If you don’t have the original instruction manual, look on your appliance for a model number and brand name. You may be able to locate the instructions online at the brand’s website, such as on a “Help” or “Support” page. Make sure to read and follow all directions and safety precautions. Different brands and models of rice cookers have different instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Take off the lid. Let the appliance cool for 30 minutes to an hour. Consult with the product manual, if you have it, about how long the cooker takes to cool down. Remove the inner pot and utensils. Remove the lid, if it’s detachable. Wash any removable parts that don’t have electric components.  Your cooker may have various removable and washable parts, for instance a steamer tray, condensation collector, ladle, and measuring cup. Removable parts are usually dishwasher-safe. Alternately, you can hand wash them. Soak the pot first, if needed. Unless the instructions state otherwise, you can usually wash inner pots in the dishwasher like other dishes. Alternately, scrub the pot with soap, hot water, and a sponge or brush. Use the sponge to wipe off any pieces of food. If any stubborn food particles are stuck, gently use a plastic spoon or spatula to remove them. Use a dry towel to wipe all the parts you washed. If moisture remains, leave them on a dish drying rack. Let all of the parts fully dry before reassembling your cooker.
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One-sentence summary -- Try to locate your product’s instructions. Unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely. Disassemble removable parts to clean them. Wash the inner pot. Dry all parts before reuse or storage.


When dealing with an irritable elderly person, your first step is to try to figure out what the problem is. Is it evident what is bothering them? For example, do they seem to be struggling to get groceries inside the house during nasty weather? If so, that's probably why they're cranky. If you can't tell at a glance what the problem is, try to dig a little deeper. If your neighbor or relative seems cranky for no discernible reason, try to use communication to figure out what might be the problem. Keep in mind that elderly people are often dealing with an extra set of attributes that can affect their mood. For instance, as people age, their bodies are changing. It is entirely possible that the elderly person in question is dealing with physical pain that you don't know about. That could certainly affect their mood. Many older citizens are on several different types of medication. Often, different prescriptions can have negative affects on a person's mood. Be aware that your elderly friend might be crabby because of medication, not because of an immediate issue. When trying to figure out why a person is irritable, the most straight-forward and effective way is to ask questions. You don't have to pry, but you can try asking a series of open-ended questions. By opening up a conversation, you might be able to ascertain the cause of irritability.  For example, instead of just saying "How are you?", use a more open-ended version such as, "How's your day going? What's on your agenda for the day?". Using open-ended questions will not only provide you with more information, but will allow your relative to vent some frustrations. Make sure to speak clearly. Some older people suffer from hearing loss. They might not necessarily be cranky--maybe they just didn't hear you when you said hello. When you initiate a conversation with an elderly person, make sure that you are being an active listener. Focus all of your attention of the conversation. Make the older person feel like you really value what they are saying. There are several ways you can demonstrate that you are fully engaged in the conversation. Make sure to make eye contact. Also paraphrase what the elderly person is saying, and ask questions throughout the conversation. Remember that when an elderly person is irritable, it likely is not your fault. Sometimes you might be the only person they are interacting with that day, so they unfairly take their anger out on you. Try not to take their negativity to heart. When you remember not to take it personally, you will become more objective. That will allow you to step back from the situation and more clearly assess the problem.
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One-sentence summary -- Assess the situation. Consider external factors. Ask questions. Listen carefully. Don't take it personally.


The easiest way to work out your buttocks while you sit is to simply squeeze the muscles in your rear end.  As you squeeze your gluteal muscles, you will feel your rear end squeezing in and your hips will rotate very slightly.  In order to make it an effective exercise, you'll need to do it repeatedly.  Hold for 30 seconds, then release.  Do three to five sets of 10 to 20 repetitions. Squats are among the best exercises that you can do for your buttocks, but you don't need to get up and away from your desk to do them.  Instead, plant your feet about shoulder width apart and raise your buttocks an inch or so off of your seat.  Make sure to keep your back straight as you perform this exercise.  Be careful that the knees stay in line with your shin and don't pass the toes. You should be able to see the top of your shoe at all times during this exercise. Count to ten or hold it for as long as you can.  Try to do 10 throughout your day. Work up to a one minute hold or try for three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions. Start out using your hands to help balance by holding onto the arms of your chair or your desk, but work up to hands-free as soon as possible. Single leg lifts can help engage your thighs and core and, to a lesser extent, your buttocks.  Try straightening one leg at a time and holding it a few inches above the ground.  Hold your leg in place for the extent of the exercise, then switch to the other leg.  Hold your foot a few inches off the ground with your leg straight.  Count to ten before placing it back on the floor. You may want to try holding it up for as long as you can instead of counting. Repeat the process periodically throughout your day.
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One-sentence summary --
Squeeze your gluteal muscles. Squat just above your seat. Tone your thighs with leg lifts.