| How to Help Save the Rivers Posted: 29 Apr 2018 05:00 PM PDT Rivers are essential to the well-being of both wildlife and people. Every year, rivers shrink as communities drain water that isn't replaced by precipitation, which has lessened due to climate change.[1] Fortunately, you can do your part to save the rivers by reducing your water usage, using river-friendly products, getting involved, and urging others to make changes. No matter how small these actions may seem, they do help to reduce pressure on the rivers and create a brighter future. EditReducing Your Water Usage - Take quicker showers to conserve water. One easy way to conserve water is to cut down on your shower time. Practice cutting your showers down to 10 minutes, then 7, then 5. Challenge yourself to take a shorter shower every day.[2]
- If you are shaving or conditioning your hair, turn off the water until you need to rinse.
- If you let the water run until it warms up, collect the cold water in a bucket for reuse.
- If you want a bath, plug the tub first instead of draining cold water. When warmer water flows, it will heat up the cold water.
- Wait for a full load of clothing before running a washing machine. Washing machines take up a lot of water and electricity, so running a cycle for a couple of articles of clothing is inefficient. Hold off on laundry until you can fill the machine.[3]
- If you need a dirty piece of clothing sooner, try washing it by hand.
- You can wash a small load of clothing in the sink, then hang it to dry.
- Turn off the water when you're not using it. Avoid letting the water run while you're brushing your teeth or shaving. Keep your hoses and faucets turned off as much as possible. When you need them, use them sparingly.[4]
- Hoses in particular use a lot of excess water. Keep them off as much as possible and don't rely on them for cleaning purposes.
- Collect unused water for reuse. A lot of wasted water comes from showers, air conditioners, and similar sources. You can often collect this water and repurpose it. Place a few containers under the water to gather it, then reuse it to water your plants or lawn.[5]
- Water from utilities is called greywater. If you plan on using it, use biodegradable cleaners as well.
- For example, collect the water you use while waiting for the shower to heat up. Utilize melted ice in your drinks to water plants.
- Install a low-flow showerhead and toilet. Low-flow models use at least half as much water than regular models. You can purchase these at any home improvement store. Since everyone uses these devices frequently, the water saved by low-flow models adds up every year.[6]
- You can buy a showerhead for about $40 USD. It can reduce your yearly water usage by or more, which also helps you save money on your water bill![7]
- Fix leaky faucets. A dripping faucet not only takes water out of the rivers but also increases your water bill. Even a small leak can use up per day. If you want to help the rivers, fix leaks as soon as you notice them.[8]
- Call a licensed plumber in your area if you can't fix a leak yourself. It's better than waiting.
- Conserve water even when you're not at home. When you're at a hotel or another area, act like you would at home. It's tempting to let the water run because you're not responsible for the water bill. Remember that the water still comes from rivers and other water sources, so it still has an environmental impact.
- Always try to limit your water usage and avoid waste.
- Never waste time in a school, work office, or other public bathroom.
- Turn off lights to conserve electricity. Although this doesn't conserve water directly, water is used to produce electrical energy. Leave the lights off when you don't need them. Make sure your electronic devices are off and unplugged. It reduces your energy bill in addition to keeping more water in rivers.[9]
- Items like phone chargers burn a little bit of energy even when they're not in use. Unplug them to prevent this.
- Alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, waste less water than regular electricity.
EditUsing River-Friendly Products - Select biodegradable cleaning products. Any chemicals you use in your home end up back in the water supply. Choose natural soaps or create your own cleaning and disinfecting agents out of vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and other natural products. These products have far less of a negative impact if they reach a river.[10]
- Products marked "Poison" or "Danger" are always bad for rivers. Even cleaners marked "Warning" or "Caution" have a negative impact.
- You should always use cleaning products near a drain. Avoid adding them directly to the water even if they are natural.
- Choose recycled products instead of new ones. New products take way more water to make than recycled products. Reuse what you already own when possible. If you need to buy something, opt for products made out of recycled paper or other reused material.[11]
- Check the labels and research products online for more information on how they are made.
- Recycled paper, for instance, reduces tree, water, and landfill usage.
- Unless you're an ethical hunter or know someone who is, try going meatless for 1 day a week. Domestic meat production is a huge cause of water use, and it can negatively impact our rivers and other natural landmarks. Try cutting meat, pork, and chicken out of your diet, even if you only do so for 1 day a week.[12]
- of beef takes about to make.[13]
- Once you feel comfortable going meatless for 1 day a week, try expanding that to 2 or 3 days per week for an even bigger positive impact.
- Decrease your coffee intake. Coffee beans take a ton of water to grow, and then you need more water to make it. Replace it on occasion with tea, which uses less water. Natural fruit juice can be a nice treat sometimes as well.[14]
- Dairy and almond milk aren't the best replacement, since animals and almonds use a lot of water. Try a natural soy milk instead.
- Limit your use of pesticides. Bug spray is a chemical that eventually returns to the water supply in the form of runoff. Around your home, reduce pests by keeping your yard well-drained and maintained. When you think you need a pesticide, spray a small amount directly on your body or plant.[15]
- Pesticides harm plants and animals as well, so use them with caution.
- Throw any waste into the garbage. Avoid dumping anything directly into the river. This includes washing garbage down a drain as well. It can still end up back in the river, polluting or clogging it. This includes items like baby wipes, coffee grounds, and medicine as well as poisonous chemicals. If you're unsure, dispose of the item in a trash can.[16]
- Also avoid washing camping gear in a river. Take it home with you so nothing washes into the water.
- Avoid going to the bathroom near a river. This counts as pollution too.
EditGetting Involved - Volunteer for a river clean-up project. Do a quick search for "river conservation groups" online. If you live near water, chances are a nonprofit or community group helps preserve it. Project volunteers go out as a group and remove trash from waterways.[17]
- Volunteer groups may have alternative ways to get involved as well, such as helping out at their offices.
- Donate to a conservation group. Visit a river conservation group's website or talk to a group representative in-person to find out about their donation policies. You can find plenty of groups online and across the world. Most of these groups are nonprofit, so they depend on donations. Even if you don't clean the river, your donation helps the group stay active.[18]
- Many groups also offer annual memberships. With a small donation, you can get perks like a newsletter subscription and a merchandise discount.
- A few examples of national and international river groups include American Rivers and International Rivers.
- Report any river pollution you see. Serve as a riverkeeper by telling others about any issues you see when you're down by the water. When you see something wrong, you can usually call a river conservation group and tell them. Otherwise, call the government environmental or natural resources in your area.[19]
- For example, dead fish or trash near the river are some signs of pollution.
- Avoid handling animals or dangerous waste like needles unless you are trained by a conservation group.
EditEncouraging Others to Save the Rivers - Bring others to the waterfront. Go for walks near rivers with your friends and families. If other people learn to appreciate the rivers more, they are more likely to join you in protecting them.[20]
- Try doing some river-related activities like swimming or kayaking.
- Spread conservation news on social media. Post on Facebook, Twitter, and other sites about conservation. Tell others about the need to conserve water and what they can do to protect the river. You may be able to teach others and get them to join your cause.[21]
- For example, post about any volunteer work you do.
- Repost stories from conservation groups to spread the word.
- Tell others how to save water. Notice the ways other people waste or pollute water. Sometimes they don't realize how much their actions affect rivers, so you may be able to help them. Offer them a few polite tips on what they can do differently in order to be a force for positive change.
- For instance, you can say, "Did you know a bottle of water takes to make? Would you please consider using a refillable water bottle in the future?"[22]
- Conserving water in your home saves you money as well as helps save the rivers.
- When outdoors, never dump anything into the water. Dispose of waste in a safe location, such as a trashcan.
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| How to Treat Numbness in Hands Posted: 29 Apr 2018 09:00 AM PDT Feelings of numbness or tingling in your hands are annoying but, fortunately, pins and needles usually go away quickly. Holding your hands in a relaxed position or giving them a good shake should do the trick. While occasional, temporary numbness is normal, frequent symptoms could be a sign of an underlying issue. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common cause of persistent numbness in the hands, and it can usually be managed with home treatment. Though less likely, hand numbness could also be related to degenerative disk disease or a pinched nerve in your neck. See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and for help managing any underlying conditions. EditRelieving Occasional Numbness - Hold your hands in a comfortable, neutral position. Numbness and tingling can occur when you sleep on your hands or hold them in an awkward position. Changing positions usually does the trick. Relax your hands and arms, and keep your elbows and wrists straight.[1]
- Shake your hands until the numbness subsides. If numbness persists for longer than 30 seconds after changing positions, try shaking your hands at the wrists. Shake your hands vigorously, but don't shake so hard that your wrists pop or crack.[2]
- If you slept on your hand, your nerves and circulation were compressed for a long duration. Numbness might stick around longer than if you just held your hand in an awkward position for a few minutes.
- Run your hands under warm water for 2 to 3 minutes. If your hands are still numb, hold them under running water that's about . Be sure the water is warm instead of hot. Slowly flex and stretch your hands and wrists as you hold them under the water.[3]
- Warm water can increase blood flow and soothe your hands. It's also recommended for numbness related to underlying conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and Raynaud's phenomenon.
- See your doctor if you experience frequent or asymmetrical numbness. Occasional, temporary numbness is normal. However, numbness that's frequent, persistent, or on just one side of your body could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as nerve strain or damage.[4]
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common nerve condition related to numbness in the hands and forearms. Less common causes include fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and spinal disorders.
- See a doctor promptly for numbness related to an injury or if you experience dizziness, difficulty talking, weakness, headache, or confusion.
EditDealing with Nerve Conditions - Tell your doctor which parts of your hands are affected. Different forms of nerve strain or damage affect distinct parts of the hand. Your doctor can perform tests to accurately diagnose nerve compression or damage. They'll examine your forearms and hands, have you move your hands and fingers and, if necessary, perform an x-ray.[5]
- Numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers (and the side of your palm with these fingers) is a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome.
- If your ring and little fingers become numb when you bend your elbow, cubital tunnel syndrome could be the issue.
- Numbness or pain concentrated at the top of the hand could be due to a compressed radial nerve.
- Take frequent stretch breaks during repetitive activities, such as typing. Every 20 to 30 minutes, hold your hands in a prayer pose about in front of your chest. Keeping your hands in the prayer position, raise your elbows until you feel a stretch in your forearms. Hold the stretch for 10 to 20 seconds, then relax.[6]
- You can also extend your right arm in front of you with your wrist bent, so the back of your hand faces you. Use your left hand to gently pull your right fingers toward you so you feel a stretch in your right forearm.
- Hold the stretch for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch arms.
- Alternate soaking your hands in cold and warm water. Fill one bucket with cold water and another with warm (not hot) water. Soak your hands and forearms in the cold water for 2 to 3 minutes, then soak them in the warm water. Continue alternating until you've held your hands in each bucket 3 times.[7]
- Try soaking your hands in cold and warm water 3 to 4 times daily, or whenever you feel numbness or tingling.
- Wear wrist braces while you sleep for carpal tunnel syndrome. For carpal tunnel syndrome, wear wrist braces to keep your hands and forearms in neutral positions while you sleep.[8]
- Ask your doctor to recommend the right brace for your particular issue.
- Wear elbow braces for cubital tunnel syndrome while you sleep. Bending the elbow aggravates cubital tunnel syndrome, so wearing elbow braces at night is best for this condition. Ask your doctor to recommend the best brace.[9]
- You can also wrap a towel around the appropriate joint, then use tape to secure it.
- Ask your doctor if they recommend a cortisone shot. If numbness, tingling, and pain interfere with your daily activities, a corticosteroid shot might provide relief. While a cortisone shot can relieve flare-ups, its effects are temporary.[10]
- You might experience pain and swelling at the injection site for the first 1 to 2 days after getting a cortisone shot. If necessary, apply ice for 15 minutes every 3 hours.
- Your doctor might also recommend an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone. Let them know if you have diabetes, as corticosteroids can make it difficult to regulate insulin levels.[11]
- See a physical therapist for numbness related to neck issues. Since the nerves in the hands are rooted in the neck, spinal problems can cause numbness throughout the arms, hands, and fingers. If necessary, ask your doctor to refer you to a licensed physical therapist or chiropractor.[12]
- Serious neck issues, such as bone spurs or a herniated disc, might require surgery.
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol, if necessary. Smoking and heavy drinking can constrict blood flow and aggravate nerve issues. If you're a smoker, ask your doctor or pharmacist for tips on quitting. If you drink more than the recommended amount, try to cut down your consumption.[13]
- The recommended intake for men is up to 2 drinks per day. For women, the recommended amount is 1 drink.[14]
EditManaging Underlying Conditions - Ask your doctor if you need to consume more vitamin B12. Symptoms of a vitamin B deficiency include numbness in the hands, legs, or feet, balance problems, difficulty thinking, weakness, and yellowing of the skin. If you suspect you have a deficiency, talk to your doctor about making dietary changes or taking a vitamin supplement.[15]
- Sources of vitamin B12 include red meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, and eggs. Plants don't make vitamin B12, so strict vegetarians and vegans are at a higher risk of developing a deficiency.
- Talk to you doctor before taking any vitamin or dietary supplement.
- Manage your blood glucose levels if you're diabetic. High glucose levels and low insulin levels related to diabetes can cause diabetic neuropathy, which is a type of nerve damage. If necessary, work with your doctor or specialist to get your glucose levels under control. Your doctor or pharmacist can also recommend oral or topical medication to help relieve numbness and pain.[16]
- Get tested for Raynaud's phenomenon. People with Raynaud's phenomenon have limited blood flow to the fingers and toes, which causes them to feel numb and cold. During attacks, fingers or toes might also turn white or blue. If your doctor suspects you have Raynaud's phenomenon, they'll perform a physical exam, order a blood test, and look at your fingernails under a microscope.[17]
- If you have Raynaud's phenomenon, do your best to keep your hands and feet warm. Regular exercise can help improve blood flow, but you should consult your doctor before starting a new workout routine.
- Your doctor might also prescribe medication to regulate your blood pressure or relax constricted blood vessels.[18]
- Tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine can bring on attacks, so avoid these substances.
- Consult your doctor for numbness related to cancer treatment. Numbness in the hands, feet, and other body parts is a common side effect of chemotherapy drugs. Tell your doctor or specialist about these or any other side effects. They might be able to prescribe medication to help relieve pain, numbness, or tingling.[19]
- Some people who experience numbness and tingling due to chemotherapy find that acupuncture helps relieve their discomfort.[20]
- Call emergency services if you experience sudden numbness accompanied by dizziness, weakness, confusion, difficulty talking, or a severe headache.[21]
- See a doctor promptly if you experience numbness after suffering an injury.[22]
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| How to Maintain Leather Shoes Posted: 29 Apr 2018 01:00 AM PDT You love your leather shoes, and you want to keep them beautiful and shiny for years to come. To keep your shoes looking their best, clean them regularly, particularly in harsh weather like snow and ice. Condition them every month or so to moisturize the leather, and then polish them for that lovely sheen. You may want to waterproof your shoes, though many modern shoes already come with a protective layer. When you put them away, store them properly, which will keep them pristine. EditCleaning Leather Shoes - Remove dirt with a soft cloth. Rub off as much dirt and grime as you can with a clean, dry cloth. Try to scrape off any loose mud, for instance, and wipe away any excess salt.[1]
- Apply a cleaner with a soft brush. If the cleaner comes with an applicator top, use it to rub the cleaner into the shoe. If it doesn't have one, use a soft brush or cloth to rub it in. Make gentle circles with the brush or cloth.[2] Use a little water when applying saddle soap or other similar soaps.[3]
- Saddle soap or any smooth leather cleaner will work for unfinished or finished leather. Smooth leather refers to any leather that isn't textured. For instance, suede is a textured leather, so it's not considered "smooth."
- With finished leather, almost any mild soap will work, such as a laundry detergent meant for fragile clothing.[4]
- Don't use sponges, as they can contain chemicals that may damage your leather.
- Deal with salt stains using water and vinegar. Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water. Gently rub the mixture into the salt stains using a soft cloth or brush. Keep adding the mixture to your shoes to remove the stain.[5]
- Salt stains leave a white residue on your shoes.
- This method will also strip your shoes of wax polish if you have a buildup.[6]
- Allow your shoes to air dry at room temperature. Leave your shoes out to dry thoroughly before you apply polish, conditioner, or weather proofer. Don't use heat, however, as it can damage the leather.[7]
- Leave them alone for at least 15 minutes, though overnight is better.[8]
- Remove the laces from the shoes. Laces can prevent the polish or conditioner from spreading evenly across the shoe. If your shoes have laces, gently pull them out from the eyelets one by one until you've separated them from the shoes.[9]
- Condition your shoes at least every 25 wears. Conditioning helps moisturize the leather. As it dries out, it can crack, leading to damaged shoes. Use a clean cloth to rub the conditioner in using small circular movements. Remove any excess conditioner once you've conditioned the whole shoe.[10]
- If you live in a place with harsh weather, such as a place with icy winters and salty sidewalks or a very dry climate, you should condition your shoes after you wear them 5 to 10 times. In less harsh climates, do it every 15 to 25 wears.
- Apply a polish to your shoes once a month for protection. Using light pressure, use circles to add small amounts of polish to the shoe. A soft cloth or horsehair brush is good for this task. Keep applying the polish until you've covered the shoe. Wipe any excess off.[11]
- A wax-based polish will provide more protection for your shoes.
- Make sure you match the color of the polish to the color of your shoes. Once you think you have a good color, apply a little polish in an inconspicuous place to see if it matches.[12]
- Try a spit shine for shiny shoes. For a spit shine, tightly stretch a cloth over your fingers. Add a little bit of water. Rub it over one area on your shoe, which will begin to harden the wax already on it. Keep rubbing until the area shines, and continue with the rest of the shoe.[13]
- Typically, a polishing last about a week.
EditWeatherproofing for Snowy and Icy Weather - Use a beeswax product to weatherproof your shoes thoroughly. Weatherproofing products with beeswax provide a good seal against the weather. Apply the product to the shoe with a clean cloth or brush, and rub it in using small circles. Wipe off any excess, and let your shoes dry.[14]
- Apply these products about once a season.
- Some products come with an applicator that you can use to apply the beeswax product to the shoe.
- Use plain beeswax for a cheap option. Melt plain beeswax in a wax warmer, and apply it to the boot with a brush. It will leave a thick, ugly layer because it dries quickly, but you'll use the heat gun or blow dryer to melt the layer again.[15] Use a heat gun or blow dryer to melt the wax on the boot, and rub it in with the brush.[16]
- Beeswax was a common waterproofing material before modern waterproofing pastes were created.
- Apply wax about once a season.
- Try a spray-on product to weatherproof with a prettier finish. Spray-on products don't leave as thick a layer as beeswax products, so choose them for a prettier finish. Hold the spray-on polish about away from the shoe. Spray the product in a steady, even layer. Let the product dry before you wear the shoes.[17]
- These products don't waterproof as well or last as long as beeswax products so you'll need to reapply them several times throughout the season.
- Put galoshes on to protect your leather shoes in wet weather. If you're worried about an expensive pair of leather shoes, then your best bet is to put galoshes on over your shoes, particularly if you live in a rainy climate where you're required to walk a lot. You'll be able to avoid the majority of the moisture and the salt.[18]
- Galoshes come in many shapes and styles so you can find a pair that fits your fashion sense and look.
EditCaring for and Storing Leather Shoes - Give your shoes a break between wears. Leather tends to absorb moisture from sources like rain, sweat, and dew. Giving your shoes a break between the days you wear them allows them time to dry out.[19]
- Try alternating pairs of leather shoes if you prefer to wear leather everyday.
- Insert shoe trees when you're not wearing the shoes. Leather can lose its shape if it doesn't have support, particularly if it's wet at all. A shoe tree will draw out some of the moisture and help your shoe keep its shape at the same time.[20]
- Shoe trees are the inserts that are shaped like a human foot. Pick unfinished cedar inserts to wick water away, as plastic will not absorb the moisture.[21]
- Wadded up newspaper will work to absorb moisture in place of a shoe tree, but it won't work as well to keep the shoes in shape.
- Clean your shoes or have a professional do it before you store them. If you plan on storing your shoes for the summer, clean them first. Otherwise, the stains on them will set in and be nearly impossible to clean when you take them out of storage.[22]
- Have them cleaned by a professional to ensure they're really clean.
- Store your shoes in breathable fabric. Leather needs air to help rid itself of moisture. If you place it in a plastic bag, the bag seals that moisture in. Instead, choose something breathable, such as a fabric bag.[23]
- Most shoe boxes do not provide enough fresh air to keep leather dry, so avoid storing leather shoes in them.
- Avoid wearing your leather shoes on very wet days to keep them from getting soaked.
- Many of these tips will also work on second-hand leather shoes. With a bit of work, you can have a beautiful pair of leather shoes, and no one will know they came from the thrift store.
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