the tip of your nail first, then apply them over the entire nail. This helps further protect you nail and help the manicure last longer.
- Paint your nails with light, stony-gray polish. This will be the base of your geodes, so make sure that it is flat and not shimmery or sparkly. Depending on how thick or sheer the polish is, you may need two coats.[1]
- Consider adds some depth to the outside edges with a darker shade of grey polish.[2]
- Let your nails dry. As your first coat dries, you can start planning out your geodes and setting out your supplies.
EditCreating Some Sparkle - Paint a thick, wavy line down your nail with sparkly purple polish. Choose a bright, gem-like purple, and stay away from dark or pastel shades.[3] The wavy line does not have to be dead-center. You can have it touch the side of your nail instead.[4]
- You don't have to paint a geode on every nail. Try it on an accent nail, such as the ring finger.
- Consider adding some extra sparkle with glitter. Pour out a few drops of clear nail polish that has chunky, iridescent glitter flecks in it onto a small tray. Use a toothpick to stir in a few pinches of light and dark purple nail art glitter. Apply the mixed polish over the purple, wavy line on your nail with a small brush.[5]
- Outline the purple line with shimmery, white polish. Use a thin brush to apply shimmery white polish to the outer side edges of the wavy, purple like. For a more realistic effect, pour out a few drops clear polish onto a small tray. Add in a few drops of white, pearly polish, and a pinch of iridescent nail art glitter. Stir everything together with a toothpick, and use that instead.[6]
- Try to blend the line into the purple part of your manicure, but not the grey part.
- Add some mini rhinestones for texture, if desired. You can apply these using nail art glue. You can also paint your nail with a thin coat of clear polish, then apply the rhinestones on top. For a more organic look, use a combo of crystals and chunky nail glitter/foil pieces.[7]
EditAdding the Finishing Touches - Outline the space between the grey and purple polish using acrylic paint. Dip a fine, pointy, nail art brush into acrylic paint. Carefully outline the space between the grey and the purple polish. Move onto the next step quickly, before the paint dries.[8]
- If you are doing geodes on all of your nails, do one nail at a time. The paint must be wet for the next step.
- Trace over the outline with a wet brush. Before the paint dries, dip the brush into water, then trace over the line. This will help blur the line.[9]
- Add touches of white for the highlights. Use the same technique as you did for the black acrylic paint: outline a few spots in white, then blur them with a clean, wet paintbrush. You do not need to outline everything in white. Less is more here.[10]
- Consider giving your non-accent nails a stony-touch. Lightly some white, grey, and black polish on a little tray so that you get streaks. Use a makeup wedge sponge to tap this mixture onto your other, non-accent nails.
- You should only do this on the nails you left grey.[11]
- Seal everything in with a clear, glossy top coat. Make sure that you use a glossy top coat, or you will dull down the crystalline sparkle of your nail. If you added mini rhinestones, apply the top coat to just the rhinestones first, then over the entire nail.
- Clean up your nails, if needed. Take a close look at your nails. If you got any polish on your finger or cuticle, wipe it away using a thin brush dipped in nail polish remover or acetone. If you applied petroleum jelly earlier, wipe it off.
- Your geodes don't have to be purple. Try another popular geode color, such as white.
- You can do geodes on all your nails or on your accent nails (ring finger).
- If you are doing geodes on all of you nails, consider making them all point towards your middle or ring finger. Make that finger an entire geode.
- Look at pictures of real geodes for inspiration.
EditThings You'll Need - Base coat
- Purple nail polish
- Grey nail polish
- Black nail polish
- White nail polish
- Black and white acrylic paint
- Clear top coat
- Nail art glitter (optional)
- Nail art rhinestones (optional)
- Thin paintbrushes
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| How to Soothe a Baby Who Has Colic Posted: 10 Aug 2017 01:00 AM PDT Crying is a natural occurrence with a newborn, but a baby who seems to cry constantly may have colic. Colic can cause newborns to wail for several hours a day for up to three months, then just stop as suddenly as it appeared. Unfortunately, the best medical advice is to be patient and "wait it out," and the evidence for the many colic remedies out there is largely anecdotal. But anecdotal evidence may do when your baby has been crying for five hours nonstop! EditSoothing with Movement and Sound - Swaddle your baby. They may not like the process, but the results can be amazing. Swaddling is believed to recreate the coziness of the womb, and may enhance the calming impact of other soothing steps.[1]
- Once swaddled, turn baby on their side and gently jiggle them. Shush them loudly - make sure they can hear you over their own screaming. Think about how loud the vacuum cleaner is — that's the kind of volume it might take to get their attention.[2]
- Try a baby swing. The recurring motion may soothe your shrieking baby and get them to stop crying, at least briefly.[3]
- While it's tempting to let a crying baby sleep anywhere they please, experts recommend not letting babies sleep in swings, carriers, car seats, etc. — try to get them to sleep in a safe, secure crib.
- Take them for a ride. Driving, strolling, or even carrying your baby around may provide some relief to both of you. Some people swear by car rides as a colic remedy -- bundle the baby up, buckle them in, and within ten minutes in the car, their cries might be quieted.[4]
- Or, if you prefer fresh air and exercise, going for walks with a baby carriage can also work.
- If you have tasks or chores to do, try using a baby sling or carrier that holds the baby close to your body, yet leaves both hands free as you walk around the house.
- Put your baby on top of the washing machine or dryer. The vibrations can be calming to a baby. Secure the baby properly in a car seat or a baby bouncer.[5]
- Do not ever leave your baby on a washing machine or dryer unattended.
- Turn on a loud home appliance. Try the vacuum cleaner. It sounds odd, but many parents swear it works. Just set the baby in the bassinet or car seat and let them become fascinated by a sound louder than they're making.[6]
- Or, turn on a floor fan or window air conditioner. Make sure it's an older, roaring type, not some new whisper-quiet model.
- You might also want to invest in a sound machine that mimics a mother's heart beat (or makes other white noise sounds). This can be a lifesaver for both parent and child.
- Jiggle the infant on your lap. Lay the baby on their stomach across your knees — but remember to support the head at all times. Jiggle your feet up and down and pat softly. This vibration can be very soothing.[7]
- Try a more calm and quiet approach if jiggling doesn't work. Instead of over-stimulating your baby's senses, see if reducing external stimulation works. Lie on your back in a quiet, dark place. Hold the baby firmly on your chest with their head over your heart. Raising your knees with your feet flat on a solid surface, rock yourself, calming the infant.[8]
EditEasing Tummy Discomfort - Use the "colic carry." Hold your baby stomach down, with their abdomen resting on your forearm. Support their head securely, either with your palm or the crook of your elbow. Walk around, or try rocking the baby back and forth, either very gently or a bit more quickly (but without sudden jerks or whipping motions).[9]
- Massage your baby's midsection. While employing the "colic carry" or with the baby stomach-down on your legs, try massaging their middle and lower back. This may help relieve gas, and can provide soothing comfort regardless.[10]
- You can also try massaging their stomach while they are being held or are lying face-up. Use clockwise circular motions, as if trying to nudge the trapped gas upward or downward.[11] This may help to move the gas out of your baby's body.
- Burp your baby midway through and after feedings. Burping your baby midway through a feeding and immediately after a feeding as well may also help to ease tummy discomfort.
- Pedal their legs. While your baby lies on their back, lift their legs and gently mimic the up-and-down motion of a bicyclist pumping the pedals. This alternating motion may help release gas pressure that could be contributing to their colic cries.[12]
- Give the baby a warm bath or sponge bath. Just as a warm soak can soothe your stress, it may help your baby as well. Wipe your infant down with a soft washcloth dipped in warm (not hot) water, or add some comfortably warm water to a baby tub for a calming bath.[13]
- Never leave a baby alone in or near a bath, no matter how little water is in the tub.
- Always check the water temperature yourself to prevent scalding.
- Change the mother and the baby's diets. Despite the mystery that still surrounds colic, it may be related to the ongoing development of an infant's digestive system. Some foods that the mother eats — e.g. spicy foods, or potential allergens — may transfer to the breast milk and cause additional discomfort. Try avoiding a single type of food for three days or so, and see if baby shows any signs of improvement; if not, try another.[14]
- Adverse reactions to milk or soy might also be related to colic symptoms, so if you are giving your baby formula that is milk-based, you may want to try soy-based for a week to see if that helps (or vice versa).
- Talk to the pediatrician about formula and food recommendations.
- Watch for trapped air in the bottle. Check the bottle now and then to make sure that the formula is not coming out too quickly. You may also want to consider a different type of bottle if you notice that air gets trapped in it.
- Provide something soothing to suck. If baby begins to calm down slightly, try giving them something to suck on, like a pacifier or your finger. Gradually reduce the jiggling, shushing, etc. as they calm. If you're lucky, baby will drift off to sleep as you place them in their crib.[15]
- Try a traditional baby stomach-ease tea. Teas made from ingredients like fennel, chamomile, thyme, or gripe water have been used for generations to give colic relief. A spoon before and after every feeding might help. Look for recipes online.
- Always consult your baby's doctor first, however; don't assume that "traditional" equals "always safe." For instance, star anise is typically discouraged now because it may introduce potentially dangerous toxins.[16]
- Give a rectal catheter a shot. It may seem crazy, but using a rectal catheter like the Windi might relieve your baby of painful gas that could be contributing to the colic cries. The catheter reaches past the cramped muscles of the baby and releases the pent up gas.
- Used properly (e.g., not inserted more than intended), the product should be as safe as a typical rectal thermometer. But you may want to consult your baby's doctor first.
- Even if it is probably harmless, there's little evidence that it will actually help. Unfortunately, this is the case for most presumed colic remedies.[17]
- Talk to your pediatrician about probiotics. Some research has suggested that probiotics can help babies with colic. Talk to your pediatrician about whether or not you should give probiotics to your baby.[18]
EditSoothing Your Own Nerves - Take quick breaks for your own mental health. If you simply cannot get your baby to stop crying, remember that it's okay to step away for a moment. Place the baby in a safe spot (e.g. their crib), and take a minute to read a book, listen to music, or meditate.[19]
- Leave the room if you must, but don't leave for too long, as a feeling of abandonment may make the crying worse.
- Rely on your support system for longer breaks. If you need more than a short break, call someone you trust to take over for an hour or two. If you have a spouse or other caregivers available, take shifts so no one gets burned out.[20]
- Remember — you are not a bad parent just because you need to take a break for yourself.
- Get help before you reach a breaking point. If your despair reaches a level in which you fear you might hurt yourself or your child, call for help right away. Countries around the world have hotlines dedicated to helping over-stressed parents.[21]
- In the U.S. — 24-Hour Parent Helpline: 1-888-435-7553; Crying Baby Hotline: 1-866-243-2229; Fussy Baby Warmline: 1-888-431-BABY
- In the UK — Parentline: 0808 800 2222; Parent Lifeline: 0114 272 6575
- In Australia — Parentline: 1300 30 1300
- In Canada — Parent Help Line: 1-800-668-6868
- Try bringing your baby over near a running faucet - the sound is very soothing.
- A comfortable rocking chair is indispensable for a parent with a fussy baby.
- Rent or buy the video or book "The Happiest Baby On the Block."
- Some experts think that colic may be caused by reflux - ask your doctor about medicine or other methods to help.
- Never shake your baby! Shaking a baby can cause brain damage and even death. If you are becoming frustrated with your baby's crying, call a friend or family member to help you.
- Constant cries can be a sign of something more severe. If the baby screams in an extremely high pitch, and is inconsolable, call your doctor's office. Always check with your pediatrician for the best in health care of your little one.
- Colic usually lasts about two months. If it's more than two months, ask a doctor.
- Babies have limited sight and hearing skills, and fear of being abandoned is instinctive to them. Don't aggravate your baby's symptoms by making them feel alone.
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