Pour the three cups of water into a small pot, and bring to a boil. You may also boil the water in the microwave if desired. Stir the oats with a wooden spoon. Start checking for doneness at about the 20-minute mark. For chewier oats, cook less. For more done oats, cook more.  Do not stir the oats as they simmer. Allow them to rest in place as the water cooks them. Turn the heat lower if the oats seem to be drying out too quickly. Stir the mixture well using a wooden spoon. Let the oatmeal simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes. Spoon into bowls for serving. Sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, maple syrup, or fruit.

Summary: Boil the water. Add the steel-cut oats to the pot, along with a pinch of salt, and bring back to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook uncovered for about 20 to 30 minutes. Add the milk to the oats. Remove the oatmeal from heat.


Most women experience yeast infections now and then, and they can usually be combated with over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories. The treatments come in doses that are taken over a period of 1, 3, 5, or 7 days, depending on how severe your infection is. Most yeast infection treatments also come with anti-itch cream that can be used to help with itching and burning around the vulva area.  If you are pregnant, make sure to consult your health care provider before taking any medication, even if you feel certain that you have a yeast infection. If you aren't sure that what you have is a yeast infection, you should see a doctor to double check. Yeast infection symptoms include curd-like, yellowish discharge with a bad smell, itching and burning in the vaginal area, a rash on the vulva, and burning or soreness. If your infection still won't go away after a week or so, make an appointment with your doctor to get prescription medication that will wipe out your infection. You can also try doubling your daily intake of yogurt or other fermented foods to increase the levels of "good" bacteria in your body. Vaginitis can be caused by yeast infections, bacterial infections, parasites, and other causes. It's characterized by a discharge with a fish-like odor, burning and itching, and a rash around the vulva. You can buy over-the-counter creams to combat the uncomfortable symptoms, but you should go to the doctor to figure out the cause and receive a prescription as necessary. Sexually transmitted diseases such as HPV, chlamydia, genital warts, and others can cause long-term damage if left untreated. If you have unprotected sex and feel there's a possibility you could have contracted an STD, make an appointment with your doctor or go to a health clinic. In many cases you'll be able to get free testing. Many women aren't familiar with the way their vaginas look and feel, so they aren't aware when something changes. Every vagina is different, and it's important to know how your vagina normally looks, feels, and smells so that when something changes, you'll notice and seek medical attention if necessary. Go to the doctor if you notice a stark change in color, warts or other bumps, discharge that smells or looks different, or if you have pain in your vagina.

Summary: Try over-the-counter remedies for yeast infections. Go to the doctor to get treated for vaginitis. Get regularly tested for STDs. Go to the doctor if you notice something out of the ordinary.


No one expects you to immediately understand all the elements of a new job right away, but they may be too busy to realize that you need help.  Don’t be embarrassed to ask someone to explain something to you; not only does it demonstrate that you care about the work you are doing, but it might even make the person you ask like you more.  It’s better to ask for help than to do something the wrong way.  Save you and your coworkers time by asking for clarification and doing things right the first time. Benjamin Franklin famously won over people that didn’t like him by asking for favors.  Asking for a favor can pacify someone that sees you as a rival and make them see you in a more positive light. You may find yourself without much to do on your first day at work.  After filling out human resources documents and completing orientation there may be time leftover that your supervisor or manager hasn’t accounted for.  Don’t let that time, or any time in your new job, go to waste.  Volunteer to help others with things so you can learn about the job and get to know your coworkers. Be proactive and complete tasks you know you will be asked to complete later. Be comfortable with the idea of doing things that might make you uncomfortable.  Doing new things is the only way to get good at them. Demonstrating an understanding of what the company does and how it works on your first day shows that you are well prepared and care about the job.  Research the company you will be working for and read about their operations and policies on their website if you can.  Look for the company in the news to see if there are any developing or recent stories that involve the company. Peruse press releases the company posts on its website. Shining a spotlight on the help others have provided or the hard work they’ve done goes far to demonstrate your confidence and that you are a team player.  If someone goes out of their way to assist you, mention it to the group or your supervisor in conversation.  Pointing out the achievements of others may strengthen your relationship with them. Demonstrating that you are willing to share the spotlight shows your employers and coworkers that you aren’t selfish. Now that you have established yourself as a valuable new member of your team, it's up to you to live up to the expectations that you've set for yourself.  Keep up your good habits to establish a long lasting impression as a team player and asset to the organization.  Be a hard worker, but be modest about your successes and achievements. Demonstrate a willingness to help others and be a part of the team. Be honest about mistakes and upbeat about every situation. Be ambitious and action oriented; don't be afraid to try new things.

Summary: Ask for help. Take initiative. Know the company. Share the spotlight. Develop your first impression into a lasting impression.


Keep food in covered containers and utensils clean. Discard any food that has come in contact with flood water, been at room temperature for more than two hours, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. Also discard foods from cans that are swollen, dented, or corroded, even though the product may look safe to eat. Thawed food usually can be eaten if it is still “refrigerator cold.” It can be re-frozen if it still contains ice crystals. To be safe, remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.” Alternative cooking sources in times of emergency include candle warmers, chafing dishes, fondue pots, or a fireplace. Although canned food can be eaten out of the can without warming, you can heat the contents by removing the label, thoroughly washing and disinfecting the can (use a diluted solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water), and opening the can before heating. If the weather is cold enough, set food outside, perhaps in a hole in the ground or buried in the snow. Or, use dry ice. 25 pounds of dry ice will keep a 10-cubic-foot freezer below freezing for 3-4 days. Use care when handling dry ice, and wear dry, heavy gloves to avoid injury. Do not allow garbage to accumulate inside, both for fire and sanitation reasons. by washing them frequently with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected.
Summary: Understand that sanitation is vital so that germs do not spread via contaminated cookware or food. Cook food using the available implements. Look for alternative storage space for perishable food if you are without power for a long time. Keep garbage in closed containers and dispose outside, burying if necessary. Keep your hands clean Use only pre-prepared canned baby formula for infants and avoid using powdered formulas with treated water.