Fill an open shoe box with vertical toilet paper tubes or cut-down paper towel tubes. Put specific pens or pencils in each of the tubes to hold them upright in an easy-to-reach place on your desk. If you’re an artist, this is a great way to store and dry paint brushes! Wrap the lid of a shoe box with burlap or another material that matches the look of your bedroom. Hang the lid on the wall with nails near a dresser or jewelry case. Stick clear push pins through the fabric and lid to make hangers for necklaces or bracelets. To give your shoe box a classier look, wrap the exterior of the box with twine or jute rope. Attach the rope with hot glue or tacky glue. Once the rope has dried and set, line the inside of the box with white canvas for a simple and elegant look. Keep the box in a dry area. Humidity may cause the cardboard in the box to grow mold. If you need to sort mail, greeting cards, or any other small paper goods, keep your shoeboxes for filing. Create dividers using cut pieces of posterboard to keep your different items organized. Use filing tabs to label each section. If you have extra space in the box, keep a jar of pens and pencils so you have everything you need in one small package! If you want to keep your craft supplies more organized, cut slots on the short sides of the box so that a thin wooden dowel can fit snugly. Put the dowel through the center holes on ribbon spools and push it into the slots. When you’re finished, put the lid back on so the ends of the ribbon are held tight and they’re easy for you to pull out.  Glue buttons on the end of the dowel so it does not slip out of the slots you’ve cut.  Keep a pair of scissors in the box so you have everything you need in one tiny package!

Summary: Organize pens and markers with a shoebox and cardboard tubes. Hang jewelry from the lid with push pins. Craft a storage basket with twine and canvas. Use the box as a small filing cabinet. Store spools of ribbon in the box.


If the wound completely punctures through the skin or is wider than two millimeters, you should consult a doctor or visit an emergency clinic. If you have trouble closing the wound on your own or can see any exposed muscle or fat, you will likely need stitches.  Getting stitches within a few hours of the injury will reduce the risk of scarring and infection. Keep in mind that wounds with jagged edges are more likely to become infected, so make sure you see a doctor if you have this type of wound. Call a doctor immediately if redness and swelling spread beyond the wound or infected site. If you’ve already seen your doctor, call them for a follow-up if a fever persists for two days after starting an antibiotic, or if the infected wound shows no signs of improvement for three days after starting an antibiotic.  Signs of a worsening infection may include:  Increased swelling Red streaks traveling away from the wound A foul odor coming from the wound Increased amounts of pus and fluid coming from the wound Fever Chills Nausea and/or vomiting Swollen lymph nodes When you have your doctor examine the infected wound, discuss whether you should take topical or oral antibiotics. A topic antibiotic is an ointment that you apply directly on the infected area and is the most common form of treatment. Oral antibiotics, or systemic antibiotics, are taken by the mouth and are best if your doctor believes the infection is spreading or if your immune system is compromised. Tell your doctor about fever or any other symptoms, and be sure to mention any chronic health conditions or medications that might have weakened your immune system. It’s always best to talk to a doctor about getting a tetanus shot if the wound is deep or dirty. Puncture wounds from soiled or rusty surfaces can cause tetanus, but most standard vaccination programs protect against the disease. If you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last five years, you might need a booster. You should contact your doctor immediately if you have any concerns about the nature of your injury or about your existing medical conditions.   For example, be sure to consult a doctor if you take a prescription blood thinner or if your immune system is compromised. In addition to wounds from rusty or soiled objects, it's best to see a doctor for wounds from animal or human bites or with hard to remove debris.  Also, keep in mind that some people are at an increased risk of infection, such people who are diabetic, elderly, obese, or immunocompromised (those who have HIV/AIDS, are undergoing chemotherapy, or who are on a steroid medication). In some situations, you may need to seek immediate medical care. Symptoms that indicate a need for immediate care include:  Feeling short of breath Having a rapid heartbeat Feeling confused Having excessive bleeding that soaks through your bandages Feeling like your wound is ripping or noticing that it has actually come apart Having severe pain Noticing red streaks coming from the infected area

Summary: Have deeper wounds sutured. Make an appointment if the infection worsens. Discuss topical or oral antibiotics with your doctor. Ask your doctor about getting a tetanus shot. Consult a doctor about chronic conditions and other concerns. Seek immediate medical care for severe symptoms.


The label of the medication will tell you how many pills to take and how many times a day you should take them. In general, you will take one pill twice a day. Topamax (and the generic versions) can be taken with or without food. Taking more than the recommended dose will not help you lose weight, but it can increase your chances of dangerous side effects. If you have trouble swallowing the pill, take a sip of water with it. Do not chew the capsule. If you were given Topamax Sprinkle Capsule, you can open the pill with a fingernail and sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of applesauce. If you will take the next dose very soon, however, skip the missed dose. It is not a good idea to double up your dose of medication. For example, you might take a dose in the morning at 8 am and a dose at night at 8 pm.  If you missed your morning dose and it is noon, go ahead and take the missed dose. If you missed the morning dose and it is 6 pm, skip the missed dose and just take your evening dose. Topamax may reduce your food cravings, but you will still have more success losing weight if you eat a nutritious diet while on it. Choose a diet that contains fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods that are high in sugar and saturated or trans fats.  To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. It is considered safe to lose 1 pound (0.45 kg) a week. To do this, you will need to cut 500 calories a day from your diet.  Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to form a low-calorie diet plan that can help you lose weight. If you have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, talk to your therapist as well to determine if a diet is right for you at this time. Just like with diet, exercising while taking Topamax can increase your chances of losing weight. Talk to your doctor to see what type of exercises are safe for you. If you are just starting out, you can do gentle, low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or using an elliptical. Do at least 20-30 minutes of exercise a day. You can hire a personal trainer at a local gym to a help you exercise. The trainer can help you get on an exercise regimen that will help you lose weight. Topamax should be stored at room temperature. A medicine cabinet or drawer is a good place to keep your Topamax. Just make sure that children and pets cannot get to it.
Summary: Read the label to learn how often to take Topamax. Swallow the pill. Take your medicine as soon as possible if you miss a dose. Eat a healthy, balanced diet to boost weight loss. Exercise daily to burn more calories. Store your medication in a dry, dark place.