| How to Clean Contact Lenses Posted: 22 Dec 2018 04:00 PM PST Contact lenses are a convenient way to correct your vision without having to wear glasses. When you wear contact lenses, it's easy to forget that they're medical devices that must be treated with care. It's important that you clean your lenses after each wear, as well as any time they fall out or become dirty. Whether you're wearing disposable or rigid contacts, you'll need to remove, rub, and store your contacts properly, as well as follow precautions to keep them clean. EditRemoving Contact Lenses - Wash and dry your hands using a mild soap. Your hands can introduce bacteria and germs to your lenses, which can cause an infection. Additionally, lotions and substances on your hands can irritate your eyes. Always cleanse your hands in warm water using soap.[1]
- Use a lint free towel to dry your hands.
- Open one side of your contact lens case. It's best to only open one side of your case at a time. This limits your risk of mixing up your contacts.[2]
- Make a habit of taking out your lenses in the same order each night.
- If you are using an upright case for rigid contacts, unscrew the top and remove the lens holder. Open one side of the lens holder at a time.[3]
- Remove one contact lens from your eye with your finger pad. Gently touch the lens and drag it down to the bottom of your eye. Then, pull the lens away from your eye.[4]
- Some people who wear rigid contacts use a suction cup to remove them. If you use this method, make sure your suction cup is positioned directly over your contact. After each use, rinse your suction cup with contact lens solution.[5]
- Check the lens for any damage. Since lenses are soft, it's easy for them to get torn, especially around the edges. Not only will this make your lenses feel uncomfortable, it also allows bacteria to collect in the damaged spot. During your inspection, look for visible dirty spots, as well.[6]
- For example, you might see a mascara streak on your contact. This is a visible dirty spot that can likely be cleaned away with extra rubbing. On the other hand, a tiny tear on the edge is damage that can't be corrected.
- If your contact is torn or otherwise damaged, throw it away.
EditRubbing Your Contact Lenses Clean - Place your contact lens in the palm of your hand. Gently place it in your hand. The part of the lens that touches your eye should be face up.[7]
- Your lens should look like a bowl.
- Spray contact solution on the lens. Make sure the solution gets on both sides of the lens. Allow some of the solution to drain away before you continue cleaning the lens.[8]
- If you're wearing rigid contact lenses, make sure you purchase contact solution specifically formulated for these lenses. Read the label thoroughly. Ask your doctor which solution is best for you.
- Always use contact solution to clean your lenses. Never, ever use water or saliva to clean your lenses. This can cause a serious infection.[9]
- Do not attempt to clean daily contacts, which are only meant to be worn once. You should throw these away, as wearing them more than once increases your risk of infection.
- Use the pad of your finger to gently rub your contact lens. Lightly move the lens back and forth on your palm. There should be contact solution both on your hand and on the lens.[10]
- Some solutions are labeled as "no-rub" solutions. However, rubbing always gets your lenses cleaner, so it's best to do it regardless of which solution brand you use.
- If your lens is very dirty, you might flip it over and rub both sides.
- Rinse the lens once more before putting it in your case. Spray the lens with contact solution to remove any remaining grime. Make sure the solution treats both sides of the lens.[11]
- If you see any visible dirt or grime left on the lens, repeat these steps to try to clean the lens. If you cannot get the lens clean, discard it.
- You can follow the same steps to clean your lens after it falls out or feels dirty, as long as you only use saline solution. Instead of putting your lens away, put it back in your eye.
EditStoring Your Lenses - Place the lens in the appropriate side of your contact lens case. It's important to keep your lenses separate. It's likely that your prescription differs in each eye. Even if they're the same, however, mixing up your lenses could lead to an infection.[12]
- Fill the case with fresh contact solution. Make sure the lens is fully covered. Your case should be filled to just below the rim on each side.[13]
- Again, only use contact solution on your contacts. Never use plain water!
- Soak your lenses overnight if you're wearing rigid contact lenses. Rigid contact lenses need more soaking time between uses than disposable lenses. It's important that you leave them in the case overnight, or at least 6 hours. This gives the solution time to disinfect your lenses.[14]
- Keep in mind that some contact solutions made for rigid contacts can irritate your eye if they don't sit out for the correct amount of time. That's because it's a disinfecting solution rather than a saline solution. It will neutralize over the required 6 hours.[15]
EditKeeping Your Lenses Clean - Change your lenses out as recommended by your doctor. Disposable lenses are only meant to be worn for so long, whether it's a day, week, two weeks, or a month. Always follow your doctor's advice on how often to switch out your contact lenses.[16]
- The label on your box should also say how often the lenses must be changed.
- Disposable lenses can rarely be worn for longer than 1 month.
- If you wear rigid contacts, ask your doctor when you should purchase another pair. With proper cleaning, rigid contacts can last a year or longer.
- Refill your contact lens case with fresh solution each time. Do not simply top off the lens case. Reusing solution increases your risk of developing an infection. Old solution does not properly clean your lens and can even become dirty.[17]
- Dump out the solution in your case after you put your contacts on each day. Do not save it for later.
- Sterilize your case every day using contact solution. Unscrew each of the case lids and set them aside. Spray the solution over your case on both sides. Then, rinse the lids. Allow each piece to air dry.[18]
- Before letting your case dry, pour out all of the rinsing solution from the lens storage area. You might also let it dry upside down for a few minutes to completely drain away the solution.
- Switch to a new case every 3 months, or as recommended. Your contact lens case can accumulate bacteria and germs. This can contaminate your lenses. Be sure to change it out on schedule to keep your lenses clean.[19]
- As an alternative to getting a new case, you can sterilize your case by boiling it at least once every 3 months.[20]
- Avoid exposing your contacts to water. Wearing your contact lenses while swimming, showering, or bathing can allow water to come in contact with your lenses. Although your lenses might not seem "dirty," water can contaminate your lenses and possibly cause an infection. It's best to remove your lenses before entering water.[21]
- Wear your glasses while you're in a body of water.
- Wear goggles to protect your eyes while swimming. Make sure they don't leak so your lenses aren't compromised.
- Soft contact lenses can flip inside out. If necessary, flip the lens into the right position before inserting onto your eye.
- Even if your contacts are safe to wear overnight, it's best to take them out until morning. This will reduce the amount of waste buildup on the contact, and lower the risk of eye irritation.
- Always remove your contacts before going to sleep, unless your doctor approves sleeping in your contacts.[22]
- If the contact solution you purchase is bothering your eyes, try another brand. Each brand has its own formula, so you might find another brands works best for you. You might even ask your doctor for samples and advice.
- Throw out disposable contacts if they dry out. If you're wearing rigid contacts, you can try soaking them for at least 4 hours to see if the contacts become moist again.[23]
- Contacts are incredibly delicate and sensitive to your skin oil. Do not touch your face in between washing your hands and handling the contacts.
- Only use a solution specifically made for contact lenses.
- Soft contact lenses are very fragile. Be careful not to rip them during this cleaning process.
- If your contacts continue to irritate your eyes after you clean them, don't wear them. Instead, make an appointment with your doctor and take the contacts in with you. In the meantime, wear your backup glasses.[24]
- Check your contact solution often to make sure it isn't expired. You might even write the expiration date in big numbers on your container using a magic marker. Never use expired solution, as it won't be as effective.
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| How to Become a Justice of the Peace Posted: 22 Dec 2018 08:00 AM PST A justice of the peace is a low-level judicial officer who is endowed with the authority to perform a variety of minor legal tasks. In most places, becoming a justice of the peace is a surprisingly simple process. To qualify for the position, show proof that you're a resident of the state or territory you plan to work in and gain at least a basic knowledge of civil law. Once that's done, submit a formal application for the position and wait to be approved by a committee. EditMeeting the Basic Requirements - Provide proof of residency in the state or territory you want to work in. In order to be eligible to serve as a justice of the peace, you'll need to be able to show that you're a legal citizen where you live. The exact procedure for doing so varies from place to place. Contact your local state department office to find out more about the specific requirements for your region.[1]
- Proving residency is often as simple as filling out a few forms and producing documents that show that you've lived in the area for a specific amount of time.
- In Texas, for instance, you must have lived in the state on a full-time basis for at least one year to be granted residency and therefore be eligible to become a justice of the peace.[2]
- Rhode Island is the one exception to this rule in the U.S. In Rhode Island, non-residents who regularly conduct business in the state can apply to become justices of the peace.[3]
- Request a background check from your local police department. Head down to police headquarters and talk to a high-ranking officer about conducting a background check. As long as the investigation doesn't turn up anything incriminating, the department will generate a document verifying that you have no past criminal charges, which you may be asked to present during the application process.[4]
- Alternatively, see if it's possible to submit a request through their official website. Some police departments are authorized to carry out background checks remotely.
- Having a clean record is a must if you hope to be bestowed any kind of power under the law.
- Confirm your voter registration status with your local election office. In addition to being law-abiding citizens, all candidates for a justice of the peace position must also be registered to vote in their home state. If you don't have a voter registration card (or if yours has expired), contact the election office for your district to check your registration status. It may be necessary for you to re-register or update the info that's on file.
- You can find the contact information for your local election office by visiting https://www.usa.gov/election-office.
- To register as a voter or change out-of-date information, you'll need to use the official voter registration form issued by your state.[5]
EditExpanding Your Knowledge of the Law - Study criminal justice to improve your odds of being approved. While there are usually no formal educational requirements to become a justice of the peace, having a background in law can certainly help. Consider enrolling in a criminal justice program through an accredited four-year university. Your time there will give you a better understanding of how laws are officiated on a local and national level.[6]
- If you don't have the time, money, or interest to enter a degree program, see about auditing classes in criminal justice and other relevant subjects in your spare time.[7]
- Earn your law degree to add distinction to your credentials. Seeking a law degree is the next step up from completing a basic education. To obtain a law degree, you'll first need to have earned a bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field. You can then begin applying to law schools that suit your individual preferences.[8]
- Undergraduate degrees in criminal justice, history, English, sociology, and political science all translate well to the study of law.[9]
- Most law programs take an average of 3-4 years to complete.
- Take advantage of continuing education if you're unable to go to school. If you don't want to go to the trouble of earning a degree, another option is to attend various seminars, special interest talks, and non-degree courses on legal subjects being offered in your area. These are often open to non-degree holders and people with no prior college education. The broader your foundational knowledge of the law is, the better your chances of being confirmed as a justice of the peace.[10]
- Make sure the institution offering the course is accredited before you sign up. Unaccredited education may not carry the same weight in the eyes of your state's reviewing committee.[11]
- In some cases, continuing education is a requirement of serving as a justice of the peace, so it can help to already have some experience under your belt. Justices of the peace in the state of Texas, for instance, are required to complete 80 hours of continuing education during their first year in office.[12]
EditApplying for the Position - Fill out an application at your local state department office or website. Applying to be a justice of the peace is similar to applying for most other jobs. Get in touch with your local state department office by phone or email to find out how to access the application form and get the process started. It should only take a few minutes to complete.[13]
- In the majority of U.S. states, the application forms for justice of the peace positions are available online. [14]
- Provide a list of professional or character references if asked. Almost all issuing bodies ask candidates to supply 3-4 references along with their application. Call or visit the website of your local state department office to learn more about references and whether or not they're required. If you're permitted to choose your own, current and former employers, educators, and professional colleagues can be great people to ask.[15]
- Keep in mind that there may be highly specific criteria for the references you list depending on where you live. In New Hampshire, for instance, a candidate's references must include two current justices of the peace and one registered voter.[16]
- You may also be expected to present a one-page letter of recommendation from one of your references.
- Pay the required filing fee for your application. Most government offices charge a fee for processing official applications. Depending on how things are done in your state or territory, you may be able to make a payment online through your local state department's website. If that's not an option, you'll have to pay in person or via mail when you go to turn in your application.[17]
- The fees associated with filing an application for a justice of the peace position typically range from $70-80.
- Submit your completed application form online, in person, or by mail. Before putting in your application, take a few minutes to make sure you've filled it out in its entirety and that all of the information it contains is accurate and up-to-date. Attach copies of all other required documents, including your letter of recommendation and background check. Then, send off your application, drop it in the mail, or take it down to your local state department office in person.
- It may take up to 3 weeks before you hear back about whether you've been approved for the position.
- Once you've been confirmed, you'll be legally recognized as a justice of the peace for 4-5 after the date of commission.[18]
- As a justice of the peace, you'll be able to perform a wide range of minor legal duties such as certifying documents, witnessing legal proceedings like land transfers, and taking declarations and affidavits for use in court.
- These days, fewer and fewer justices of the peace are granted the power to perform marriages. However, this still may fall under the heading of your responsibilities, depending on where you live.
EditThings You'll Need - Driver's license, birth certificate, or social security card
- Valid voter registration card
- State-specific justice of the peace application form
- Signed letter of recommendation
- Application filing fee
- Four-year degree in law or related subject (optional)
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| How to Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder Posted: 22 Dec 2018 12:00 AM PST Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs when a person experiences depressive symptoms during specific times of the year, usually in the winter months. Symptoms typically begin in the fall when daylight decreases, and subsides in the spring with the return of longer days. People with SAD experience depressive symptoms, including difficulty sleeping, sadness, low energy levels, irritability, and an inability to concentrate. Because SAD is associated with low light levels that occur during the winter months, light therapy is a primary course of treatment for sufferers. In addition, SAD may be treated with the help of antidepressant medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, including exercise and dietary changes. EditSeeking Professional Help - See your doctor. Make an appointment with your doctor to diagnose the condition and discuss options for treatment. The doctor may do a physical exam, as well as ask you some questions about your moods and habits. Your doctor may ask about:
- Your symptoms and any patterns to them (for example, if they occur around the same time every year).
- Your sleeping and eating habits.
- Your lifestyle. It will be important to note if you work varied or night shifts, for example.
- Your personal and family history. Your doctor may want to know if you have any previous history with depression, or if it runs in your family.[1]
- Be sure to raise any additional concerns with your doctor, even if your behavior or emotions don't correlate with seasonal affective disorder, so your doctor can rule out any other concerns. For example, you could say, "I'm feeling pretty depressed, but I also feel very anxious and have trouble sleeping some nights."
- Consider an antidepressant. Your doctor may recommend medication if your symptoms are severe. Usually a combination of medication and other treatments are recommended since the medication may not completely eliminate the problem.
 - Wellbutrin is the only drug approved by the FDA to treat SAD, but other antidepressants may be used depending on your health history and the effectiveness of the medication. Sometimes antidepressants work differently in different people.[2]
- Other antidepressant medications that could be prescribed include SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like Prozac or Paxil.[3]
- You may be asked to start taking an antidepressant before your symptoms begin (for many people, SAD starts in the fall). Your doctor may also suggest taking the antidepressant after your symptoms go away (for many people, this is in the springtime). Your doctor may also recommend a longer-term course of treatment.[4]
- Understand that it can be a few weeks on an antidepressant before you notice any changes in your mood. Keep in mind that you and your doctor may also have to experiment with a few different antidepressants in order to find the most effective medication for you.[5]
- If the idea of taking prescription medication doesn't work for you, get tested for vitamin D deficiency, which affects many people with SAD. If appropriate, you may benefit from vitamin D supplementation.[6]
- See a therapist. Psychotherapy can be beneficial for most people with seasonal affective disorder when used in conjunction with other treatments. Some thoughts and behavior can worsen symptoms, and a therapist can help you address these. Your therapist can also teach you some coping strategies and how to manage stress.[7]
- Your therapist may use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that help you identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that may be making your symptoms worse.[8]
- Ask your doctor for a referral to a therapist who specializes in SAD. You could also search online for a therapist near you, or ask for a referral through your community health agency.
EditUsing Light Therapy - Purchase a light box for light therapy. The most common treatment for SAD is light therapy. Your doctor may recommend you try light therapy as your primary treatment for SAD, or to use it in conjunction with other therapies. There are many different kinds of light boxes available. When selecting yours, you may wish to keep the following in mind:
- Look at light intensity. The lower the lux measurement of the light box, the longer you will need to sit near the box to gain antidepressant benefits. For example, a 2500-lux box may require as much as two hours a day of treatment, while a 10,000-lux box may only require that you sit near it for 20-30 minutes. The 10,000-lux light box is currently the clinical standard.[9]
- Consider your budget. Lower lux light boxes will likely be less expensive, but they will also require greater time commitment to treat SAD.
- The FDA does not regulate light boxes. Be aware of claims companies make about treatment of SAD.[10]
- You can buy light boxes online, or get them at some drug stores. Keep in mind that most insurance plans do not cover their purchase. You may be able to get the cost reimbursed through your flexible spending account, however, if your doctor writes you a prescription for one.[11]
- Sit by your light box. In order to reap the benefits of light therapy, position your light box between 16 and 24 inches from your face. For a 10,000 lux box, you will likely use it for 20-30 minutes once a day, but confirm with your doctor and read the manufacturer's instructions to determine the amount of light exposure you need.[12]
- Do not stare directly at the light box. Doing so may cause eye damage. Use it while you are reading or catching up on work.
- Keep your eyes open. You get almost no benefits by just exposing your skin to the light. If the light is too bright for your eyes, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.[13]
- Use it in the morning. Studies have shown light box treatment to be more effective if done in the morning. Plus, nighttime usage can stimulate your brain to make you feel more awake, making falling asleep difficult.[14]
- Brighten your environment. Find ways to make your environment more sunlit. Open your curtains, sit by a window, or even paint your walls a lighter color to help boost your mood.[15]
- You may wish to trim a tree or bush on your property that is reducing sunlight into your home.
- Consider removing window awnings during the winter to get more light in your home.
- Bringing plants into your home can also create an uplifting environment. Some people with SAD dedicate a room in their home as a greenhouse. This can create a natural space that lifts your mood.[16]
- Spend time outside. Get outside as much as possible and get natural light exposure. Any exercise you get will also be beneficial and mood-boosting.
- You could try taking a walk at lunchtime when the sun is at its highest point, to maximize your light exposure.[17]
- Take vacations. If it is feasible, take a vacation to a sunnier destination during the winter. You may even consider temporarily relocating to a sunnier place during the winter, if you find that your SAD is severe.[18]
- When looking for a vacation spot to deal with SAD, the amount of sunshine is what matters more than the temperature. But since most people enjoy being out in the warm sunshine, you may wish to look for a vacation spot closer to the equator, where temperatures are warmer and day length does not vary much.
- You could even consider switching seasons by heading to the other side of the equator. Winter in the northern hemisphere is summer in the southern hemisphere, and vice versa. You will enjoy warmer temperatures and longer days.
EditImproving Diet and Exercise - Exercise. Develop or maintain a regular exercise routine for mood-boosting benefits. Not only will you feel better physically, but exercise will also signal your brain to release feel-good neurotransmitters like endorphins, that will improve your mood. Exercise can also improve your immune system health as well, which also helps fight depression.[19]
- Exercise outside if possible. Try to get some natural light exposure if you can. If the weather keeps you indoors, try doing your workout in a sunny spot near a window.
- Consider exercising at least thirty minutes a day for three to five days a week to help improve depression symptoms. But if you are not in shape or do not have enough time, even small amounts of exercise can reap benefits.[20]
- Find an exercise routine you enjoy. You will be more likely to keep it up long-term. Running, strength training, yoga, tai chi, or walking are all good suggestions for a depression-fighting fitness program.[21]
- The moist heat of a swimming pool, steam room or sauna can be comforting and help you combat SAD as well.
- Research dietary supplements. You may find some over-the-counter vitamins or natural remedies to be effective in treating your seasonal affective disorder. However, be sure to do your own research and communicate with your doctor and pharmacist about all supplements you are taking. Many dietary supplements can interact with other medications.
- Vitamin D can help ease symptoms of SAD. During the winter, people do not receive as much vitamin D from sun exposure, so stores of vitamin D go down. Some studies have shown benefits to taking vitamin D during the winter.[22] Make sure you talk to your doctor about an appropriate dosage of vitamin D, as too much can build up in your system and cause vitamin D toxicity.[23]
- St. John's wort has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of SAD.[24]
- Studies show that omega-3 fatty acid supplements can relieve depression symptoms in some people. Omega-3s help maintain healthy levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain--low amounts of these neurotransmitters can cause depression. You can get omega-3 fatty acids in supplement form, and you can also eat foods with high amounts of omega-3s in them. Sources of omega-3s include fatty, cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring. It is also found in flaxseed, flax oil and walnuts.[25]
- Change up your diet. What we eat can have a huge impact on our moods. If SAD is already wreaking havoc on your moods, you want to consume foods that will help stabilize them. Make sure you aren't overindulging or not eating enough -- both too much and too little food can also have an impact on how you feel.
- Avoid sugar and refined carbs that can send your blood sugar on a roller coaster ride, affecting your mood. Instead, eat whole grain carbohydrates like oatmeal and whole-grain bread.
- Eat a serving of protein three times a day. Protein helps stabilize your appetite.
- Eat four cups of vegetables a day.
- Keep your energy levels up by eating smaller meals more frequently. Eat fruit, beans, and vegetables, which help maintain energy levels.
- Avoid caffeine, which suppresses serotonin production.[26]
- Probiotic foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut can help regulate your digestive tract, which has a role in producing neurotransmitters.
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