How to Calculate Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive Predictive Value, and Negative Predictive Value

For any given test administered to a given population, it is important to calculate the sensitivity^[1], specificity^[2], positive predictive value^[3], and negative predictive value^[4], in order to determine how useful the test is to detect a disease or characteristic in the given population. If we want to use a test to test a specific characteristic in a sample population, we would like to know:

• How likely is the test to detect the presence of a characteristic in someone with the characteristic (sensitivity)?
• How likely is the test to detect the absence of a characteristic in someone without the characteristic (specificity)?
• How likely is someone with a positive test result to actually have the characteristic (positive predictive value)?
• How likely is someone with a negative test result to actually not have the characteristic (negative predictive value)?
  
  

These values are very important to calculate in order to determine whether a test is useful for measuring a specific characteristic in a given population. This article will demonstrate how to calculate these values.

Steps

Calculator

Sensitivity and Specificity Calculator

Doing Your Own Calculation

1. Define a population to sample, e.g. 1000 patients in a clinic.
   
2. Define the disease or characteristic of interest, e.g. syphilis.
   
3. Have a well-established gold standard test to determine the prevalence of disease or characteristic, e.g. darkfield microscopic documentation of presence of the Treponema pallidum bacteria from scrapes off a syphilitic sore, in collaboration with clinical findings. Use the gold standard test to determine who has the characteristic and who does not. For illustration, let us say 100 people have it and 900 do not.
   
4. Have a test that you are interested in determining its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for this population, and run this test on everyone within the chosen population sample. For example, let this test be a rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test to screen for syphilis. Use it to test the 1000 people in the sample.
   
5. For people that have the characteristic (as determined by the gold standard), record the number of people who tested positive and the number of people who tested negative. Do the same for people that do not have the characteristic (as determined by the gold standard). You will end up with four numbers. People with the characteristic AND tested positive are the true positives (TP). People with the characteristic AND tested negative are the false negatives (FN). People without the characteristic AND tested positive are the false positives (FP). People without the characteristic AND tested negative are the true negatives (TN) For example, let us suppose you did the RPR test on the 1000 patients. Among the 100 patients with syphilis, 95 of them tested positive, and 5 tested negative. Among the 900 patients without syphilis, 90 tested positive, and 810 tested negative. In this case, TP=95, FN=5, FP=90, and TN=810.
   
6. To calculate the sensitivity, divide TP by (TP+FN). In the case above, that would be 95/(95+5)= 95%. The sensitivity tells us how likely the test is come back positive in someone who has the characteristic. Among all people that have the characteristic, what proportion will test positive? 95% sensitivity is pretty good.
   
7. To calculate the specificity, divide TN by (FP+TN). In the case above, that would be 810/(90+810)= 90%. The specificity tells us how likely the test is to come back negative in someone who does not have the characteristic. Among all people without the characteristic, what proportion will test negative? 90% specificity is pretty good.
   
8. To calculate the positive predictive value (PPV), divide TP by (TP+FP). In the case above, that would be 95/(95+90)= 51.4%. The positive predictive value tells us how likely someone is to have the characteristic if the test is positive. Among all people that test positive, what proportion truly has the characteristic? 51.4% PPV means that if you test positive, you have a 51.4% chance of actually having the disease.
   
9. To calculate the negative predictive value (NPV), divide TN by (TN+FN). In the case above, that would be 810/(810+5)= 99.4%. The negative predictive value tells us how likely someone is to not have the characteristic if the test is negative. Among all people that test negative, what proportion truly does not have the characteristic? 99.4% NPV means that if you test negative, you have a 99.4% chance of not having disease.
   

Video

Tips

• Accuracy, or efficiency, is the percentage of test results correctly identified by the test, i.e. (true positives + true negatives)/total test results = (TP+TN)/(TP+TN+FP+FN).
• Good screening tests have high sensitivity, because you want to be able to pick up all those that have the characteristic. Tests with very high sensitivity are useful to rule out diseases or characteristics if they come back negative. ("SNOUT": SeNsitivity-rule OUT)
• Try drawing out a 2x2 table to make things easier.
• Good confirmatory tests have high specificity, because you want your test to be specific and not mislabel those without the characteristic as having it. Tests with very high specificity are useful to rule in diseases or characteristics if they come back positive. ("SPIN": SPecificity-rule IN)
• Know that sensitivity and specificity are intrinsic properties of a given test, and do not depend on the given population, i.e. these two values should be the same when the same test is applied to different populations.
• Try to understand these concepts well.
• Positive predictive value and negative predictive value, on the other hand, depend upon the prevalence of the characteristic in a given population. The rarer the characteristic, the lower the positive predictive value and the higher the negative predictive value (because pre-test probability is low for rare characteristic). Conversely, the more common the characteristic, the higher the positive predictive value and the lower the negative predictive value (because pre-test probability is high for common characteristic).

Warnings

• It is easy to make careless mistakes in calculation. Check your math carefully. Drawing out a 2x2 table will help.

Related wikiHows

• How to Calculate Intrinsic Value
• How to Understand and Use Basic Statistics
• How to Calculate Relative Risk

Sources and Citations

• http://ift.tt/1LXVXfb
• http://ift.tt/1NyOs0z

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1Q9X0Ne

How to Dip Dye Hair with Kool Aid

Want to add a pop of color to your hair? Kool-Aid is a fun, cheap, and chemical-free (other than things like Citric Acid, Calcium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Artificial Flavor, Red 40, and Blue 1) way to temporarily dye the ends of your hair. Read this article to learn how!

Steps

Prepping Hair

1. Make sure that your hair is completely dry. For best results, dye hair that has been washed the day before. Hair that is either too dirty or too damp will not absorb as much color.
   
2. Brush out any tangles. Use a brush or comb to detangle your hair, and make sure that there are no styling products (gel, hairspray, etc.) in your hair prior to coloring.
   

Dying Hair

Repeat Twice

1. Pour two packets of sugar-free Kool-Aid and two cups of water into a pot. Place the pot on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil.
   
   • Kool-Aid is available in a variety of colors: try red (cherry), pink (raspberry), blue (mixed berry) and purple (grape). For a more sheer color, dilute the mixture with extra water. For a more vibrant result, use less water and/or more Kool Aid.
2. Remove the pot from heat. Put Kool-Aid into mug or bowl. Dip the ends of your hair into the liquid and hold for 3-5 minutes, up to 10, if hair is really thick. This will allow the color to set.
   
   • Determine how much of your hair you want to color. For just the tips, submerge of hair in the liquid. For a more dramatic look, try dipping of your hair.
3. Remove hair from the liquid and pat dry. You can either use paper towels or a bath towel that you don't mind staining (color will leak onto the towel).
   
4. Allow hair to dry completely before washing. Enjoy your new look!
   
   • Remember that some Kool-Aid contains sugar, so after it dries, rinse your hair promptly to get rid of stickiness and avoid attracting bugs.

Removing the Color

1. Wash your hair more often. Kool-Aid dye can take between one month to three months to wash out, depending on your natural hair color. You can speed up this process by washing your hair more often than you normally do using any kind of shampoo.
   
2. Use baking soda for long hair only. Fill a large pot with water, making sure to use enough water to submerge your dyed hair into. Once the water is boiling, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Remove the pot from heat. Carefully, dip the dyed ends of your hair in and out of the water for about 1 minute. Avoid scalding (hot water burning) your hands, arms, scalp, face, etc.
   
   • The water will make a fizzing noise, and the color will drain from your hair into the pot. This method will remove most of the color within a few minutes.
   • Discard the baking soda water, and then wash your hair immediately. Be sure to use conditioner to restore moisture.
3. Use vinegar. Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 cup of warm water. Pour this mixture over your hair in the shower, letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Follow with shampoo and conditioner.
   

Maintaining the Color

1. Wash your hair less often. The dye will eventually fade over time, depending on the number of washes it goes through. You can slow down the fading process by washing your hair less often than you normally do.
   
2. Change your shampoo. Use a shampoo made specifically for color-treated hair, or switch to an all natural shampoo that contains less harsh chemicals, such as sulfates and other chemicals that may damage hair and increase color fading.
   
3. Use sun-protecting products. Prolonged exposure to the sun will cause hair color to fade more rapidly. Protect your hair from the sun by using hair products that contain sunscreen, a scarf or a hat.
   

Video

Tips

• If you have darker hair, leave it soaking in the stain longer.
• Do not use the packets of Kool-Aid that say 'Sweetened'. Get the ones that say 'Unsweetened' because it does not have chemicals (ingredients) that may dry your hair out.
• The color will stain your hands, so wear rubber or plastic gloves. If you don't, try washing your hands with toothpaste or shaving gel to wash off the stain.
• Red (cherry) shows well on darker hair, dark auburn.
• Be sure to make sure the packages you use come in powder form and are sugar free. Otherwise your hair could attract bugs, such as ants.
• Wear an old shirt incase of staining.
• If you have thick hair, try dying it in sections.
• If the tips of your hair are dark and you want red, use two packets of purple and let it sit in your hair for 15 minutes. The purple will stain and leave a bright red stain instead.
• Kool-Aid can easily stain clothes and towels, so wear a t-shirt you don't mind getting rid of. Alternatively, wear a plastic garbage bag around your neck and shoulders to protect clothing.
• Avoid using shampoo soap on the dyed portion of your hair if you want it to last a long time.
• If your school does not allow coloring in your hair, and the summer is almost over, then use blue for a lighter color.
• If you are unsure about what color or opacity you'd like, try testing one strand of hair first to see how the color turns out.
• If you have long hair, you may want to use a ponytail or braid it.
• Use conditioner if you want a more paste like dye.
• Try not to use that much water, only use about half a teaspoon of water or else the Kool-Aid will not stay on and nothing will happen at all.
• How long the color lasts will depend on your natural hair color and the flavor of Kool-Aid you used. For darker hair, color will be less apparent, washing out in 2-3 washes. For very light hair, color may be visible for over a month. Purple and red Kool-Aid lasts a long time in light hair, 8 months to a year. Blues last only a few weeks.
• The more water you use, the less vibrant the colors are.
• The color works best on light (blonde or light brown) hair. If you have very dark hair, you may need to bleach the ends prior to dying them.

Things You'll Need

• 2 packets of unsweetened Kool-Aid (any flavor)
• Pot
• Paper towels or bath towel
• Water

Related wikiHows

• How to Dip Dye Hair Temporarily
• How to Dip Dye Hair with Kool Aid and Conditioner
• How to Dip Dye Your Hair with Kool Aid at Different Lengths with Different Colors

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/ScKFvK

How to Help a Dog Who Has Canine Epilepsy

Canine epilepsy is hard on your dog’s health and hard on you as well. Epilepsy means that your dog suffers from repeated seizures.^[1] A seizure is the result of a burst of electrical energy in the brain.^[2] Some dogs will only have one seizure and never have another one again, while others will have repeated seizures. It is crucial to you’re your dog to see a veterinarian if he suffers from seizures. Seizures may become more severe without veterinary interventions. To help a dog with epilepsy, you can do several things, including supporting your dog during the episode, getting your dog the help he needs after an episode, and taking steps to help prevent further seizures.

Steps

Helping Your Dog During a Seizure

1. Comfort your dog. Your dog is going to be scared and confused during and after a seizure, so it is crucial to do everything that you can to help him feel less afraid. If your dog suffers from frequent seizures, you will also want to learn how to recognize the signs of a seizure so that you can prepare. Some simple steps that you can take to comfort your dog during a seizure include:^[3]
   
   • Placing a cushion or pillow beneath your dog’s head. This will help to protect your dog's head during a seizure.
   • Speaking to your dog in a low, soothing voice. Say things like, "It's okay, buddy. That's a good boy. Easy, easy, I got you."
   • Petting your dog in a calming, gentle way. You may also consider letting your dog lay across your lap or holding him if he is a small dog.
2. Keep your hands out of your dog’s mouth. It is a misconception that dogs will swallow their tongues, and under no circumstances should you stick your hand or fingers into your dog's mouth when s/he is having a seizure. You will get bit. Do not try to put any objects into your dog’s mouth either or your dog may break a tooth or even choke.^[4]
3. Soothe your dog after the seizure. It is important to get your dog calmed down before taking any other action. Sometimes the seizure may restart if your dog is very nervous and/or tries to get up before he has recovered. Continue soothing your dog and stay close for a while after the episode.^[5]
   • To help your dog relax, keep the room quiet. Turn of the television and TV and don’t allow more than one or two people in the room. Take other pets out of the room as well.
4. Pay attention to the duration of our dog’s seizures. Try to keep track of how long the seizures last. If your phone is handy, taking a video of the event may also help the veterinarian to diagnose your dog.
   • If the seizure continues for longer than five minutes, get your pet to a veterinary emergency room as soon as possible. Long seizures can exhaust the respiratory muscles and this can interfere with your dog's ability to breathe.^[6]

Treating Your Dog After a Seizure

1. Take your dog to see a veterinarian. Once the seizure is over, it is important to take your dog to the veterinarian for an examination. This examination will consist of numerous tests to rule out other causes of seizures, which will help your veterinarian to determine the best treatment option for your dog. If these tests are all negative, then your dog may be suffering from primary seizure disorder and your veterinarian will discuss medications with you.
   
2. Ask about medications. There are several medications available that reduce the number and severity of seizures in dogs. Most of these medications need to be given daily and will need to be continued for the rest of your dog’s life. The primary options include:^[7]
   • Phenobarbital. This is the most common medication used in dogs with epilepsy. It works by suppressing seizure activity in the brain.
   • Potassium Bromide. This drug is used if phenobarbital causes health problems. Sodium bromide may be used as an alternative to potassium bromide. They both decrease seizure activity in the brain.
   • Gabapentin. This antiepileptic drug is commonly combined with another medication to help control generalized seizures.
   • Diazepam. This drug is commonly used as a sedative instead of a regular drug to control seizures, but it may be used if your dog’s seizures are frequent and long-lasting.
3. Expect sedative effects. Most anti-epileptic drugs will cause some sedation early on, but most dogs will adjust to this sedative effect. Sometimes, too, combination drug therapy can help lessen sedation if your dog seems to react too strongly to one medication.
   • Keep in mind that medication may affect your dog's liver and kidneys, so you should weigh the cost/benefit of treatment versus coping with the occasional seizure.
4. Talk to your veterinarian about sedating your dog during stressful situations. If your dog is very high strung, you may have to use sedatives to prevent seizures during times of stress. Talk to your veterinarian about giving your dog an occasional sedative for these types stressful situations.^[8]
   • You may want to sedate your dog on certain holidays, such as Independence Day in the USA, or others where fireworks are used.
   • You may also want to sedate your dog if you will have a full house and your dog is stressed by strangers.
   • Even during thunderstorms, you may need to tranquilize your dog to get him or her through the frightening noises and flashes of light.
5. Monitor your dog’s condition. Canine epilepsy, while treatable in most dogs, is a progressive problem. Even with medication, some dogs may continue to have seizures now and then. If episodes become more frequent or severe, consult your dog’s veterinarian immediately.^[9]
   
   • Keep in mind that as your dog gets older, seizures and episodes can become more frequent and severe.

Learning About Canine Epilepsy

1. Understand the types of epilepsy. Dogs suffer from two main types of epilepsy: primary and secondary. Primary epilepsy tends to strike young dogs (under two years of age) as it is a genetic disorder although it can take until the age of six to manifest.^[10] This condition is also known as idiopathic epilepsy. Secondary epilepsy may occur at any age. This type of epilepsy is often due to another problem that affects the neurological system, such as an infection, a disease, a brain injury, a stroke or brain tumor.^[11]
2. Know how to identify a grand mal seizure. In a grand mal seizure, the dog falls to its side and becomes rigid while thrashing its limbs. It may howl, salivate, bite, urinate and/or defecate during the seizure, which will last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Keep in mind that not all dogs have grand mal seizures. Some dogs may have less severe or obvious seizures.^[12]
3. Identify a generalized seizure. Some dogs may suffer from seizure that prompt them to move in a strange way or do something repetitive such as licking or walking in a circle. Pay attention to any unusual behavior that your dog displays. If you are unsure if this behavior is a seizure or not, talk to your veterinarian.^[13]
4. Watch for signs of an oncoming seizure. Prior to a seizure, your dog may sense that something isn't right and begin to react. You may notice your dog doing certain things before a seizure such as:^[14]
   
   • acting clingy
   • pacing
   • whining
   • vomiting
   • looking dazed or confused

Tips

• Look for external triggers like pesticides or household cleaners that can trigger episodes in your dogs.
• The most important thing is to be there for your dog while they are having a seizure. Seizures can be very scary for dogs, so it is vital to comfort them and make it less scary as possible.
• It's a good idea to keep an old towel near by while your dog is having the seizure. Often dogs give signs before excreting. If they start gagging, or giving any signs, it is handy to have a towel to make clean up easier.

Warnings

• A seizure lasting more than five minutes can be life threatening. Bring your dog to the veterinarian immediately.
• Never stop any prescribed medication suddenly without discussing this with your veterinarian.

Related wikiHows

• How to Get Help for Dogs with Canine Epilepsy
• How to Detect Diabetes in Dogs
• How to Avoid Foods Dangerous for Your Dog
• How to Care for a Dog After It Has Just Vomited
• How to Get Over a Seizure
• How to Comfort Your Dog

Sources and Citations

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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1Psvx7U

How to Make Coconut Flour With Flaked Coconut

Coconut flour can be a bit pricey. Why spend the money if you can make it yourself!? Read on to learn how. It's easy and has fiber for your diet!

Steps

1. Soak the unsweetened coconut flakes for four hours. The ratio of water to coconut flakes needs to be 4:1.
   
   • Example: Four cups of water to one cup of flakes.
2. Using a food processor, process the coconut until it is smooth.
   
3. Put all of the coconut mixture into the cheesecloth and squeeze as much as you can. Get all of the water out of it. This fluid is the coconut milk. Refrigerate the coconut milk for use.
   
4. Spread the pulp in the cheesecloth onto a baking sheet.
   
5. Bake in a 200 degree Fahrenheit oven until dry.
   
6. Process in the food processor, or something similar, until you have the flour that you need.
   
   • A low energy alternative to the food processor is a mortar and pestle!

Tips

• You can use coconut pieces from a fresh coconut instead of the flaked or shredded coconut.
• If you use the sweetened version, your flour will be sweeter. Keep this in mind and adjust your sugar in your recipes accordingly.

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Food Processor
• Cheesecloth

Related wikiHows

• How to Be Gluten Free
• How to Make Gluten Free Cheesecake Crust
• How to Know What Flour to Use for Gluten Free Baking
• How to Make Gluten Free Flour
• How to Grocery Shop for a Gluten Free Diet
• How to Make Chocolate Coconut Bars
• How to Make Banana Coconut Bars

Sources and Citations

• Information for article comes from eHow.com

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/1yVsI7q

How to Roller Skate

Roller skating and rollerblading can be a fun leisure activity, a great form of exercise, a competitive sport, or a mode of transportation. Once you learn the proper stance and how to glide and stop, you'll be sailing around the rink in no time. Read on to learn the fundamentals of rollerblading or inline skating and tips on taking your skills to the next level.

Steps

Learning the Basics

1. Put on your skating equipment. The only equipment you really need to roller skate is a pair of skates that fit you. You can buy a pair from a sporting goods store or rent a pair from any roller skating rink. Skate sizes are typically the same as standard shoe sizes. In addition to roller skates, you might want to pick up the following items:
   
   
   • A helmet. Since you're just starting out, wearing a helmet may help you feel more comfortable. Everyone takes a few spills at first, and wearing a helmet will protect your head from injury.
   • Knee pads and wrist guards. Your hands and knees are bound to hit the floor a few times as you learn how to roller skate. If you're concerned about getting a bit scraped up, protect yourself with knee pads and wrist guards.
2. Assume the right posture. Place your feet shoulder width apart, bend your knees, and squat. Lower your backside toward the ground and lean slightly forward in a comfortable squatting position. When you're roller skating, balance is key, and this stance will prevent you from toppling over.
   
   
   • The first time you hit the rink, you may feel like you don't have control over the skates, and you may lose your balance and fall a couple of times before you feel comfortable standing in place. This is completely normal; just keep practicing the posture until you get the hang of it.
   • It's hard to stand perfectly still in a pair of roller skates. Once you've got the hang of it down, practice correcting your posture every so often by slightly moving your skates to help you keep your balance. Think about it this way: if you were standing in place without roller skates on and someone gave you a light push, you'd move your feet to regain your balance. The same idea applies when you're wearing roller skates, only it's the wheels on the skates and the pressure from your own muscles that are giving you the "push."
3. Walk like a duck. With your heels together and your toes pointed out, begin slowly walking forward, first the right, then to the left, then to the right, and so on.^[1] Continue squatting and keep your heels directly underneath your body so you can more easily keep your balance.
   
   
   • Practice until you can comfortably "walk" in the skates while keeping your balance. You'll probably fall down a few times at first; just get back up and remember to keep your body centered over your heels and remain in a squatting position.
   • As you gain confidence, start moving more quickly and taking longer strides. Push harder on the wheels so that you roll further with each stride.
4. Learn how to glide.^[2] Lengthen each stride you take by allowing yourself to roll for awhile. Push off with one foot and glide with the other until you lose momentum, then switch your gliding foot. While you're gliding on one foot, keep the other one above the floor so that it doesn't impede your gliding.
   
   
   • Practice turning right and left while gliding. When you turn right, lean your body slightly to the right. When you turn left, lean your body slightly to the left, always remaining in a squatting position.
   • Glide faster. Move your legs faster and gain momentum by putting pressure on the wheels and propelling yourself forward. Practice using your body weight to help you gain speed by leaning into your strides. Use your arms to help you keep your balance and gain speed by bending them at the elbows and moving them back and forth the way you would if you were running.
5. Practice stopping. Your right roller skate should be equipped with a brake, located on the heel of the skate. To stop, glide with your skates parallel to each other. Stay in a squatting position and lean slightly forward. Place the right skate slightly in front of the left skate, lift the toe of the right skate, and press down hard on the heel. The harder you press, the faster you'll stop.^[3]
   
   
   • It's important to stop with a confident thrust, rather than hesitantly touching your brake to the ground. If you don't press down hard enough on the brake, you may lose your balance and fall down.
   • If you find it difficult to apply enough pressure at first, try using your hands to press down on your right knee to help you exert enough force to stop.

Trying Special Maneuvers

1. Learn how to skate backward. When you skate forward, you propel yourself by placing your feet in a "v" shape and applying pressure to your heels. To skate backward, then, place your feet in an inverted "v" shape, this time keeping your toes together and your heels apart. Remain in a squatting position and apply pressure to your right toe with the other foot lifted, then drop your left foot and apply pressure to your left toe with the right foot lifted.^[4]
   
   
   • Since you can't see behind you and you're forced to turn around and look from time to time, it may be more difficult to keep your balance while you're skating backward. Start slowly and figure out how to turn your body to look behind you without falling down. Avoid leaning backward, as this is a common reason people fall.
   • It takes practice, but eventually you'll be able to glide backward. Lengthen the strokes you take with your skates and practice rolling for awhile on one before you put the other skate down. Keep exerting pressure on your toes and making an inverted "v" shape with your feet.
2. Do a heel-toe. In this trick, you align the skates and skate on the heel of one foot and the toe of the other. Do a few glides to gain momentum, then lift the toe of your stronger skating foot so that you're skating only on the heel, with the other foot trailing directly behind. Lift the heel of your trailing skate so that you are skating on only the heel of one skate and the toe of the other.
   
   
3. Do a crossover turn. Start by gliding to gain some momentum. When you're ready to turn, do so by crossing on skate over the other and using it to push off in the new direction. For instance, if you're turning left, cross your right skate over your left skate, turn your body toward the left, and push off with your right skate in the left direction. Turn your shoulders in the direction you want to go, and lean into the turn to help keep your balance. Make sure to keep your knees bent a little so that you're more stable.
   
   
4. Try jumping. Do a few glides, then bring your skates together, crouch, and jump a short distance. As you gain confidence, practice jumping higher and further. You can also try a jump turn, a fancy way to change direction.
   
   

Enhancing Your Skills

1. Practice at a rink. The best way to get better at roller skating is to practice often. Find a roller skating rink in your area and go there at least once a week so that you'll be able to build on your skills each time you go. Practice gliding, stopping, skating backward, and skating as quickly as you can. Keep practicing until you're comfortable doing turns and coming to a stop while constantly keeping your balance.
   
   
2. Join a team or league. It's fun to roller skate on your own, but if you're up for a challenge, consider joining a league. Roller derby has become a popular sport, and most cities have a league you can sign up for. If your city doesn't have a league, consider getting a few friends together and creating your own.
   
   
   • Roller hockey is another popular league-oriented style of roller skating. For this sport you'll need a pair of inline skates.
   • Aggressive skating, like skateboarding, is based around doing a series of daring tricks. Make sure you have protective equipment if you try this sport.
3. Buy skates designed to enhance your performance. There are many different types of skates to choose from, and as you start getting better at roller skating, you may want to invest in a pair of skates that will suit your specific needs and help you reach the skill level you desire. Consider the following options:
   
   
   • Indoor roller skates. If you like to skate indoors at a rink, consider buying your own pair of skates so you don't have to rent a pair every time.
   • Outdoor roller skates. These skates have wheels designed to be durable enough to withstand tougher conditions. You can use them to skate over asphalt and other road materials.
   • Speed skates. These skates are designed to go faster than typical roller skates, so consider them if you love to fly around the rink or down the street. You can by inline speed skates, which have a row of wheels, or quads, which have two wheels on either side.

Tips

• Make sure to do the laces up securely, otherwise they could come undone and you could lose your balance skating over them.
• Make sure your skates fit well. If you wear the wrong size you'll have trouble keeping your balance.
• If you're at a roller rink, use the bars lining the sides of the rink for support if you need to.
• Try to get a good time and day of the week to make it to the rink. Practicing at least once a week will help you improve.
• Try to stay near the wall so you have some guidance and support.
• Check the wheels of the skates often, beware of threads, cloths, oil, rope, pipes or other hard or slippery materials on the floor.knowledge is necessary about rollers.
• If you have long hair, make sure you tie it back so it's out of your eyes.

Warnings

• Being nervous or shaky will increase your chance of falling. Have confidence!

Things You'll Need

• Roller skates
• Helmet (optional)
• Knee pads (optional)
• Wrist guards (optional)
• A good spot to skate (a driveway, wooden floor, etc.)

Related wikiHows

• How to Rollerblade
• How to Do a Crossover on Inline Skates
• How to Do a 360 on Rollerblades
• How to Quad Roller Skate
• How to Be a Good Roller Skater
• How to Be Really Good Rollerskating
• How to Inline skate
• How to Look Cute Rollerskating
• How to Do a Jump on Rollerskates
• How to Shoot the Duck on Rollerskates

Sources and Citations

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How to Ask a Guy Out

You might feel scared, intimidated, or shy about asking a guy out, but there's no need to worry—plenty of girls do it! Because guys usually handle the burden of starting dates and pursuing girls, it's flattering and relaxing when girls ask them out. If you want to ask a guy out, then all you have to do is prepare in advance, exude confidence, and react appropriately. However, this can seem easier said than done.

Steps

Preparing to Ask a Guy Out

1. What's the worse thing that can happen? The worse thing that can happen would be that he will respectfully say "No" if he is a decent person. Keep this in mind and then prepare yourself to ask him out. Remember this will help you endure the pain in case this happens.
   
2. Find the right place and time to ask him out. Make sure you have an opportunity to walk into him in a casual, low-pressure setting. It might be in the hallway, at the water fountain, on a sports field after practice, or wherever else you usually see him. Pick an isolated place, as well as a time when he's likely to be relaxed and not stressed out. Here are some things to keep in mind when you choose the right time and place:
   
   • You don't have to be completely alone, but you'll both probably be more comfortable if you can do the actual asking in a semi-private space. People don't always respond honestly when their friends are hanging around and they feel pressured, so some privacy can help you get a real answer.
   • Don't make a big deal about pouncing on the first available second of alone time. If you're both together in a group, lower your voice to half volume and say, "Hey, could I talk to you alone for a second?" and walk a few paces away.
   • Don't come off like a stalker. Yes, you want to ask him in person, but you shouldn't pull that off by hanging out on his front porch for hours until he gets home. Use your best judgment and pick a time and place that makes sense.
3. Have a date in mind. If it's your first time asking this guy out, you'll be a lot more confident if you invite him to a specific activity. It spares you the stress of coming up with something to do while you're on the actual date, and won't leave you saying "Uhhh... I don't know" when he asks what the plan is. Here are some ideas to get you started:
   
   • Don't think too hard about negative thoughts like 'he will laugh at me', 'he will reject me', 'he will friend-zone me' etc. Remember that guys feel and think the same way when they approach a girl which is the main reason why so many guys exist in the so called 'friend-zone'. The truth is you will find out only after asking, muster up some courage, ask him out. You can do it! You may be surprised to find how they would react as most guys are quite easy to talk to as compared to girls.
   • Ask him to a girls' choice dance (if you're in high school). Most schools have at least two of these each year: Sadie Hawkins in the fall, and another in the spring—usually Morp (like Prom, but casual) or Spring Fling, depending on your school. It's the perfect excuse!
   • Plan a classic date. Or, if you already know this guy pretty well and more alone time is the point, ask him to a traditional night out. Plan on dinner, at a restaurant, or at home with takeout or something you made, and an activity such as seeing a movie, going to a concert or show, visiting a museum, or another interest you two have in common.
   • Pick something that specifically appeals to the guy. If he loves biking, going to jazz concerts, or eating sushi, ask him to do one of these activities. This will make him feel more at ease and more likely to say yes.
4. Have an exit strategy. Though you should focus on the best case scenario (a resounding yes!) instead of the worst, you do need to be aware that there's a teeny-tiny chance that the guy won't say yes. Maybe he likes someone else, or maybe he was startled and only thought of you as a friend -- either way, you'll get through it. But if you want to make the most of the situation and not lose your cool, you should come up with a Plan B in case things don't go as planned.
   
   • Come up with a reason to leave in advance. Whether it's saying that you have to study for a test, get to your next class, or that you're late to meet up with a friend, it'll sound better if you've prepared it.
   • Come up with something else to ask in case you can tell he's not feeling it. If you approach him and he's clearly not in the mood to get asked out, think of something else you can ask him so it doesn't look weird that you came up to him -- ask for the math homework or if he knows when the home baseball team is playing that day.

Asking a Guy Out

1. Exude confidence. This might be the most intimidating step for some people, but it's important. Having confidence when you ask him out will frame both you and the date in an attractive, appealing way, and will make the guy more inclined to trust you and to say yes. Don't worry, though — there are easy ways to fake it too. Here's what to do:
   
   • Make an extra effort. On the day when you'll be asking him out, spend more time than usual on looking nice. Maybe that means wearing your most flattering outfit, styling your hair differently, or wearing slightly more makeup. Remember that the point isn't to look like a completely different person, but for the mental boost of knowing you look your best.
   • Keep your body language under control. Resolve that, despite the butterflies in your stomach, you will stand up straight, keep eye contact, and smile for the whole time that you're doing this. It will help you feel better, and it'll show him that you're fearless and self-assured — both are attractive traits.
   • When you talk to him, speak clearly and don't mumble. Make your words sound measured and confident, even if you're only asking how his day went.
2. Flirt with him. Send small signals that you're interested so that he's not completely surprised when you ask him out. It could be as simple as making eye contact and smiling, or a prolonged flirt session over text. Be careful with making eye contact. If he avoids your eyes, try again after a few minutes. Do not try to hold eye contact longer than 30 seconds at a time, or else it will seem awkward.
   
   • You can also play with your hair a little bit to be playful.
   • Try licking your lips once or twice when you speak to him.
   • If you already have a good rapport with the guy, you can tease him a bit first.
3. Don't overdo it. However you flirt, try to make it a natural expression of how you feel about him, not a show of planned moves. Even involuntary actions like blushing or giggling nervously can be interpreted as flirtatious, so don't worry if that's what you find yourself doing instead of the smooth routine you had planned. If you come on too strong, then the guy will immediately feel overwhelmed and like he needs to take a step back.
   
   • Flirt and chat with him for a little while, but if you linger too long, he'll lose interest.
   • It's okay to lean closer to him, but don't lean so closely toward him that he has to jump back or feels like he can't breathe.
4. Just ask. After a minute or two, you'll need to build the courage to pop the question, if not sooner. Think of it like ripping off a band-aid: it's better if you just get it over with. Stay as calm and casual as you can, and ask him out in a simple sentence. Here are a few ways you could phrase it, while filling in your own details:
   
   • "Are you busy on Saturday night?"
   • "If you're free, I'd really like to go out with you on Friday."
   • "Hey, so, I was wondering if you'd want to see a movie with me this weekend?"
   • "I have two tickets to the new Kooks concert, and there's no one else I'd rather go with. Are you busy on Saturday?"
5. Accept the answer with grace. Try to be mentally prepared for his answer to go either way. If he's interested, great! If not, resolve that it won't ruin your day and you'll move on. Here's what you should do in either situation:
   
   • If he says no: Take it with a smile. Say something like, "No worries, let me know if you change your mind. See you around," and walk away calmly. Rejection hurts, but try not to harbor resentment or anger toward him. He may be cursing himself a few hours later but it's how you respond that will determine whether or not he plucks up the courage to make it up to you.
   • If he says yes: Mission accomplished! Take a few minutes to go over details, like what time, where, who will pick up whom, and so on. Before you part ways, let him know you're really excited about the date and looking forward to it.

Other Strategies for Asking a Guy Out

1. Use the "extra ticket" trick. Buy two tickets to see a movie, a concert, a stand-up comedian, or anything that you think will interest the guy. Then, when you start talking to the guy, casually mention the event and add, "Ugh, my friend completely bailed on me..." if the guy doesn't take the bait and ask to come, just say, "Is there any chance you'd like to go? I've been dying to see this show, and I think it'll be fun." Make it sound very casual, like you thought of it on the spot.
   
   • This is a perfect low-pressure way to ask a guy out.
2. Ask him out on a group date. Going on a group date is another low-pressure way to see some sparks fly. If you and your guy are hanging out with a group of couples, or even just a group of friends, then it'll feel less like a date and more like hanging out. Just tell the guy that you and a bunch of friends are going bowling, to the movies, to dinner, or whatever, and ask if he'd like to come along.
   
   • He'll know that you'll be asking him out but neither of you will feel the same pressure you'd feel if you were going at it alone.
   • If the group date goes well, then you'll be seeing some solo action soon.
3. Ask him out to a guy-friendly activity. Pick something that the guy you have in mind and his friends like to do, as long as it sounds fun to you, and ask the guy to join you. This could be hitting the batting cages, going to a baseball game or watching one at your local bar or restaurant, or even going for a hike. Asking him out to do something more man-centric will be more appealing and will sound more fun and casual than asking him to go out to a candle-lit dinner.
   
   • Find out what he likes to do first. Maybe the thing that appeals to most guys doesn't really appeal to him.
4. Ask him out to a movie or concert. This is a slight variation on the "extra ticket" strategy. With this strategy, you should first strike up a casual conversation with the guy. Then, mention a new movie that's playing or a concert that's coming to town, trying to make sure that it appeals to him. Wait for him to say how much he likes this concert or band, and if he really doesn't get the message, then say, "I've really wanted to see that movie too. Want to go check it out over the weekend?"
   
   • If you really want to act casual about it, you can add, "I can't think of anyone else who wants to go with me" or "none of my friends like that band..."
5. Ask him out through a note. Put a note in the guy's locker, textbook, bag, or even sneak a note into his guitar case or another item that is important to him. Simply say, "Want to go out some time?" and leave him your phone number. This works great with guys that you don't know very well, and it takes the pressure off. Not only is this an effective method, but it'll make the guy think that you're cute and a little bit creative.
   
   • If you really want to be romantic about it, you can even ask him out through a letter, as long as it doesn't freak him out.
6. Ask him out over the phone. If you really want to ask the guy out but are afraid to do it in person, just call him up and ask if he wants to go out that weekend. You can even call him with a close girlfriend or two standing by for moral support -- as long as they don't shriek or ruin the call, having them there will help you relax and gain confidence. And if he says no, all you have to do is say goodbye and hang up.
   
7. Let him know face to face how you really feel.
   • Don't be nervous -- just make a bit of small talk first and then transition into your question.
   • When you go up to talk to him make sure your friends are in sight so that they can help you.
   • Tell him all the reasons why you like him and then tell him you like him because it gives him a confidence boost and your chances of getting rejected are a little slimmer. Then tell him you like him.
   • Its best if you ask him if he's free on a specific day and tell him your plans and if he likes them there's a chance he'll say yes.
   • Let him know that if the date doesn't work out you'll still be willing to be his friend and if it does then you can go on a second date. He wants to know you won't be so mad. Say something like "hey you know your smart, kind, funny, etc. and you know I like you. Maybe if your free on Friday night we could go out to dinner and watch a movie. We could go alone or with some friends and if it doesn't work out I won't be mad we could stay friends." Something like that so that he is willing to say yes or just say everything and change the friends part. Like if he says yes say " okay well is it alright if some friends come or just you and me" that way he knows you care about his opinion.
   • Another way to do it is say " hey look me and my friend were supposed to go out to dinner and she invited her boyfriend. Maybe you could come with me and be my date because I like you and your smart, funny , super nice. What do you say? You know if your free on Friday night?" And then wait for his answer.

Additional Ideas

Sample Ways to Ask Someone Out

Sample First Date Ideas

Sample Ways to Handle Rejection

Video

Tips

• Act normal around him and be your self.
• Wait patiently for his response. If he says he needs time to think about it, let him. It is always good to let him think it over before having to make the decision because he might feel scared if he likes you back.
• Get to know him first.
• Look confident!
• Be friends first, and then when its the right time, tell him how you feel about him and that you care about him.
• Always listen to him and respond appropriately.
• Before you ask a guy out, make sure he doesn’t have a girlfriend.
• Even if you are having second thoughts, ask him! Boys can think it's cute when girls are a bit nervous! This is especially true if you know they like you, because it takes off a lot of pressure.
• Think of how he feels. It might be awkward, but be yourself.
• If he says no, don't worry! There are many other guys. Don't be to sad because he may feel bad just take it in and smile.
• Don't ask your friend to do it. He may think of it as a joke or a "dare". It's almost as bad as not even asking!
• Hey, it's okay if he says no. There are the fish in the sea! Nothing will ever be permanent! I'm sure he was just nervous of being embarrassed. Friends end up forcing a certain decision out of your guy! So he might change his mind. You never know!
• Don't overdo and be yourself.
• Be strong if he has asked you out before because he might be a tad mad and say no.
• When asking, make a short burst of eye contact and smile gently.
• Don't have friends ask him out! He will think it's some kind of joke.
• If you don't have something in common, don't change your mind just to be like him, he might be your future boyfriend, but that doesn't mean you have to change you for him - you're you!
• Don't assume that he's not interested or that he's less of a man just because he didn't make the first move. A guy who doesn't ask you out may still like you but be taken, too shy, on the rebound or any number of things.
• Don't be scared just go with it so it's out of your mind.
• Ask him calmly, otherwise he may get stressed or agitated.
• Be confident!
• Never show that you are to interested in just that guy. If you get rejected; hey boys go and leave but your girlfriends always got your back.
• Start with a calm tone of voice and just go for it real quick. Boys think its cool to have a girlfriend!
• Try to ask him alone. If he is with his friends, he'll try to act cool and most likely say no.
• Make sure you are good friends. If you are mean to them they won't like you. The whole "If he's mean to you that means he likes you" is bull and it is bull for girls too. If you like a guy, be kind to him.
• Don't ask him out in a text. He may think it's a friend being an idiot on your phone. Ask him in person.
• Some guys may just be getting over a breakup, so be understanding that he may not be ready to go on a date or, conversely, he may just be looking for a rebound.
• Don't pressure him. Let him think about it, it's his decision.
• Never ask him through one of his friends.
• Don't always assume a guy will show his emotions toward you. He might be nervous and unsure of your feelings towards him.
• Be confident if he says no just think of it as another chance to prove how great you are.
• Don't put pressure towards him.
• You'll want to look completely interested, not too nervous (though a little nervous can be cute) and not too confident. The appearance of desperation is least desirable. Casual and friendly, that's you.
• Just go for it ask him out if he says no then don't be sad... just remember whatever happens you will get a good guy in your life when its the right time...till then enjoy your life with your friends.
• Don't try to hard just say " okay, well you might not feel the same as me but I like you. do you wanna go out? It's okay to say no I understand". And he will understand too. Just take a deep breath and say it slowly but not too slow or he will be impatient and just leave or get bored with you and say no. If you do go on a date then at the end laugh and smile then say "I had an unbelievable time." and if you think your ready do a little kiss.
• Be yourself. Don't change for someone who may not even like you!
• Do not ask him out in a text message. Even though it's easier, you don't get an answer right away, or sometimes, at all. He might be too scared to hurt your feelings, and think that not replying will be easier for him. And when you ask him out in person, you can see his emotions better, and he will feel the need to answer right away. Sometimes, in texts, he doesn't feel like he needs to reply. Like, he thinks that if he doesn't reply, then that means No.
• Pay for the date, unless he really insists. If he wants to pay for the date, then hey — no arguments there, right? It makes him look like a gentleman and may also indicate that he is serious about pursuing you, which is what you were hoping for in the first place! However, since you've asked him out, why not treat him for a change?
• If you asked him out already and he said no, ask him again in a week or so. This will show you aren't giving up. Also, he may just not have been free that first time, so this will give him a second chance.
• Don't ask through text message, as this may be seen as classless.
• When you are asking out a boy be yourself and try to tell him what's on your mind.
• Please don't ask him over the phone, or through a note! It may be cute, but the guy will definitely think that you care more if you ask him in person!
• Don't be nervous to ask your crush out.
• Send a letter in his mailbox before he goes on a long trip or is away for a long period of time and say that you have feelings for him and you want to go out so he does not talk to you about it in an embarrassing moment.
• Don't over think it too much or it can cause stress and you could mess up well talking to him.
• Don't do it by phone. You either do it in person or you don't.
• When you talk to him, act like to you would talk to him as your grandmother, or a loved relative.
• Make sure that you don't misread his signals. Misreading signals can lead to a really awkward situation!
• Smiling will be interpreted as confidence. Looking down and muttering will just make you seem uninterested or not very date-worthy.
• Be good friends with the guy before you ask him, or at least make sure he knows your on this planet...

Warnings

• Even if you have asked a guy out, it does not mean you are obligated to do anything you don't want to on the date. If you ever feel uncomfortable, get out of the situation right away and don't worry about politeness, just worry about your safety.

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