Read the recipe carefully before starting to mix or bake cookies. You may need to place the cookie sheet on a certain rack or even change the temperature mid-baking. If you choose to alter the ingredients in any way, be aware that this might change the baking times or temperature. As soon as you've placed the cookies into your oven, set a standalone kitchen timer or program the one on your oven. This will let you closely monitor for doneness and avoid burning your cookies. Make sure that the timer's buzzer is loud enough, so that you'll hear it wherever you are in the house. If you test the cookies for doneness at the minimum time and they aren't done, then you'll want to keep a close eye on them moving forward. As each minute passes, either peer through the glass door of the oven or open it up and perform another check. Be aware that this isn't something you'd want to do throughout the entire cooking time, just at the very end. Opening the oven does change the interior temperature.
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One-sentence summary -- Follow the recipe's directions. Use a timer and set it to the minimum bake time. Check cookies at one minute intervals when the time is up.


If you have a sore that has developed, reposition the body and make sure you stay off that sore spot for at least 2-3 days. If the sore does not go away, check with your doctor to consider additional treatment options. If you are confined to a bed or wheelchair, you need to reposition your body frequently throughout the day to relieve existing pressure on sores and to prevent bedsores from developing. Reposition the body every 2 hours in a bed or every hour in a wheelchair. This will relieve pressure that builds up on certain areas, which will help bedsores from getting worse. If you're in a wheelchair, you might use cushions to change your position. The cushions can prop you up at different angles to redistribute your weight onto another pressure point. Additionally, it's best for you to spend some time everyday lying in your bed or on the couch to minimize your time in the same position. Even though someone who is bed bound or wheelchair-bound may not be very active, their body can still be moved around. This will prevent pressure from building up in certain areas and will increase blood flow through the body. Activity can also improve mental health, a crucial component in maintaining your overall health. The key to reducing risk of bedsores is to reduce pressure that builds up on particular parts of the body. Use special cushions that are made of foam or filled with air or water can be useful. Similarly, protective padding may help, especially between knees or under the head or elbows. Some support products such as doughnut-type products might actually increase the risk of developing bedsores. You can avoid this by switching out what type of product you are using to change up your pressure points. Check with your doctor to determine which products are best for you. Bedsores develop in part from inadequate blood flow to the skin areas. When pressure is applied to the skin, blood vessels are restricted from doing their job. Maintain good blood flow by drinking lots of water, not smoking, and repositioning your body. If you have diabetes, this might contribute to lower blood circulation. Work with your doctor to strategize how to improve blood circulation. Wear clothing that is not too tight or too loose, both of which can cause rubbing and irritation. Change clothing every day to ensure that skin is kept clean too. Wear cotton-based materials that do not have heavy seams. Be careful when using disposable underwear or pants made for incontinence. While these products can be very helpful if you need them, they can cause bedsores if you leave them on for too long. Change disposable underwear as soon as they become soiled, as the wetness increases the risk of bedsores. For those who are bedbound, having clean sheets will ensure that bacteria will not aggravate bedsores. Bed linens may also get sweaty and irritate the skin. Changing the bedding on a frequent basis will help eliminate this risk. Take either over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain. Choose nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication, rather than aspirin, acetaminophen or opioids.  Take ibuprofen before or after you reposition your body, when you undergo a debridement procedure, or when your wounds are getting cleaned. These can help reduce pain that you might feel.  If you still feel pain during wound cleaning, your medical provider may prescribe a stronger pain medication.
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One-sentence summary -- Relieve pressure on existing sores. Reposition your body frequently. Keep as active as possible. Use support surfaces and protective padding. Maintain adequate blood circulation. Choose comfortable clothing. Change sheets often. Control pain with ibuprofen.


Smiling is a simple way to completely transform the energy you give off to others. By giving a smile, you'll look more approachable, and you'll even feel happier. Try smiling more often to show that you're confident and friendly. Smiling politely to people you interact with throughout the day, such as the cashier at the grocery store or the receptionist at your doctor's office, is a great way to show your kindness. The way you carry yourself tells other people a lot about how you feel, so make sure you're communicating confidence. Avoid looking at the ground when you're standing or walking around and hold your head high. If seated, sit up tall with your shoulders back and relaxed. Practice walking with poise by avoiding dragging your feet or hunching over. If you're constantly worried about your flaws, it will show in how you present yourself to the world. Try to focus on the aspects of yourself that you love, whether it's something about your looks or your personality, and put any negative feelings aside. Try saying what you like best about yourself when standing in front of the mirror. Try to spend 30 minutes each day doing some form of exercise, whether it's going to the gym, playing a sport, or even just taking a walk. Not only will exercising keep your body healthy and fit, but the endorphins will have you feeling happier and more confident.  Work out with a friend to keep you feeling motivated. Try playing sports like volleyball, basketball, tennis, or swimming. This doesn't mean you need to tell jokes all the time, but try to let loose a little and avoid taking things out of your control too seriously. If you're able to laugh off things that go wrong, others will be attracted to your ability to go with the flow. Making someone laugh is a great way to ease any tension and make you more attractive, whether it's through a joke or just a funny comment.
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One-sentence summary --
Smile as often as possible. Practice good posture. Avoid thinking negative thoughts about yourself. Spend time exercising to feel fit and strong. Have a sense of humor.