How to Prevent Nausea Posted: 21 Jan 2018 04:00 PM PST Nausea is uncomfortable and can interfere with your daily life, but it's often possible to prevent it with some careful planning. Change your diet, so that you are eating small meals throughout the day. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of clear liquids. If you feel a wave of nausea coming on, wipe down your face with a cool cloth or lie down. If your nausea is severe, reaching out to your doctor for advice can also be helpful. EditAdapting Your Eating and Drinking Practices - Eat small meals and snacks over the day. Consuming large, heavy meals can trigger nausea, as your body struggles to process all that food. Instead, try eating small meals and snacks every 4 hours over the day. You can even eat a high-protein snack right before bedtime to help you sleep more soundly.[1]
- Stay within your daily calorie range when you snack. Snacks don't need to be high-calorie to be filling. Cheese, crackers, crudité, and yogurt are all great snacking choices.
- Go slowly when eating. Eating a meal fast can upset your stomach and result in nausea. To fight this off, make sure to thoroughly chew each bite of food. Set your silverware down in between bites. It also helps to take a drink of water in between bites.[2]
- If you find yourself fighting off heartburn and indigestion right after meals, fast eating may be the problem.
- Keep your food at room temperature. Chill your foods in the fridge before eating them or place your food on the counter until it reaches room temperature. Sometimes warm or hot foods can emit strong odors that can create nausea.[3]
- Hot meals don't cause nausea, but sometimes strong smells can. If you have a sensitive nose, try letting your food cool a little before eating it.
- Suck on candy. Buy a bag of ginger or lemon hard candy or mints. When you start to feel nauseous, take out a piece of candy, smell it deeply, and then pop it into your mouth. Suck on the candy until it's gone and you feel better.[4]
- Experiment with which candy flavors work the best for you. Ginger can be more soothing than lemon or mint.
- Sucking on a candy also distracts your body and mind from the feelings of nausea.
- Drink small amounts of clear liquids. It's important to keep yourself hydrated when you are suffering from nausea or vomiting. Sip on cool, clear beverages throughout the day, such as teas or carbonated waters. You can also try fruit juices, except orange or grapefruit as they can cause stomach upset.[5]
- Another way to get hydrated is to suck on popsicles or eat cold gelatin. While these contain only small amounts of fluids, these are a good way to maintain fluid intake when you're feeling unwell.
- In total, you should aim for 8 full glasses of fluids each day.
- Sip some meadowsweet tea. Get some dried meadowsweet herb from your local natural grocery store. This sweet wildflower can help reduce nausea by settling your stomach when used in tea. Pour boiling water into a tea cup. Stir in of dried meadowsweet and let the mixture steep for 5-10 minutes. Take small sips as the tea cools.[6]
- You can also add a pinch of dried rosemary to your tea.
EditCounteracting Nausea in Daily Life - Stay still. If you start to feel nauseous while walking or working out, find a spot where you can sit down for a moment. If you are on the floor, angle your knees and place your head between them. Doing this quickly can help your nausea from escalating to vomiting. Don't move until you feel completely better.[7]
- Wash your face with a cool, clean cloth. Get a washcloth and hold it under cold water until it is soaked. Wring it out and then place it across your forehead or neck. Keep it in position until it warms up. Re-wet it again, if needed. The cold feeling will help to lower your heart rate and calm your digestive system.[8]
- Distract yourself with TV or music. Sometimes it's important to just get your mind off how crummy you may be feeling. Put some earbuds in and listen to relaxing music. Turn on a favorite TV program and focus on what is happening on the screen. You can also pick up a good book and get lost in a story.[9]
- Identify and avoid trigger odors. Strong scents from candles, perfumes, new cars or furniture, and even food can cause bouts of nausea. When you begin to feel nauseous, pay attention to your surroundings. Ask yourself if you are smelling anything unusual or overpowering. Then, do your best to get away from that smell and avoid it in the future.
- Face forward when riding in a car. When you ride facing backwards in a car or train, watching the motion out of the windows can make you feel dizzy or nauseous. Generally, facing forwards and limiting your time glancing out the side windows is best.[10]
- Let someone know if your nausea doesn't abate. Tell a friend or family member if you're feeling unwell. In the unlikely event your sickness escalates and you need medical help, they will be aware of your situation and can get help for you.
EditTaking a Medical Approach - Talk with your doctor if nausea lasts more than a week. It's normal for people to have short bouts of nausea. However, if your nausea lingers for days on end and increases in severity, then it's best to make a doctor's appointment. This is particularly important if your nausea is paired with vomiting, could have been caused by an injury, or if you might be pregnant.[11]
- Treat any underlying medical conditions. Nausea is not a disease itself, but quite often a symptom of a larger problem. Work with your doctor to determine how your nausea is connected to your overall health and how to treat it. Nausea can be linked to foodborne illnesses, ulcers, kidney disorders, cancer, migraines, motion sickness, and concussions, among other issues.[12]
- Keep an eye on your bowel movements for regularity. If you're not voiding regularly, you may feel an underlying nausea. Your doctor can advise how frequently you should be using the bathroom.
- You may also feel nauseous when fighting off a stomach bug, cold, or flu.
- Take anti-nausea medication. If your nausea is interfering in your daily life or causing a health problem, then your doctor may suggest taking medication to calm your stomach down throughout the day. These drugs may be in pill or liquid form or might need to be injected. You'll want to follow any dosage instructions carefully and take them at pre-set times of the day or at the first signs of nausea.[13]
- Dolasetron, Dexamethasone, and Aprepitant are all common anti-nausea medications available with a prescription. You can also purchase over-the-counter medications, such as Emetrol.[14]
- Most of these medications can help ease vomiting caused by nausea, but they may not resolve the underlying nausea itself.
- Test out an alternate formula of any medications. If you are taking a medication for another medical condition, then it may be causing at least some of your nausea. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of switching to a similar medication that is less likely to cause digestive upset. Try to be patient as you may need to test out a few different options to find what works best.[15]
- Sometimes even switching from a tablet to a liquid version of a medication can have a big positive impact.
- Go to an acupuncturist. When you visit an acupuncturist they will use a series of long, thin needles to apply pressure to various places on your body. Stimulating your pressure points can help to relieve nausea, especially for adults. Make a few appointments and see how you feel afterwards to determine if this might be a good option for you.[16]
- It sometimes helps to keep a diary of when your nausea hits and how fast is goes away. You might notice that you feel particularly unwell at certain times of the day.[17]
- Sometimes anxiety due to changes in your routines or job can cause nausea. If this is the case, talk to your doctor about strategies for combating your anxiety. Getting your nerves under control can help you feel less nauseous.
- Avoid drinking alcohol when you feel nauseous, as this can make it even worse. It can also cause dehydration if you end up vomiting.[18]
- See your doctor for persistent nausea that will not let up.
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How to Order Contacts Posted: 21 Jan 2018 08:00 AM PST There are many different ways to order contacts quickly and easily. Make an appointment with your optometrist and get your prescription. Then, decide whether to buy straight from your doctor, an optical chain, a big-box retailer, or online. Provide all of your prescription information and wait for them to verify everything. To save some money, make sure to check for rebates, discounts, or bulk savings. EditGetting Your Prescription - Make an appointment with your optometrist. To order contacts, you'll need to get examined by an optometrist and get a prescription. You can either schedule an exam for contacts only or one to be fitted for glasses as well. At the end of your fitting, an optometrist will give you your prescription with all of the information that you'll need for refills.[1]
- Get a copy of your contact lens prescription. Your doctor will provide you with a paper copy of your prescription and they may give you a digital one as well. Be aware that a doctor can't require that you buy contacts from them directly in exchange for a prescription.[2]
- After you've received your contacts, you can find your prescription information by looking on the side of each contact box. This can really come in handy if you accidentally lose your paper prescription.
- Check that all of the required information is on the prescription. Once you receive your prescription, look over it to make sure that it includes your name, the date of the exam, and the contact information for your optometrist. You should also see information on the manufacturer, base curve, power, and material of your lenses.[3]
- Use your prescription before it expires. Each state or legal jurisdiction determines how long a contacts prescription is valid. Usually, your prescription will last for at least a year, although it may be longer. Make sure you order enough contacts to carry you from one examination to the next.[4]
- Get an eye exam every year. Make an appointment with your optometrist each year to get a fresh prescription and to check the condition of your eyes. This will make it possible for your doctor to track any changes in your prescription. Consistent appointments will also help you to guard against any eye diseases or degeneration.
EditChoosing Where to Buy From - Buy from your eye doctor if you want the easiest process. Getting your contacts direct from your optometrist essentially cuts out the middle man. They know your medical history, so they'll also be able to ensure that you receive the exact contacts that you need. And, doctors will generally only sell contacts from reputable companies.[5]
- However, it's possible that contacts purchased from your doctor may be pricier. This is partially because doctors usually don't buy contacts in bulk for resale.
- Buy from a big-box retailer if you want a good deal. Large retailers, such as Sam's Club, can often offer you a cheaper price on contacts via savings programs and buy-in-bulk deals. However, they may not offer the widest selection and the ordering process can vary in customer service.[6]
- Buy online if you want more choices. If your contacts brand is hard to find or if you have an unusual prescription, then online ordering might be a good option. You can usually search around and find a website that is willing to offer a competitive price, especially if you buy in bulk. However, make sure that you only buy from a reputable site that sells quality goods.[7]
- To check on a site, make sure to read reviews and to pay attention to any comments on government sites or the Better Business Bureau.
- Buy from an optical chain if you are in a hurry. Many larger optical companies, such as Pearl Vision, carry stocks of contact lenses in their individual stores. This means that you can usually walk in, present a prescription, and walk out with a supply of contacts almost immediately. Some of these locations even offer extended hours to make buying easier.[8]
- Buying from a well-known chain can also give you some peace of mind if you would like the option of easy returns.
- A possible drawback is that many optical chains carry a limited selection of contacts in stock.
EditMaking the Purchase - Perform a price comparison. Determine how much each individual box of contacts will cost you, including any shipping or ordering fees. Experiment with ordering different amounts, such as a 4 months' or even a year's supply, to see if this cuts down on costs. And, don't forget to add in any potential rebates.[9]
- Stay with the prescribed brand. Although you may find cheaper brands after shopping around, it's generally best to purchase the brand that your optometrist suggested. Different brands might fit in unique ways and may not work as well for you. If you want to switch, talk with your optometrist and see if they can alter your prescription.[10]
- Apply your insurance coverage. Before making your contacts purchase, check to see if your health or vision insurance will cover any of the costs. You might qualify for a direct discount off brand-name contacts. Some insurance companies also provide you with a set amount to spend on contacts each year.[11]
- Apply any rebates. Look for rebates from the contacts manufacturer, the seller, or even your optometrist. Some rebate programs target particular groups, such as first-time contact purchasers. You can even check with your government to see if they have programs to encourage regular eye exams and connected contact purchases.[12]
- Be aware that you'll usually need to mail in a proof of purchase, such as the contact box barcode, in order to claim a rebate. Then, you'll have to wait 2-4 weeks for a check to be returned to you.
- Wait for the seller to verify your prescription information. Any business that you buy from will ask first for your prescription information. Then, they will take some time to reach out to your optometrist and verify that all the data that you provided is correct and accurate. If you are in a rush, remember that this process may take some time.[13]
- If you can't provide a clear copy of your prescription, then the seller may be able to reach out to your doctor for you. But, again, this will may take additional time.
- Purchase enough pairs to replace them on time. Be aware of the wearing instructions before you make your purchase. Various types of contacts require that you replace them with new pairs at particular intervals. Some lenses are only meant to be worn for a single day, whereas others can be worn for a month or more.[14]
- Wearing a pair of contacts longer than recommended can cause injury to your eyes.
- Buy cosmetic lenses with a prescription only. Many websites are willing to sell cosmetic lenses without requiring any additional information, but this is illegal in many places and just not a good idea in general. A bad pair of lenses can lead to all sort of eye problems, including infections like pink eye.[15]
- Ask your friends and family for recommendations regarding who you should buy your contacts from. They might be able to tell you who can offer extra discounts and who has the best customer service.
- If you order online, make sure to choose a shipping method that will allow you to get your contacts in time.
- Once you get your contacts, make sure to take care of them by cleaning and storing them properly. Read the instructions that come with the contacts package and follow them closely.[16]
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How to Organize a Small Bathroom Posted: 21 Jan 2018 12:00 AM PST With a bit of careful organizing, you can make a small bathroom feel spacious and tidy. Divide your cabinet space with storage containers and baskets. Make use of every inch of wall space by hanging floating shelves up to the ceiling and over the toilet. You can even add racks, rods, or more storage on the back of the door. Embrace creative storage options, like glass jars, for odds and ends. EditArranging Your Cabinet and Drawer Space - Put a lazy susan in the cabinet. It can be easy for the bottles and small items inside your bathroom cabinets to get disorganized and tough to reach. Place a lazy susan towards the front of the cabinet where it is easily accessible. Set your extra shampoos, conditioners, lotions, or other products on it.[1]
- Install a styling tool holder inside your cabinet. The cords of blowdryers and curling irons can become a real problem under your cabinets and can knock over your toiletry items. You can buy a metal styling tool holder at a home goods store that will hang on the inside of your lower cabinet.[2]
- Install under-the-sink sliding drawers if you have deep cabinets. In the lower bathroom cabinets, secure drawers that will slide out when pulled. You can purchase these wooden, plastic, or metal drawers in the kitchen or bathroom remodeling sections of home renovation stores. Most of them will screw right into the existing cabinetry.[3]
- Check to make sure that the drawers pull out smoothly. If they jostle or if you have to tug them, then the contents standing inside will likely fall over and cause a mess.
- Install an under-the-sink organizer if you have a pedestal sink. You don't have to waste the space under a pedestal sink. Instead, get a premade organizer that will fit around the bottom part of your sink from a home improvement store. These organizers usually just slide into place against the wall with a few mounting brackets to hold it steady.[4]
- Divide your drawers with plastic bins. Your drawers can get messy really quickly, as items shift around every time you pull them out. To keep everything in position, invest in a set of plastic organizers that fit tightly into the drawers. Ideally, find containers with both large and small openings to hold a variety of items.[5]
- For example, you can put hair ties, cotton swabs, flossers, and other small items into the bins.
- Keep everything hidden. Your goal when organizing your bathroom should be to store as many items as possible in hidden cabinets and compartments. This will make your bathroom feel less crowded and more spacious. The key is to rely on a combination of both cabinets and shelving.
- Even storing the wastebasket in a cabinet can make the floor of your bathroom look larger and cleaner.
- Add wall shelving. On any open wall spaces, add sturdy shelves that match the style of your bathroom. If you need the extra space, go all the way up to the ceiling. You can even use the space directly above the door. Place items more frequently used on the lower shelves.[6]
- If you can't reach the higher shelves, store a stepstool in front of the bathroom cabinet.
- Add floating shelves above the toilet. Most people ignore the space above the toilet, but this is actually valuable real estate for storage. A standing rack can look bulky and outdated. However, if you hang a set of floating shelves in a complementary color to the wall, then this will actually open up the space.[7]
- Stack decorative items on these shelves or use them for extra toiletry storage for items, such as toilet paper and tissues.
- Hang glass jars on the wall. Get a set of clean, large mason jars. Use metal loops or small shelves to keep them suspended on the wall. Once the jars are secured, fill them with small items, such as makeup tools.[8]
- Keep the design looking even cleaner by putting the same type of items into each jar. For example, 1 jar can just hold brushes. Another can hold cotton swabs and so on.
- Place magnetic strips around the vanity. Buy long, metal magnetic strips from your local hardware store. Use screws or construction glue to secure these strips to any gaps on the walls around the sink and vanity. Then, hang metal items, such as tweezers, on these strips.[9]
- This is also a great way to secure small metal items that you might otherwise misplace, such as bobby pins.
- Don't place any sharp objects on the strips in the slight chance that they could fall off and cause an injury.
- Use spice racks for makeup storage. Spice racks are great for storage because they are the perfect size for makeup or even medicine bottles. They are also easy to wipe down for cleaning. In the empty wall space near the sink, hang a set of spice racks using screws.[10]
- Make sure that the racks are close enough together to maximize your wall space. However, don't place them directly against one another or that might look overcrowded.
EditDeveloping Creative Storage Solutions - Install a second shower rod near the wall. Get another adjustable rod and place it just a few inches or centimeters off the back wall of your shower or bath. Tighten the rod until it is securely in place. Slide a series of S-hooks onto the rod. Hang your loofahs, scrub brushes, or small caddies from the hooks.[11]
- Don't overload the rod or you'll risk it falling down and taking everything else with it.
- Install behind-the-mirror storage. Buy prefabricated mirror cabinets from your local hardware store. Remove the current wall mirrors that you have and replace them with these cabinets. Make sure to follow any installation instructions, so that they are secure. Then, stock the inside of the cabinets with bath supplies.[12]
- Don't place wall mirror cabinets where the doorknob will hit them as the door opens or closes.
- Attach suction cups to the shower walls to hold bathing products. Get a number of heavy-duty suction cups and attach them at shoulder height around your shower. Thread plastic ties or hair ties through the cup openings. Then, hang various shower toiletries by the ties.[13]
- It's a good idea to clean your shower before hanging the cups, as this will make them stay up longer.
- Install a rack on the back of the door. Don't waste the space on the back of the door. Instead, hang a secure metal rack with baskets attached that can hold extra toiletries, paper goods, or even towels. If you are worried about the weight of a metal rack, you can even use a hanging plastic shoe rack.[14]
- Remove all non-bathroom items. It's really easy for clothing and knick-knacks to make their way from the bedroom into the bathroom. Every week go through your bathroom and remove any items that do not belong. Think about streamlining any multiples of items that you are storing, such as going from 5 towels down to 2.[15]
- Take this opportunity to go through all of your cabinets and to discard any expired toiletries, make-up, or medicines. With the medicines, you'll want to contact your local police department for proper disposal procedures.[16]
- If you are renting, make sure to check with your landlord before making any permanent changes to the bathroom.
- As you organize your bathroom, make sure to keep all dangerous chemicals and cleaners properly stored if you have children or pets.
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