Most kinds of pedometer will automatically be able to detect your steps without any input from you. However, to be able to calculate the total distance you've walked, some require you to set the average length of your stride. If you're unsure of whether your pedometer requires this information, consult its operating manual.  To find your average step length, grab a tape measure, start walking in a straight line, stop suddenly at a random step (like, for instance, step number seven), and measure the distance between the heels of your feet. No two models of pedometers are exactly alike, so the way you input your average step length for one may not be the same as for others. Some common pedometers are set like this: Press the "Mode" button until you see a reading for your miles traveled. Press "Set." You will see a default step length setting — usually about 30 in (75 cm). Adjust your step length with the appropriate buttons on the pedometer. Pedometers count your steps by recording the number of times they feel a "shake" or "bump" that occur throughout the day. Usually, these happen with each step you take, so the number you see on your pedometer is usually a good (sometimes even exact) measure of how many steps you've taken. Because pedometers work this way, for a pedometer to be able to count your steps, it has to be attached to your clothes or body.  The most common types of pedometers are worn by clipping them to the edge of a pocket, the waistband of a pair of pants, or a belt so that they rest on the hips. These usually work best if they're aligned with the center of the thigh. If your pedometer comes with a safety band, try fastening it to a belt loop to prevent the pedometer from falling off. Note that not all pedometers are worn at the waist. Some, for instance, are worn around the wrist. In this case, the pedometer is usually secured exactly like a wristwatch. Some high-end devices called accelerometers that function similarly to pedometers are even worn on the foot or ankle. Once you've attached your pedometer securely and ensured that it's on, you can usually begin moving and it will count your steps automatically. Every time the pedometer shakes from the up-and-down motion of an average stride, it registers another step. No input is needed on your part — you can simply forget about your pedometer until the end of the day! You're not limited just to walking when you wear your pedometer. You can also jog, run, or sprint and the pedometer should record your steps during these activities as well. When you're done walking for the day (for instance, right before you go to bed), remove your pedometer and check the number of steps you've made. If you're aiming to increase your fitness, record number and take pride in the day's accomplishment. Over time, you can increase your fitness by gradually raising the number of steps you take per day. Over the next few days, get into the routine of putting your pedometer on once you start moving and taking it off before you get into bed. Record or make note of each day's results. These simple actions are all you need to do to start a record of your daily step counts! Once they become a habit, you should barely even notice your pedometer while you wear it.

Summary: If necessary, set the length of your steps. Fasten the pedometer on. Start moving! Check the pedometer at the end of the day. Repeat every day.


Pull the socks as high up on your calves as possible, and spend at least 10 minutes walking around with the socks on. Fleas will leap out on to the socks to catch a ride. After walking through your house, take the socks off and inspect them for fleas. Take an extra lap or two through carpeted areas that flea are likely to inhabit. You can also shuffle your feet across carpets and rugs. This will build up friction, and the warmth will draw the fleas out. ” Flea dirt is the name commonly used to describe the small, visible droppings of fleas, which look like little bits of dirt. You’ll most likely find clusters of flea dirt on the floor of your home, or in rugs and carpets. To confirm that the specks are flea dirt, rub a damp paper towel over them. Flea dirt will leave reddish streaks behind. A clump of flea dirt often resembles a pile of fine-ground black pepper. Carpets and rugs are often safe havens for fleas, and places where fleas can lay their eggs in relative safety. In order to inspect carpets for flea eggs, put on a pair of light-colored latex or plastic gloves and run your fingers through the fibers of the rug. Flea eggs are very small and are white and oval-shaped. You may need to use a magnifying glass to look for flea eggs in the carpet and on your hands. If you often walk around your house barefoot, you may be a frequent victim of flea bites yourself. Fleas seldom bite humans above the knee, but their bites are itchy and cause small red bumps. You can tell flea bites apart from mosquito or spider bites by their differing appearances.  Unlike mosquito bites, flea bites cause very little swelling. Unlike spider bites, flea bites only have one small puncture hole, not two.
Summary: Walk through your house wearing a pair of white cotton socks. Look around your home for “flea dirt. Search for flea eggs in carpeting. Look for flea bites around your ankles and knees.