How to Choose Foods to Eat for Non-Toxic Living

How to Choose Foods to Eat for Non-Toxic Living



Choosing a non-toxic diet means eating foods without any chemicals for either flavoring or coloring. If you're living a non-toxic lifestyle, eating the right foods is critical. Avoiding foods prepared with potentially toxic chemicals can help eliminate persistent colds or that winter flu. Follow these steps to choose the right food to eat.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access




Grocery list







Select Organic and Non-Toxic Foods




1


Begin your non-toxic shopping experience by heading to the organic food section of your local grocer. Depending on the size of the store, organic foods and health foods may be mixed together in the same section. Organic produce is usually displayed near non-organic produce.





2


Visit health food stores or dedicated organic grocery stores. Clerks and managers in these stores will show you how to select the best meats. In general, eat free-range, grass-fed beef. Choose milk from cows not treated with hormone cocktails like "rBST."





3


Select foods that are high in antioxidants. Organic cereals, berries, leafy green vegetables and nuts eliminate unnecessary preservatives while packing the antioxidant punch you need to maintain good health. Individuals who eat antioxidants can protect themselves against heart disease and cancer.





4


Choose individual organic fruits and vegetables carefully. The lack of strong insecticides or pesticides means that tomatoes, apples and other perishables are susceptible to infestations. Look for punctures or damaged produce. Report any you find to the organic foods manager.





5


Purchase healthy foods you're sure your family will actually eat. It's easy to go overboard and serve up organic vegetable stir-fry every night. If you have picky eaters at home, it's a good idea to transition into non toxic living gradually. This will save money and reduce food waste.





6


Read labels carefully in order to determine whether a product is organic. Products that contain artificial coloring agents are not strictly organic. You can locate legitimate organic grocers on the "Organic Consumers Association" Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Put away additional money for organic and non toxic foods on a weekly basis. Depending on the store, healthy foods can be 2 to 3 times more expensive than traditional food products.








Respond quickly to any allergic reactions that you or your family may have to organic food. Food allergies can lead to dizziness and other symptoms which need to be treated by a family doctor or an emergency room technician.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033084_choose-foods-eat.html

How to Choose a Physical Therapist

How to Choose a Physical Therapist



Physical therapy is a hands-on way to relieve and treat muscle and joint pain. While other forms of medical treatment tend to talk their way to relief, physical therapists manipulate the body to work out the pain. Physical therapists have completed medical training and are educated about injury prevention, as well as therapy techniques. Follow these steps to find the right physical therapist for you.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Seek a Therapist who Displays a Positive Approach to Treatment




1


Choose a physical therapist that makes you feel comfortable. You may need to partially undress for some forms of therapy. It's important that you can relax.





2


Find a therapist who talks through the treatment process before actually performing the action. People who have little experience with physical therapy can get anxious from not knowing what is being done to them.





3


Seek to find a therapist who will choose a varied approach to pain relief rather than a single method treatment plan.



Know Additional Options are Available for Pain Management




1


Look into holistic approaches to complement physical therapy treatments.





2


Try acupuncture treatment as an alternative to prescription drugs or surgery. Acupuncture is the insertion of small needles at various energy points on the body and can be helpful in easing pain and discomfort.





3


Choose electric nerve stimulation to treat chronic pain that is not responding to other pain management procedures.





4


Schedule therapeutic massage to reduce tension and stress associated with acute pain.





5


Change your daily routine to include exercise at least 3 times each week. The health benefits alone may make you feel better. They can help take your mind off of your pain.



Research Your Therapist Before Beginning Treatment




1


Check the therapist's qualifications to make sure your therapist has been properly trained to treat you.





2


Trust your instincts. Ask for references if you feel that the therapist isn't being honest with you.





3


Check with family members to see if they have had successful physical therapy treatment in the past. Some of the best advice comes from the people you trust.





4


Visit the "American Physical Therapy Association" Web site for more information on choosing a physical therapist (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Find a physical therapist close to home or work to ensure you can make all scheduled appointments.








Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to help rid your body of toxins and impurities.








If you feel intense pain during treatment, alert your therapist immediately. It may be a matter of adjusting the amount of pressure they are using.








Physical therapy is not a substitute for emergency treatment. If you experience acute pain or vomiting please go to your medical physician or emergency room.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033109_choose-physical-therapist.html

How to Check a Physical Therapist's Qualifications

How to Check a Physical Therapist's Qualifications



It's imperative to trust that your therapist has been properly trained and certified as a physical therapist. Many therapists have additional training in specialty areas and offer additional certifications as a profit-increasing endeavor. This may be a good thing, from the patients perspective, if the therapist you find has received additional experience in treating your specific injury. While graduation from a medical program is important, more important is the licensing process. Follow these steps to learn how to verify a therapist has proven competency in treatment techniques, and is up to
date
with patient care standards.







Things You'll Need:





Computer with Internet access







Investigate Your Physical Therapist




1


Ask your physical therapist about their qualifications, education and training. Don't assume that a proper office appearance is all that's necessary to provide legitimate care.





2


Look to see what is displayed on the office walls. Check to see that there is a visible document that shows the current standing of the therapist's license.





3


Check with your "Department of Consumer Affairs" if you believe a practitioner is operating without proper qualifications. You may be able to save future patients from harm by being alert.





4


Call your state "Medical Board of Examiners" and inquire as to whether or not a practitioner has completed the qualifications for a license.



Know your Patient Rights




1


Read information about patient rights to be a fully-informed consumer.





2


Refuse treatment if you feel it's not in your best interest or if you believe it will negatively impact your injury. You have the right to discontinue care for yourself, assuming you're in a capable state of mind.





3


Be aware that you have the right to a medical review for any complaint you file against your doctor. This includes the level of treatment, service provided or condition of facilities.





4


Learn more about patients' rights at the "National Institutes of Health" Web site (see Resources below).








Tips & Warnings










Trust your instincts. If your research is sending up red flags, check into your information until you can verify its validity.








Treat your injury best with early diagnosis to begin effective treatment as early as possible.








Know that it's illegal for therapists to practice without a current license.








Set aside time to make a medical directive. If you become incapacitated, your wishes will still be carried out.








Don't use physical therapists in a medical emergency. If you're having symptoms like balance problems, vomiting or bleeding, go to the hospital immediately.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2033128_check-physical-therapists.html

How to Change Emotions With Hypnotherapy

How to Change Emotions With Hypnotherapy



Hypnotism is an old form of mind control. Anton Mesmer is often credited with introducing hypnotism into society in the 1700's, but actually it was already introduced centuries before as magic. The term mesmerize came from his name. Marquis de Puysgur actually discovered that it was not animal magnetism as Mesmer thought, but a sleep that allowed the power of suggestion.









1


Discover that you need to change. Sometimes people are in a state of depression, anxiety, or fear and for one reason or another, find that these emotions suit their needs at the moment. The first requirement to using hypnotherapy is knowing that you need and want a change.





2


Consult with a licensed therapist or medical practitioner that uses hypnotherapy. Check that they are a member of ASCH. Not all hypnotists are therapists, nor are all therapists hypnotists. This is a specialty. If you can't find one that is both, get the recommendation of a therapist, so you can work in conjunction with the hypnotherapy.





3


Discuss your feelings with the therapist. Make certain that there isn't a physical cause first. Therapists will direct you to a physician if that is necessary, otherwise, the therapist will aid you in a program both conscious and subconscious to help you make the changes you want to.





4


Realize that frequently reactions are not objective and necessary, but learned. Feelings are a type of reaction that may be learned, while physical depression is indeed physical and must be addressed as such. Reactive emotions are created and hypnotism can speed up the change of preconditioning.





5


Learn relaxation techniques. Your therapist can provide a series of self hypnosis and visualization techniques to practice.





6


Understand that you can't be forced to do anything that you normally wouldn't do when you're under hypnosis. Make certain that you trust your therapist but also know that you are ultimately still in control of your response. Too many movies inaccurately show the effects of hypnosis.





7


Expect to revisit situations that make you upset. Changing the emotions by inducing a relaxed state and revisiting them without panic or sadness is what hypnotherapy is all about. Look for improvement in about 4 to 10 sessions.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2124678_change-emotions-hypnotherapy.html

How to Care for your Hand

How to Care for your Hand



Nails should be kept clean with a nail brush.You can perfrom a home manicure once in a week..







Things You'll Need:





cotton wool




emery boards




hoof sticks one end for cleaning and the other for easing back cuticles




nail or cuticle cream




nail buff




oily nail-varnish remover









1


Remove all trace of nail varnish with an oily nail-varnish remover..





2


Wash hands in warm soapy water thoroughly,don't soak hands as this will soften the nails too much..





3


Massage nail or cuticle cream all over the nail and cuticle.Wait for 3 minutes..





4


Using the hoof stick gently ease the cuticle down and away from the nail..





5


Thoroughly clean the nail with the sharpened end of the hoof stick,wrapped in cotton wool.Then wash the hands to remove excess cream and dry them!!





6


Buff the nails using a one-way movement,this smoothens the nails!!





7


Shape the nails using an emery board using only upward movements,from the cuticles to the finger tips..Leave enough nail growth at each side to maintain strength...





8


Run nails in a pice of fabric to make sure all snugs jave disappeared...Should the cuticles be rough or snag!?Gently smooth them down using the mild side of the emery board..





9


Massage hands with hand cream...Twice a day toprevent hands from drying!!








Tips & Warnings










No tips because the tips are included in my steps already!!








If help is needed get an adult!!



http://www.ehow.com/how_2041367_care-hand.html

How to Use Binding to Hide Breasts

How to Use Binding to Hide Breasts



Women have historically bound their breasts to disguise themselves as men or to play men in movie films, but breast binding is becoming more relevant than ever as more women and men try to align their bodies with their gender identification. Breast binding is useful for anyone who wants to hide or reduce the size of a prominent chest.









Step
1



Wear either a
sports
bra that is slightly too small or wear two of your usual sports bras under your usual clothing. There are also men's shirts designed to constrict and conceal body contours.




Step
2



Layer tight-fitting clothing underneath regular clothing. In addition to wearing a sports bra, you can layer multiple
tank
tops


with built-in bras. Make sure the built-in layer is just an extra layer of elastic rather than a supportive or padded shelf.




Step
3



Use control-top pantyhose as a base layer alternative to a sports bra. Cut the feet off and cut out the crotch of the hose. Pull on the hose over your head, with the crotch serving as the neck hole and the legs becoming sleeves. The waistline should settle just beneath your breasts. You can cut the legs off as high up as you like.




Step
4



Wrap the breasts in an ace bandage or plastic wrap. This method is easy, but it's also higher maintenance than the others because any movement or activity can displace the wrap.




Step
5



Get someone else's opinion. Don't look down at your breasts or look in the mirror and panic if you feel like your breasts are still visible. Ask a trusted friend's opinion on whether your new look works or if you need to try something else.




Step
6



Remember that while breast binding does hide your breasts from other people, it's really about feeling comfortable in your own body and achieving an outward appearance that reflects who you are inside. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with yourself, so embrace the method you find most comfortable and that achieves the look you like most.







Tips & Warnings









Breasts that are bound too tightly or too often can develop cysts. Allow your breasts some free time every day to ensure that your body stays healthy.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2099798_use-binding-hide-breasts.html

How to Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner

How to Use an Ultrasonic Cleaner



An ultrasonic cleaner is used to clean fragile items by employing the use of ultrasonic waves. They were designed to protect delicate jewelry and surgical instruments while also thoroughly cleaning the items. If you own an ultrasonic cleaner, you can easily deep clean and sterilize items in a matter of minutes.









Step
1



Read the manual that comes along with the ultrasonic cleaner. The manual will provide basic operation instructions as well as any warnings to consider while using the device.




Step
2



Fill the tank with warm water. Look for the fill line on your ultrasonic cleaner and use this as a guide to the appropriate amount to put in.




Step
3



Add in the directed amount of ultrasonic cleaning solution. Each cleaning solution will instruct you to put in a different amount. You may only need to add a small amount of the product.




Step
4



Plug in the ultrasonic cleaner and allow it to warm up. After 5 to 10 minutes, you can begin placing the items that you want cleaned into the provided basket.




Step
5



Dunk the items into the water and cleaning solution mixture. Close the lid and wait for the cleaner's cycle to complete.




Step
6



Take the jewelry or other items out of the ultrasonic cleaner. Run them through water if necessary or simply dry them with a clean cloth.







Tips & Warnings









You can use the same cleaning solution several times in the ultrasonic cleaner. However, it should be changed on a semi-regular basis to ensure effective cleaning.








Don't plug in the cleaner before you put in the cleaning solution and water. Wait until after the solutions are placed inside.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2123280_use-ultrasonic-cleaner.html

How to Use a Stroller Umbrella

How to Use a Stroller Umbrella



A stroller umbrella provides protection for your baby. Stroller umbrellas shield against wind, rain and harsh sun. While many strollers come with an attached canopy, they don't always provide 180 degrees or more of protection. If you are walking into the sun or the rain, the child may be completely exposed. Keeping a stroller umbrella handy can fill in the gaps.









Step
1



Open up the stroller according to manufacturer's instructions.




Step
2



Adjust the stroller umbrella clasp to fit your particular stroller. Most stroller umbrellas have a feature to make the clasp bigger or smaller so you can use it with different types of strollers.




Step
3



Attach the clasp at the end of the umbrella to any of the frame tubes of the stroller. The most common places are on the sides of the stroller or on the front of the push handle. Tighten the clasp so it holds the umbrella steady even in the wind.




Step
4



Open the umbrella so you can see where the shade is cast.




Step
5



Adjust the clasp to reposition the entire umbrella. Most clasps can be rotated in at least one direction.




Step
6



Use the goose-neck rod to move the umbrella in multiple directions. This allows you to reposition the umbrella as conditions change or when the sun comes from a different direction.




Step
7



Remove the umbrella from the clasp to stow the stroller. Most stroller umbrellas come with detachable umbrellas so that you only have to install the clasp one time.







Tips & Warnings









Stroller umbrellas have additional applications beyond stroller use. You can also attach a stroller umbrella to a backpack, beach chair or wagon to provide a little shade.








Get an umbrella holder designed for golf bags to attach to the stroller's push handle. These allow you to anchor an golf umbrella to the stroller to protect both you and the baby from the elements as you push. That way you don't have to hold an umbrella in one hand and push the stroller with the other.








Some stroller umbrellas require a separate holder. Attach the umbrella holder over the frame tube of the stroller and insert the umbrella into the casing. Adjust these holders as you would any other stroller umbrella.








Some stroller umbrellas attach with a spring-loaded clip. These umbrellas are not as sturdy as those that use a clasp that can be tightened, and tend to blow over even in light wind. Use caution if you buy one of these stroller umbrellas, as they could actually blow down onto your child.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2119820_use-stroller-umbrella.html

How to Use a Spatula to Make Jewelry

How to Use a Spatula to Make Jewelry



A spatula can be handy item when you make jewelry, especially when gluing, mixing compounds, or joining pieces together. Gone are those elementary school days when you ended up with as much glue on your fingers as you had on your art project. Read this article to learn more about using a spatula when making jewelry.









Step
1



Use a spatula to mix resin and hardener when you make jewelry involving cut flowers. The broad end of the spatula makes the perfect tool to thoroughly mix the resin and hardener, thus making a mixture that will preserve the flowers forever.




Step
2



Grab your spatula when you make jewelry out of shrink plastic. After covering your designs with plastic and baking them in the oven, the spatula helps you remove the jewelry from the oven without damaging them. Tongs might twist or bend the jewelry, but the spatula preserves the pin's shape.




Step
3



Mix an Envirotex polymer compound with a wooden spatula when making jewelry out of cardboard. The wooden spatula is the perfect tool for mixing the compound, and it keeps the toxic chemicals from getting on your skin.




Step
4



Apply an amalgam of gold and mercury to small objects when gold-coating them by using a small, metal spatula made of steel. Spread the amalgam onto the object with the spatula as "you might spread butter."




Step
5



Bond two pieces together when making jewelry from PMC (precious metal clay) by pressing it with a spatula. The spatula can also be used to apply beads of PMC when you don't wish to use your fingers.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2189973_use-spatula-jewelry.html

How to Use a Ring Mandrel

How to Use a Ring Mandrel



A ring mandrel is used by jewelers to size and shape jewelry. Shaped like a long thin rod that gradually becomes thicker, a ring mandrel is marked for each size of ring. Here are a few tips on how you can use a ring mandrel.







Things You'll Need:





Ring mandrel



Rawhide hammer



Unshaped ring









Step
1



Size the ring. Before you can properly shape a ring for someone, be sure that you know the size of their finger. If you do not, have them try on a sizing ring to get the proper fit. Notate the size.




Step
2



Shape the ring or piece of jewelry. Using your rawhide hammer, bend the jewelry around the appropriate size. Be sure to use swift even taps of the hammer to avoid denting the jewelry.




Step
3



Close the ring. This can be done through soldering and smoothing the very edge where the ring closes. This process is different with different types of metals.




Step
4



Check the size of the ring. Slip the ring back on the ring mandrel to double check that your jewelry is the appropriate size. As it slides on, it should stick exactly at the size mark of the person for whom you are making the ring.







Tips & Warnings









Purchase sizing rings along with your jewelry mandrel. Since they are used in conjunction with one another, you might save some money.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2074869_use-ring-mandrel.html

How to Use a Polariscope to Make Jewelry

How to Use a Polariscope to Make Jewelry



A polariscope is used to determine the optic character of a gemstone. It is one of the most important tools in gemology. A polariscope with some modifications also can identify the optic sign of a gemstone and may allow additional internal features to be identified. The following steps will show how to use a polariscope with gems used in making jewelry.









Step
1



Set up the polariscope. Insert the flashlight into the opening below the unit and tighten the screw to hold it in place securely.




Step
2



Insert the rotating lens into the polariscope with the narrow end facing down. Place the gemstone into the holder in the open space and turn on the flashlight.




Step
3



Look through the viewer and turn the rotating lens one full rotation. Determine the refractivity of the gemstone by counting the number of times the gemstone goes dark during this rotation.




Step
4



Repeat Step 2 several times to verify the count. A stone with single refraction can easily appear to be double refractive when its color is outside the refractometer's limit. This can occur with red stones such as garnet, spinels and rubies.




Step
5



Analyze the results of the polariscope. A stone that is dark throughout the rotation is single refractive and a stone that is always light is a crystalline aggregate. The stone is double refractive if it blinks on and off four times over the rotation.




Step
6



Convert a gemological microscope into a polarizing microscope. Place one polarizing sheet over the light source and another one below the
optics
at a 90-degree rotation from the first one. This may allow negative inclusions to be distinguished from solid inclusions.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2191338_use-polariscope-jewelry.html

How to Use a Personal Shopper

How to Use a Personal Shopper



A personal shopper may seem like a luxury for the rich and famous, but times have changed. Everyday people can use personal shoppers to make their lives easier. If you're short on time, could use someone to run errands or need help building a wardrobe, then this option may be for you. Follow these steps to learn how to use a personal shopper.









1


Clarify your goals. Decide what you'll use your personal shopper for. Maybe you need a spring wardrobe. Perhaps you need someone to keep your refrigerator stocked or do the
Christmas
shopping.




2


Prepare a dossier. Use this profile to help your personal shopper get a better understanding of your particular wants and needs. If you need groceries, then make sure to include preferences and any allergies. If you need clothing or shoes, then include body measurements and sizing to ensure proper fit. The dossier should also catalog color and brand preferences. Briefly describe your style, eating habits and any other information pertinent to the type of shopping necessary.




3


Make a list. This may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked. Start with the must haves and work your way down to the negotiable. You and your personal shopper will benefit from a prioritized list.




4


Establish a budget. Your personal shopper needs to keep an eye on the bottom line. Clearly defined financial parameters leave no room for overspending.




5


Build a relationship. Using the same personal shopper regularly will make things easier over time. As you the personal shopper gets to know you, he will be able to make better choices for you.








Tips & Warnings










Establish a procedure for payments and returns up front.








Have your personal shopper visit stores with beneficial return policies in case something needs to go back.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2104022_use-personal-shopper.html

How to Use a Micro Umbrella

How to Use a Micro Umbrella



Micro umbrellas are handy to keep around for rain readiness, as they take up very little space. At approximately 6 inches in length when folded, they can be easily kept in a handbag, briefcase or backpack round the clock in case of an unexpected downpour. Their compactness is mostly limited to when they are retracted, as most micro umbrellas open up to provide close to a regular-sized canopy.







Things You'll Need:





Plastic bag with zip closure









Step
1



Keep your micro umbrella where it's handy, whether it's on your person, in your desk or in your car. The main benefit of a micro umbrella is that it's easily portable so you have it when you need it unexpectedly.




Step
2



Hold your micro umbrella handle firmly around shoulder level once extended. Most micro umbrellas don't have long shafts, so the handle must be held higher than the average umbrella.




Step
3



Use a micro umbrella to shield your body from the rain and the sun. Tilt the umbrella slightly to the back so the water runs in that direction.




Step
4



Practice proper etiquette when you use your micro umbrella by staying a proper distance from other people. The water that is being diverted from you rolls off the edges of the umbrella and can splash on other people if you walk too close. Additionally, the metal points around the edge of the umbrella can poke someone in the eye.




Step
5



Shake as much water off the umbrella as possible when you're finished and let it air dry, collapsed but not wrapped up. Wrapping up a wet umbrella will delay its drying.







Tips & Warnings









Keep a large plastic bag with zip closure along with your micro umbrella. Once you use your umbrella and it gets wet, you can no longer stow it away out of sight. Such a bag provides water-tight storage for your umbrella so you can put it back in your purse, briefcase or knapsack.








Choose a lightweight umbrella. The weight of an umbrella is mostly dependent on the material of the shaft and frame. Aluminum is a lightweight metal that works well in umbrella manufacturing.








Check out the different colors and patterns micro umbrellas come in. You don't have to stick to boring black--you can spice it up with a leopard print or another exciting design.








Don't count on a micro umbrella to stand up to a lot of abuse from wind and rain. These umbrellas are popular for their size, not their sturdy construction.








Look around before you open your umbrella to make sure it won't hit anyone when when the canopy is fully extended.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2119817_use-micro-umbrella.html