Time management tips for busy college kids

Today's college students are busier than ever before. Tuition hikes and higher cost of living has forced many college students to work part-time jobs in addition to their full-time jobs as students.

In addition to the need to work, college students are also embracing extracurricular activities in an attempt to make themselves stand out in an increasingly competitive post-college job market.

While that ability to multi-task might one day prove attractive to prospective employers, it's an ability many students must learn. Time is often a commodity for college students, and managing time effectively can make the difference between a successful student and one who is overwhelmed by stress.

*Learn to prioritize. For some college students, the weekend is the ultimate priority. Though this might be a recipe for fun, it's not a recipe for success. Prioritizing both academic and social commitments is a very important step for students looking to manage time more effectively.

First and foremost, school should be a student's top priority. After studies, it's up to a student to choose what's the next most important priority. This is often very difficult, as colleges typically offer a bevy of activities to students. Socializing is an important aspect of college life, but students must be careful not to place socializing too far up the totem pole of their priorities. When prioritizing, it's best to keep in mind education comes first. Keep school and school-related activities high on the list of priorities.

*Don't over-extend. Many students love college for the very reason that there is so much to do. In an effort to ensure all students make the most of their college experiences, colleges and universities provide many different avenues by which students can express themselves and become a part of the college community's fabric. However, with all those activities, it's easy for college kids to go overboard and over-commit themselves. Attempting to do too much can lead to feelings of stress and burnout, often resulting in poorer academic performance. When managing time, college students should schedule some daily time to relax and take a breather.

*Keep a planner. Daily planners might seem very adult, but they're also very practical. Students with academic, extracurricular and social commitments should write things down in a daily planner to help keep their heads from spinning. Larger things like midterm exams or research papers don't need to be included in a daily planner. But smaller details that tend to get lost in the shuffle should be written down to help students stay on track and make the most of all of their commitments.

*Stay as flexible as possible. While today's busy college students might scoff at the suggestion they stay flexible, flexibility is an important element of time management. Few plans ever go off without a hitch, no matter how well planned they are. Something unexpected tends to pop up around every corner. By remaining flexible with their time, students are putting themselves in positions to better handle these unexpected surprises, be it a sickness, a computer crash, car troubles, etc.

Women's health issues doctors may miss

While many women are comfortable with their family practice or women's health office and find they get good care, many more women are dissatisfied. Experts say that many women complain that their doctors aren't taking their symptoms seriously. They're told symptoms could be psychosomatic or the result of over-worrying. As a result, many walk out of medical offices without answers and could face further complications down the line.

Oftentimes, women are suffering from an autoimmune disease, in which the body is attacking itself. Doctors could miss the symptoms and rule it out as "something in your head." However, generally women know when something is amiss with their bodies. Therefore it is important for women to educate themselves about common diseases that often go undiagnosed. Learning about the risk factors and the symptoms of diseases can help you to get help and feel better faster by broaching the subject with your doctor.

-Fibromyalgia. This is often unexplainable widespread pain, extreme tiredness and sometimes numbness that lasts for months or more. There are no lab tests to test for fibromyalgia, therefore doctors generally go through a few questions and do a tender point test. If various points on the body are tender without obvious sign of bruising or redness, it could be fibromyalgia. There is no cure, only pain medication to alleviate symptoms. Light exercise with stretching can help.

-Lupus. Each year, more people are diagnosed with lupus - 90 percent of them are women. Doctors think that hormones play a role in lupus, seeing as many women are diagnosed right after pregnancy. Lupus affects many areas of the body, including the blood, kidneys, skin, joints and lungs. Generally the body becomes its own worst nightmare. Lupus is diagnosed if you have at least four of the symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medication is used to treat the pain of lupus, but there is no cure.

-Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is another debilitating disease that can impact quality of life. Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the linings of the joints (called synovium) due to the immune system. Swelling, aching, and potential deformity in hands, wrists, hips, knees, and feet can occur. RA can be difficult to diagnose because many different types of arthritis have the same symptoms. However, an antibody called rheumatoid factor is present in 80 percent of RA patients. A blood test can detect this antibody. Tests that measure inflammation also may be ordered. For a visual, X-rays are taken over time to plot the level of joint deterioration. High doses of omega fatty acids can help with swelling and pain, as can certain medications.

-Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This is caused by high levels of androgens -male hormones- in a woman's body. The androgens form when there is too much insulin present. The insulin infiltrates the ovaries and causes them to produce more testosterone. Cysts form as a result. Half of all women with PCOS end up with diabetes. Symptoms of PCOS include excessive weight gain, more hair growth on the chest, face, back and limbs, irregular or nonexistent periods, and baldness. When other diseases are ruled out, such as hyperthyroidism, an ultrasound to see if abnormal growths are present on the ovaries could be ordered. Treatment includes birth control pills to regulate menstruation and medicine to reduce blood glucose.

Eliminating painting odors

Painting a room can give it a face lift in a day. While painting can have many appealing benefits, one of the project's pitfalls is the odor left behind. This can leave homeowners wondering how to reduce paint smells in the home.

The advancements of paint have led to many varieties of low-odor paints. However, even the most low-odor of the bunch will have some residual smell. What's more, homeowners retrofitting spaces that are older or who have used oil-based paints in the past may need to use a more potent paint to cover dark colors, block water infiltration or simply adhere to previous paint applications. These stronger paints tend to be more potent.

There are some steps homeowners can take when paint fumes are bound to overwhelm, particularly in a child's bedroom.

1.Empty the entire room of furniture and any porous materials that can trap paint fumes. This also will make it easier to paint with no obstructions.

2.Open the windows in the room before any paint cans are opened, and keep them open during the duration of the job.

3.Consider the use of latex paints, which are generally low-odor.

4.If alkyd, alcohol, or shellac paints must be used, add a few drops of vanilla extract to the paint to alleviate any odors. It won't affect the color of application.

5.Wait until the walls have fully dried before closing windows and returning the furniture to the room.

6.Promptly close paint cans and gather materials used for cleaning and removal from the room. Store them in a sealed container to prevent odors from spreading throughout the house.

7.If odors are persistent, placing a bowl of cut up onions in water in the room is an old trick that may or may not work. The onions supposedly absorb the paint odors, sometimes in as little as one day. This is an inexpensive idea to try.

Many consumers choose green clothing

Eco-friendly is the buzzword "du jour" in the fashion industry. More and more designers and manufacturers are turning to green fabrics and production policies to produce clothing for the mainstream.

So what is "green" clothing? Generally green items are produced with organic fibers of naturally sustainable materials. They also could be made from recycled items -- even plastic. Green clothing can be produced under the auspices of fair trade policies and without the use of dangerous chemicals or dyes.

According to Fashion and Earth, an eco-friendly clothing retailer, Organic and eco textiles cover a wide range of natural and recycled fibers. Certified Organic textiles are grown in controlled settings with no pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers and are certified by an international governing body such. The term 'eco textiles' refers to a select group of textiles that have a reduced carbon, energy and pollution impact when compared to the standard methods used to produce textiles and manufacture clothing. Generally, sustainable textiles are produced from crops that do not require pesticides or chemicals to be grown, use less water and energy to be produced and processed, and create less waste during production, processing and at the end of their useful lives (known collectively as their 'environmental footprint'). Sustainable textiles can also refer to manmade fabrics produced from renewablesources such as bamboo or wood.

People are looking for easy ways to improve the environment. Choosing green clothing is one of the easier ways to make voices heard.

Many consumers will purchase green clothing if it is easily accessible and on par with traditionally produced clothing items. It's rare that the average shopper will intentionally seek out eco-friendly clothing. Therefore, stores are stepping up their efforts to make green clothes as accessible and affordable as other items.

Oftentimes, shoppers can find tags and labels that tout the green properties of a particular piece of clothing. Some of the verbiage that can be found on labels includes green, organic, fair trade, renewable and sustainable.

What's more, the feel and look of green clothing is improving as much as its availability is increasing. It used to be that organic fibers were duller and more coarse than traditionally produced fabrics. Today, however, manufacturers of organic cotton, hemp and bamboo produce clothing that is just as attractive and comfortable as other fabrics.

While many organic items tend to be more expensive than traditionally produced clothing, some big-name retailers are offering items at prices that are equal or nearly equal to other clothing. This eliminates price point as a factor in choosing green over traditional clothing.

Choosing eco-friendly clothing is still largely a personal choice among consumers. But the improved feel, fit, look, price, and availability of green items is contributing to the increasing popularity of these items.

How to encourage your baby to self-soothe

There are many things parents can teach their children. However, there are some things that children must learn for themselves. Soothing is one of them. But that doesn't mean parents can't provide the environment for baby to do the learning.

If your baby never spends time playing on the floor, how can he or she learn how to crawl? The same concept applies to self-soothing. If your child never has the opportunity to try to calm himself or herself down, the baby will continually be reliant on you as the parent to provide the soothing.

Self-soothing takes time and practice, just like anything else a baby will learn. Ensuring your baby catches on quickly requires a few steps.

1.Create a consistent routine. If you want your baby to self-soothe at nap time and bedtime do the same things each day before you will be placing your child in the crib, and ideally at the same time. For example, at nap time tell your child that he is going to go for a nap. At night, give the baby a bath, feeding or whatever nighttime routine you use.

2.Learn to read the baby's signals that indicate he or she is getting tired. Chances are your baby will become tired at the same time each day and sleeping patterns will become predictable.

3.Baby goes in the crib when he or she is drowsy, but not entirely asleep. Place the child in the crib when he or she is showing signs of sleepiness. This way the infant grows accustomed to falling asleep in the crib, rather than in your arms or in your bed. The first few times will likely be met with resistance. However, give your baby time to figure it out. Don't run in and pick up the baby at the first whimper.

4.Recognize when waking the sleeping baby is acceptable. Many parents adhere to the mantra "never wake a sleeping baby." However, you have to look at the bigger picture and use your own instincts when baby is sleeping. If your child has fallen asleep outside of the usual schedule, or is taking a longer nap than usual, it may be alright to wake him or her to get the child back on track. Also, if your baby has fallen asleep in your arms at night, you may want to wake the child so that he or she has the opportunity to drift back off while in the crib. This way he or she learns how to self-soothe and that will pay dividends when the infant can go back to sleep without your help in the middle of the night.

5.Don't give up. If your baby just won't catch on, he or she may not be ready. Wait a few weeks and try again. Find out if there's something you're doing wrong, such as rushing into the baby's room prematurely or failing to create a relaxing, predictable schedule before it's time to drift to sleep. Eventually your child can learn how to self-soothe.

Make a statement with a shaved head

There's something to be said for a full head of hair, and there's also something to be said for a shiny, shaved head. For centuries, men have been shaving their heads for a variety of reasons. Whether for religious beliefs, or for sanitary reasons, a bald head was often a necessity.

Today, head shaving among men is more of a fashion statement. While there are plenty of men who lop off their locks to disguise a receding hairline, there are plenty who prefer a close crop because it's stylish. The look is popular among celebrities. However, you'll find plenty of regular Joes sporting a chrome dome, too.

There are several advantages to going bare up there. For many, the primary benefit is convenience, particularly in the mornings before leaving for work. There is also the financial savings on shampoo and conditioner (although those savings may be offset by shaving cream and sunblock). You can also save by not having to visit the barber or a hair salon, particularly if you're a shave-at-home sort of guy. Another benefit is that a shaved head eliminates the dreaded and embarrassing combovers or toupees that many balding men sport to "hide" their receding hairline. Shaving the head can disguise balding and make a bold statement that plays up facial features.

When you're ready to lose your locks, there are some pointers that can make the process go easier and reduce the risk for nicks and cuts.

Head Shaving How-To

1.Use electric hair clippers to cut your hair to no more than a quarter-inch in length. If you don't have clippers, you may want to visit the barber one last time to get trimmed down.

2.Invest in a quality shaving blade.

3.To get a smooth, even shave, it helps if your scalp muscles are relaxed and the remaining hair is softened considerably. That is why it's often recommended to shave in the shower. Invest in a non-fogging mirror and bring your shaving supplies into the shower.

4.Allow the steam and water to relax the scalp and soften the hair. Work a shaving lubricant, such as a foam or gel, into your scalp thoroughly.

5.Work in long, clean strokes to shave off all of the hair. Avoid going over the same areas twice to prevent irritation. Rinse the razor repeatedly during the process.

6.Rinse and shampoo your head and check for any areas that need touch-ups.

7.After the shower, apply a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer to your head that won't block pores. Remember to apply sunscreen to your face and head to prevent sunburn. Your newly exposed skin will be very sensitive.

8.Repeat the process as needed to maintain your shaved look.

Cyber safety for kids of all ages

With the first decade of the 21st century now a thing of the past, historians can look back on the last 10 years and begin reflecting on the decade's most memorable moments.

Historians can also begin looking at what changed in the last 10 years, and which trends made the biggest impact. Perhaps nothing made a greater impact than the Internet. Though prevalent at the end of the 20th century, the Internet became even more so during the first decade of the 21st century, changing nearly every facet of society along the way.

While the Internet made things easier in many ways, it's made things more difficult in more subtle ways as well. Take, for example, kids and the Internet. While computers were once a place for kids to play games and write papers for school, nowadays the household computer is a means to reaching a whole new world, one that isn't always so safe for kids. That reality highlights the importance parents must place on safeguarding their kids from the ills of the Internet. Fortunately, there are several steps parents can take to keep kids of all ages safe from whatever or whoever might be lurking online.

·Establish a list of Web sites that are on and off limits. Parents must talk to kids about the nature of the Internet, and how some Web sites are geared toward adults and some are more kid-friendly. When having this discussion, ask kids why they might go online, and from there parents and children can begin to establish a list of Web sites that are acceptable, and those that are off limits. Parents can even safeguard access to Web sites outside the realm of what they've deemed acceptable by establishing passwords to get on certain sites.

·Don't share passwords and change them regularly. Nowadays, more and more sites require passwords to gain full access. E-mail accounts, social networking sites, online banking, and even online retailers require a password. Kids and adults alike should always keep these passwords secret and change them regularly. Do not use the same password for every Web site. If anything seems out of the ordinary or if you feel security might have been breached, immediately contact the Web site and change the password.

·Do not share personal information. Today's kids are growing up in an environment that's seemingly less private than ever before. Social networking Web sites have made it commonplace to share information easily and without much discretion. However, this has the potential to be very dangerous for younger and older kids alike. Younger kids could be unknowingly making themselves accessible to online predators, while older kids, even those in college, should be made aware that prospective employers have begun to visit social networking sites to research an applicant's background. The more that's shared online, the less privacy a user has. So it's best to exercise discretion whenever sharing information online.

·Do not arrange to meet anyone you have met online. Though older kids might feel they have enough wits about them to avoid falling victim to an online predator, it's precisely that attitude of invincibility that online predators count on. Younger and older kids should never meet an online acquaintance without first discussing it with their parents. Simply because someone says they're something online doesn't mean they are, and many a horror story has resulted from online predators taking advantage of trusting kids, young and old, and even adults.

·Beware of online viruses. Online safety does not just involve protecting oneself from physical harm but also financial harm. Online viruses can destroy even the most expensive computers, so it's important for computer users to exercise careful control when visiting Web sites. Oftentimes, a virus will surface through a pop-up window or spam e-mail, so it's best for adults and kids alike to avoid clicking on any pop-up windows or opening any e-mails from mailers they don't recognize.