How to Avoid Getting the Flu in Winter

The flu (influenza) can occur anytime, but appears mostly in the fall and winter. Chilly weather keeps lots of people indoors at the same time, and the holiday season brings together family members of all ages, increasing the probability for sickness. The flu can leave you suffering from fever, chills, and body aches, and can become so severe as to warrant hospitalization. Prevent the flu this winter by getting your yearly flu shot, practicing good hygiene, and keeping your body healthy with diet and exercise.

EditSteps

EditProtecting Yourself from the Flu Virus

1. Get the flu shot every year. Every person over the age of 6 months should get a flu shot every year, usually in the early fall before flu season begins.^[1] There are a few different flu shots available, so ask your doctor or pharmacist which vaccine is right for you. Get your flu shot at a doctor’s office, clinic, pharmacy, college health center, or even in some schools and workplaces.
   
   • Last year’s shot won’t protect you from this year’s flu - get a shot every year.
   • Talk to your doctor before getting the shot if you’re allergic to eggs, have ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or are not feeling well the day you are supposed to get the shot.^[2]
2. Wash your hands frequently. Wash your hands any time you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose, after using the restroom, before eating or preparing food, after caring for someone who is sick, after changing a diaper, and after touching garbage. Use proper hand washing technique:^[3]
   
   • Wet your hands with clean, running water (hot or cold). Turn off the water tap, then apply soap to your hands.
   • Rub your hands together to lather up the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, up to your elbows, and underneath your fingernails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, then rinse the soap off under clean, running water.
   • Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.
3. Use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands. If you don’t have access to soap or clean, running water, use hand sanitizer at times when you would otherwise wash your hands. Your hand sanitizer should be made of at least 60% alcohol. Place some sanitizer in the palm of your hand and rub your hands together, rubbing the product over your whole hands and fingers until your hands feel dry.^[4]
   
   • Hand sanitizers are not as good at removing germs as washing your hands. Wash your hands whenever you have the option.
   • Hand sanitizers don’t work well if your hands are greasy or visibly dirty.
   • Keep hand sanitizer out of reach of children – do not let children swallow it.
4. Don’t touch your face. Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth, or nose unless you wash your hands first. Illness is spread easily this way. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse, briefcase, or backpack to use first if you need to touch your face.
   
5. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Sneeze and cough into a tissue, then throw the tissue away. This is cleaner than sneezing into your hands, and can help prevent the spread of flu.^[5] If you don’t have a tissue with you, sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow.
   

EditMinimizing Germs at Home and Work

1. Avoid people who are sick. If possible, avoid being around someone who has the flu. Stay away from sick friends or neighbors until they’re well. Stay out of crowds during the peak of flu season, in possible – being in public transportation, auditoriums, and places where people congregate make it easy for flu to spread.^[6]
   
   • Stay home from work or school if you’re sick so you don’t contaminate others. You can return to school or work 24 hours after your fever returns to normal, but continue to practice good hand washing hygiene.
2. Take precautions around sick family members. If someone in your household is sick, consider sleeping in a different room from them if you usually share a bedroom. Be sure to wash your hands after you interact with them, and clean any cups, cutlery, or dishes they use thoroughly.
   
   • People can still be contagious for up to a week after they’re feeling better.^[7]
3. Clean your home and workspace regularly. Use disinfecting sprays or wipes to clean surfaces that can harbor flu germs.^[8] Clean your bathrooms, bedroom surfaces, wood and glass tables, office desks, and other areas that you use or touch often. Keep a container of disinfecting wipes at your office, and wipe down your desk, phone, and keyboard every morning before you start work.
   
4. Sanitize your phone. Phones harbor many germs because you use them so often and they sit around in lots of places, exposed to viruses. Use a disinfecting wipe or slightly soapy rag to carefully clean your phone every other day during flu season.
   
   • Of course, do not submerge your phone in water.
5. Change your hand towels often. Because you will be washing your hands more frequently, you will need to change your communal towels more often so that they do not remain damp and become a vector for disease. Replace the towel every couple days or if it is damp when you go to reuse it. Keep hand towels separate so that each family member has their own towel.
   

EditPracticing Healthy Habits

1. Sleep 7-9 hours a night. Getting adequate rest helps your immune system perform at its best.^[9] Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night. Try techniques to improve your sleep habits:
   
   • Set a regular bedtime and wake up time.
   • Exercise regularly (but not within 3 hours of bedtime so it doesn’t keep you up).
   • Avoid caffeine after 4pm.
   • Avoid napping during the day.
   • Relax before bed with a warm bath or reading.
   • Save your bedroom for sleeping – don’t watch TV in bed. Sleep in a cool, dark room.
2. Eat a nutritious diet. Eating a nutritious and varied diet helps your immune system work. Think about eating a “colorful” diet – one high in fresh fruits and vegetables of many different colors. This can help you get lots of vitamins and nutrients to keep your body healthy.^[10]
   
3. Drink enough water. Stay hydrated to maintain your overall health and avoid getting sick.^[11] In general, men should drink around 13 cups of water and other fluids daily (about 3 liters), and women should aim for 9 cups (2.2 liters).^[12] Drink more if you sweat a lot. Water, juice, and tea count towards your fluids.
   
4. Stay active. Aerobic workouts are those that increase your heart rate and breathing rate. Walking, slow jogging, biking, and swimming are good options. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity at least 5 days per week for optimal health. This won't stop the flu, but it can keep you healthy and make recovery easier.^[13]
   
   • You may have to get creative to exercise during the winter. Get a gym membership, go dancing, use workout videos at home, find an indoor pool – do what you can to stay active in the winter.
5. Decrease your stress level. The stress hormone cortisol negatively affects numerous body systems – including your immune system.^[14] Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, taking a walk – anything that helps you relax. If you have a stressful lifestyle due to work or family, practice mindfulness meditation or learn stress management skills. While it won't stop
   

EditVideo

EditTips

• The flu shot cannot give you the flu. Some people experience mild flu-like symptoms like low fever or body aches after getting the shot, which is just your body reacting to making antibodies. Any side effects from the shot are significantly milder and shorter-lasting than getting the flu.
• Getting the flu shot also protects others from getting sick – the more people who get the flu shot, the fewer people will get influenza every year. This can save lives!^[15]

EditWarnings

• Healthcare workers and those who work with children are more likely to get the flu or other contagious illnesses. It’s important to practice excellent hand-washing hygiene.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Get Rid of a Cold Without Using Medications
• Treat a Cold
• Prevent the Common Cold

EditSources and Citations

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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/2ET9w0B

How to Wear Boots with Jeans

Jeans and boots are a classic, timeless combination that anyone can rock. When styling ankle boots, make sure to cuff your jeans above the boots or tuck them in for a seamless, monochromatic look. Style mid-height boots like biker boots and UGGs with fitted jeans to balance out your silhouette. Wear taller boots, such as riding boots and thigh-high boots, with skinny jeans for a seamless tucked effect.

EditSteps

EditStyling Ankle Boots

1. Choose ankle boots that end above your ankle. This is the thinnest part of your leg, which you want to show off to keep your silhouette proportionate. If the boots cut you off any higher than a couple inches above your ankle, they can make you look shorter and stockier.^[1]
   
2. Cuff tapered jeans above a pair of ankle boots to show them off. To cuff your jeans, fold them up about , then roll them once more. This should create a little space between your hem and the boots, letting you showcase your boots and creating a proportionate silhouette.^[2]
   
   • If you don’t like the rolled hem look, you can roll them inwardly or opt for a cropped pair instead.
   • To balance out a pair of baggier pants, such as boyfriend jeans, use the cuffed method and throw on a pair of heeled ankle boots for a little extra height.
3. Wear black skinny jeans and black ankle boots for a monochromatic look. This creates a seamless silhouette that makes your legs appear longer and leaner. Make sure to choose a pair of fitted black pants that hug your legs and disappear into the boots. A little heel on the boots also enhances the leg-lengthening effect.^[3]
   
   • For example, you could wear a chunky black and white striped sweater, a pair of black skinny jeans, and black leather ankle boots.
4. Pair Chelsea boots with distressed straight-leg denim for a casual outfit. The smooth, fitted silhouette of the Chelsea boots contrast nicely with loose, distressed denim. Go for a pair of boots with a low heel to keep the outfit relaxed and casual, and pull up the cuffs of the jeans to show the tops of the boots.^[4]
   
   • Add a white T-shirt and bomber jacket for a relaxed daytime outfit.
   • You could also style a more sophisticated version of this look with a slouchy blazer and button-down shirt.

EditWearing Mid-Height Boots

1. Put biker boots with dark wash skinny jeans for a casual, edgy look. The smooth, fitted jeans pair well with the chunky boots, and the dark wash adds a sleek, seamless effect. Tuck the hems of your skinny jeans into the slouchy tops of the biker boots and finish the look with a simple, classic top.^[5]
   
   • For example, you could dress the look up slightly with a loose black knit turtleneck and a faux fur vest.
   • You could also dress down the outfit by pairing it with a plain black or grey T-shirt and an open button-down shirt.
2. Wear combat boots with cropped fitted jeans for the perfect weekend outfit. Choose a pair of jeans that ends above the top your boots to separate the pieces. Opt for a pair of heeled combat boots if you need a little extra height to balance out your silhouette.^[6]
   
   • Balance out the combat boots’ edge with a more colorful, polished top, such as a black-and-white gingham button down shirt beneath a yellow sweater.^[7]
   • You could also continue the edgy theme with a black distressed long-sleeve shirt and a leather moto jacket.
3. Pair UGGs with medium wash skinny jeans for a warm, comfy look. The close-fitting denim will balance out the thicker, wider footwear and maintain your silhouette. Choose from an array of styles and colors, such as camel, black, cinnamon, blush pink, or gray.^[8]
   
   • For a preppy look, choose a pair of mid-calf, cinnamon-colored of UGGs, then add a cream sweater and a patterned blanket scarf.
   • If you’re not sure about UGGs, you can always make the look more subtle and seamless by choosing a pair of black UGGs and black distressed skinny jeans. Add a white henley and a gray longline coat to make the look a little more polished, but still comfortable.
4. Scrunch slim-fit jeans over a pair of dress boots for a hipster touch. “Stack” or scrunch your slim-fit jeans above a pair of ankle or mid-calf boots for a look that's effortless without being sloppy. To scrunch your jeans, pull the hems up and let them naturally rest around the top of the boot. You can also tuck part of the hem into the boot to keep them scrunched up.^[9]
   
   • Stiffer, 100-percent cotton blends will best be able to hold a scrunch.
   • You could wear a pair of black dress boots with black slim-fit jeans, a tan T-shirt, and a distressed denim jacket for a more casual look.
   • You could also dress up the look with some dark brown dress boots, medium wash slim-fit jeans, a brown knit long-sleeved shirt, and a camel longline coat.

EditCreating Outfits with Tall Boots

1. Wear skinny jeans with tall boots to avoid bunching. Rather than straight leg or wide leg styles that bunch up around the ankle, skinny jeans will easily tuck into boots. To keep your skinny jeans in place all day, tuck the cuffs of the jeans into the tops of your socks.^[10]
   
   • This is especially important when your boots are fitted as well.
2. Pair thigh high boots with super skinny jeans for a seamless effect. Thigh high heeled boots are an easy way to create a long, glamorous silhouette. Because the fitted skinny jeans and fitted boots transition seamlessly, they make your legs look longer and leaner. This look is perfect for a date or girls’ night.^[11]
   
   • For example, you could wear a pair of medium-wash skinny jeans and some gray suede thigh-high boots with a lightweight black turtleneck.
3. Choose a pair of riding boots to give skinny jeans a classic, preppy look. The equestrian influence of the boots will elevate a pair of jeans, creating a timeless, sophisticated outfit. Go for some boots in a classic color, such as tan, black, or brown. Wear clean, non-distressed jeans with your riding boots to keep the look polished.^[12]
   
   • For example, you could wear a burgundy silk top, a black blazer, a pair of dark-wash skinny jeans, and some brown leather riding boots for a classy, autumnal outfit.^[13]

EditSources and Citations

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source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/2rVwtPc

How to Turn Gift Cards Into Cash

A gift card is a great gift for those who are difficult to shop for. Sometimes, however, cash is much preferred over a gift card. Luckily, there are several things you can do to turn your card into cash. You can sell your gift card, trade it in for cash, or use your gift card to gain points that will save you money.

EditSteps

EditSelling Your Gift Card

1. Sell your gift card to a website. There are several websites out there that will purchase your gift card and give you cash in return. Some websites will provide the prepaid postage for you to mail your gift card to them. If you have a digital gift card, some websites will purchase it from you immediately. Be sure to search for reviews of the website before committing to selling your card.^[1]
   
   • You typically won’t be paid for the full value of your gift card.
   • Some websites you can sell your gift card to are Cardpool, Raise, CardCash, and Giftcard Zen.
2. Use an app to sell your gift card. Some companies also have a mobile app where you can sell your gift card. Simply download the app, send your card in, and choose how you would like to be paid—via PayPal or check. That company will typically take 15% of the value of the gift card for commission.^[2]
   
   • Raise also has an app you can download.
3. List your gift card on an e-commerce website. If you don’t want to sell your gift card to a website, you can also choose to list your gift card on a website—like eBay or Craigslist. You can sell your gift card for the same price it is valued as, but it will typically sell better if you sell it for slightly less than the value. Keep in mind that the website, such as eBay, will likely take a percentage of the sale.^[3]
   
   • You should also factor in shipping costs if you are sending the gift card to someone.
   • Be careful when meeting up with someone to sell the gift card.
4. Sell the gift card to a friend. There’s a chance that you may have a friend that would like to buy the gift card from you. This is probably the easiest and safest way to sell your card. Ask around to see if any of your friends would be interested. If someone is interested, meet up with the friend or send the gift card through the mail.^[4]
   

EditTrading Your Gift Card

1. Use a Coinstar Exchange kiosk. Coinstar Exchange kiosks are usually located towards the front of many large chain grocery stores. Simply swipe the gift card and you will receive an offer. The offer will typically be 60% to 85% of the gift card’s balance. You can choose to accept or reject the offered amount. If you accept the offer, you will receive a voucher that you can redeem for cash at a cash register.^[5]
   
   • A Coinstar Exchange Kiosk is different than a regular Coinstar machine that only exchanges coins for bills.
2. Go to a Gift Card Exchange kiosk to trade your card for cash. A Gift Card Exchange kiosk is usually bright yellow and located in a grocery store. Insert the card information into the kiosk and then choose to accept or reject the offer the kiosk gives you. If you accept the offer, you can choose between a voucher that can be taken to a cashier in exchange for cash or receive a Visa gift card.^[6]
   
   • You can search online to see where the closest Gift Card Exchange kiosk is.
3. Trade your gift card for a different store. If you don’t like the store your gift card is from, you can exchange it for a gift card to a store you like. You can do this online or at certain kiosks. For example, you can use a website like CardCash to exchange your gift card. Or, you can go to a store like Target and exchange your card for a Target gift card at a kiosk in the store.^[7]
   
   • This isn't exactly like getting cash, but if you need to buy things from the updated store, the card essentially works just like cash.

EditBenefiting from Your Gift Card in Other Ways

1. Buy groceries with your gift card. Even if you don’t receive physical cash, you can use rewards towards purchases. For example, you can use a Visa gift card or gift card to a grocery store, like Kroger, to buy groceries or other supplies. If the grocery store has a rewards program, you will gain point that can be put towards future purchases.
   
2. Use your gift card to get points for gas. Some gas stations and grocery stores with gas stations have rewards cards. Use your gift card when buying gas. You can then use your rewards points to buy gas in the future.^[8]
   
3. Use your gift card at a drugstore to get redeemable points. First, you will need to complete the free sign up for the rewards program at your local drugstore/pharmacy. Then, use your gift card from that store or Visa gift card to make purchases. For each purchase you make, you will receive points. The points can be redeemed for discounts or coupons.^[9]
   
4. Give your card as a gift. If you have an unused gift card that you don’t want, give it to a friend who would appreciate it. For example, if you have card to a coffee shop but don’t like coffee, gift it to a friend who is a coffee lover. Make sure that the card hasn’t been used if you are giving it as a gift.^[10]
   
   • If some of the balance has been used, you can tell the friend in advance and ask them if they’d like to use the rest of it.
5. Donate your gift card. If you will not be using your gift card, a very generous thing to do is donate it to charity. Even if you used some of the balance, you can donate the remaining amount. A couple websites you can choose to donate your card to are GiftCard4Change and Charity Choice. Typically, you will receive a receipt for your donation that you can use as a tax write off.^[11]
   

EditTips

• You can also donate your gift card to organizations and individuals in need.^[12]
• It’s an option to re-gift the card to a friend who you think would like it.^[13]

EditWarnings

• Be careful when meeting up with strangers to sell your gift card. Only meet in public spaces.
• Make sure the website is legitimate before selling your gift card.^[14]

EditSources and Citations

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

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/2GCKox9

How to Turn Up a Hot Water Heater

Cold water can be an inconvenience while bathing, washing dishes, or doing chores around your house. If you consistently notice cooler water temperatures, you may need to turn up your water heater's temperature. While adjusting a gas or electric water heater requires careful hands and an understanding of the parts, it can be a simple fix. As long as you take precautions while handling your water heater, you should be able to adjust the temperature quickly.

EditSteps

EditAdjusting a Gas Water Heater

1. Put out any other open flames before adjusting the gas water heater. Natural gas is flammable and, while you should not come in direct contact with the gas, safe is better than sorry. Avoid using candles, cigarettes, or other open flames in the home while you're adjusting the water heater.^[1]
   
   • You do not need to turn off the gas while adjusting the water temperature.
2. Locate the dial on the front of the water heater. This is the gas control valve. It is usually a black or red knob with 2 sides: warm and hot. In some cases, it might also have notches on the side to clearly mark these temperature options.^[2]
   
3. Twist the dial from the warm to the hot side. Do not turn the dial completely to hot. First, move it slightly towards hot from where it was before. If the temperature is moved completely to hot, the water may scald your hand. You can always move it further towards hot later on, if needed.^[3]
   
4. Wait 3 hours, then check the water temperature. Wait at least 3 hours before you check the water temperature again so it has time to heat. If the water temperature is still too low, or it feels too cool, adjust the gas control valve again.^[4]
   
   • Avoid raising the temperature above to prevent serious burns.

EditTurning Up an Electric Water Heater

1. Turn off the water heater circuit breakers. Locate your home's circuit board at the electrical box. Because most water heaters use about 240 Volts of electricity, you should need to switch off 2 breakers. Consult the location sheet on the inside of the panel for details—if they are unlisted, turn off all of the panels to be safe.^[5]
   
   • Never adjust the electric water heater without turning off the circuit breakers. To prevent electrocution, contact an electrician if you're not sure how to turn off the breakers.
2. Remove the heater's access panels. The access panel(s) should look like rectangular boxes on the front of the water heater. Water panels have either single or double access panels, so pry open 1 or both to reach the panel's inner controls.^[6]
   
   • Most panels do not need a screwdriver to be opened. Your hands should be enough.
3. Remove the insulation to find the thermostat. You should notice a thin padding of insulation between the thermostat and the access panels. Take out all of the insulation to get a clearer look at the thermostat and raise the temperature as needed.^[7]
   
   • Store the insulation somewhere safe—it will need to go back in the water heater to keep the thermostat temperature accurate.
4. Adjust the thermostat to a higher temperature. Most thermostats are turned via a screw in the middle. Place a flat tip screwdriver into the screw and turn it several notches higher. Raise the thermostat temperature no higher than to prevent burns.^[8]
   
   • The thermostat should show temperatures from about to , though is the recommended maximum.
   • Even if there are 2 panels, there should only be 1 thermostat. The number of panels more has to do with the water heater's design, as both panels should open up to the same thermostat.
5. Close up the panels and wait to test the water. Put the insulation back into the heater and close 1 or both panels. When you're ready to check the water temperature, turn the power back on. Wait at least 3 hours before checking the water and evaluate: if it still reads or feels too low, adjust the temperature again.^[9]
   

EditChecking Your Water Temperature

1. Run the hot water for 3-5 minutes. Choose the sink nearest to your hot water heater and let it run for at least 3 minutes. For the first few minutes, any water running out of the sink will have already been in the pipes. It needs to clear out before you test the water heater so you can get an accurate reading.^[10]
   
2. Use a candy or cooking thermometer to test the water temperature. Put the water in a bowl or cup and take its temperature immediately. Leave the thermometer in the water for at least 20-30 seconds to get a trustworthy reading.^[11]
   
3. Record the temperature number. While cold water is a problem, you also don't want your water temperature to be too hot. If it reaches anywhere above , you run the risk of sustaining burns. Consult the following numbers to see the relationship between temperature and how long it will take to produce serious burns:^[12]
   

   • 5+ minutes

     60-120 seconds

     5-30 seconds

     1-5 seconds

     1-1 1/2 seconds

   • or above: Immediately
4. Check again in about 3 hours, if needed. If the reading is too low or too high, re-adjust the water heater as needed and check the temperature again in 3 hours. The water heater will need time to change its internal temperature and warm or cool the water to the correct temperature.^[13]
   

EditTips

• Call a plumber if you often get cold water and have adjusted your water heater many times. It may be damaged or broken.

EditWarnings

• If your water heater is wet or in a pool of water, do not touch it. Call a plumber, who can then assess the damage and danger.
• Be careful while adjusting your water heater. Never touch or move any open wires. If you do not feel confident in handling your water heater, call a plumber.

EditThings You'll Need

• Flat tip Screwdriver
• Candy or cooking thermometer

EditSources and Citations

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

source How to of the Day http://ift.tt/2DSOIX0