In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: This method works with just about any type of flower, but you may find more success with sturdy, robust flowers, such as roses, carnations, zinnias, dahlias, and marigolds. Use garden clippers or scissors to cut the stems off of the flowers, as close to the blooms as possible. Choose a container that's big enough to fit your flowers, then fill the bottom 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) with silica gel. You can find silica gel online and in the floral department of an arts and crafts store.  Make sure that you won't be using this container for food again.  If you can't find silica gel, you can use clean cat litter, or a mixture of 1 part borax and 1 part cornmeal. Keep in mind that these are not recommended for delicate flowers. Make sure that the stems are facing down and the blooms are facing up. Leave at least 3⁄4 inch (1.9 cm) of space between each flower and the sides of the container. Tap the container's side to help settle the silica gel, then add more silica gel if the flowers start to peek through. How much more silica gel you use depends on how large the flowers are. Tall flowers, such as roses, will require much more silica gel than flat flowers, such as daisies.  Make sure that the flowers are completely covered by the gel. Pour the gel slowly so you don't crush the petals. The exact heating time will depend on the type of flower you are drying. Small or delicate flowers will need less time, while large or sturdy flowers will need more time. Start with 1 minute, then check on the flower. Do not over-cook it. Listed below are the recommended heating times for popular flowers:  Carnation: 1 minute Rose: 1 1/2 to 2 minutes Marigold, pansy, poppy: 2 1/2 to 3 minutes Chrysanthemum: 3 minutes Zinnia: 4 to 5 minutes Dahlia: 5 to 7 minutes Do this by sifting the silica gel aside with a toothpick and peeking at the petals. If the petals don't look or feel dry and papery, cover them back up, and heat the flowers for another minute. Flower petals will turn darker and more vibrant as they dry. They may look wrinkly. Use a pot holder to remove the container from the microwave. Cover it tightly with a lid, and wait several hours for the flower to finish drying. How long this takes depends on the size and type of flowers. Unlike microwaving, you don't have to worry about over-drying the flower. Listed below are the recommended drying times for popular flower types:  Carnation, chrysanthemum, rose, marigold, and zinnia: 10  hours Poppy and tulip: 24 hours Dahlia and pansy: 36 hours Tip the silica gel out to expose the flowers, then lift them out with your fingers. Do not grab the flowers by the petals. Instead, slide your middle and index fingers under the bloom, like a spatula, then lift the flower out of the silica gel. If there is any silica gel stuck to the petals, you can brush it off with a soft-bristled paintbrush or makeup brush. Look for soft, fluffy brushes made from camel hair; they are less likely to ruin your flowers. A matte finish will look the most natural, but you can use a glossy or satin finish instead if you prefer. This will protect the flowers and help them last longer.  If you won't use the flowers right away, store them in a box filled with shredded paper. This will help keep them dry and maintain their shape.  You can find clear, acrylic spray sealers in the spray paint section of art and craft stores.
Summary: Cut the blooms off of your flowers. Pour some silica gel into the bottom of a microwave-safe container. Set the flowers on top of the gel. Cover the flowers with more silica gel. Microwave the flowers, uncovered, using a full-heat setting. Check to see whether or not the flowers are dry. Remove the container, cover it loosely, and let it sit overnight. Use your fingers to scoop the flowers out the gel. Dust off excess silica gel with a soft brush, if needed. Seal the flowers with a clear, acrylic spray sealer, if desired.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: If your symptoms don’t improve from steps at home or if the leakage begins interfering with your activities of daily life, then make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will have a variety of steps available based on the severity and other specifics of your case, including both medications and surgical intervention in severe instances. Give your doctor a complete picture of your medical history and tell him what steps you’ve already tried. Your doctor will perform a physical examination of your abdomen and genitals, likely asking you to clench several muscles in the process. She may also want to run other diagnostic tests, which may include:  Urine sample testing for infection, the presence of blood, or abnormalities that would increase the sensitivity or irritability of your bladder A neurological examination to identify any nerve damage in the pelvis A urinary stress test, during which the doctor will observe for urine loss while you cough or bear down Bladder function testing, which will measure the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination and pressure inside the bladder Your doctor will likely encourage you to continue with home treatment steps (possibly even augmenting your routine). He may also recommend a medication to help reduce your stress incontinence. Medications that can help with mild to moderate cases include:  Anticholinergic medicines—oxybutynin (Oxytrol, Ditropan), tolterodine (Detrol), and trospium (Sanctura)—to help relax the bladder muscles and reduce contractions and leakage Antimuscarinic drugs—atropine, solifenacin—to stop bladder contractions (may increase the amount of urine left in the bladder after emptying) Imipramine—a tricyclic antidepressant—that relaxes the bladder muscles to help with full evacuation Estrogen creams and vaginal tablets or rings that can help women who have gone through menopause to increase the strength of the pelvic floor muscles When all other options have failed to relieve your stress incontinence symptoms, your doctor may suggest surgical options as a last resort. Your doctor will base the recommendation of a specific procedure on your sex and other criteria. Options include:  Anterior vaginal repair, which restores vaginal walls strength when bladder prolapse is involved (the bladder bulging into the vagina). Artificial urinary sphincter, which is a device used mainly in men to stop urine leakage. Collagen injections, which thicken the area around the urethra to reduce leakage. This option can require multiple procedures. Retropubic suspension, which is a procedure that lifts the bladder and urethra to reduce strain and pressure. Vaginal sling procedures, which support the urethra with the use of a sling to reduce strain and pressure.
Summary:
Recognize when to see your doctor. Submit to any diagnostic testing. Ask about medication options. Consult your physician about surgical options.