Problem: Article: Quick release gait belts have 2-piece buckles located on either end of the belt strap. To secure the buckle, push the “male” side into the “female” side until you hear a snap, then tug on the closed buckle to make sure it's secure. To unbuckle the belt, simultaneously press down on the tabs at the top and bottom of the closed buckle, and pull the 2 buckle components apart at the same time. As with a standard gait belt, the buckle can cause discomfort if it's positioned directly over the center of the patient's abdomen. Slide it a little to the right or left of center, based on the patient's preference. Some excess belt strap will already be looped through and hanging free from one of the sides of the buckle—typically the “male” side. Pull on the strap until the belt is at the proper tightness around the patient's waist, with the bottom of the belt just touching the tops of the hip bones. You should be able to slide your fingers behind the belt, but not be able to pinch the fabric between your fingers. The excess belt strap can be a tripping hazard, so get it out of the way by tucking it once or more behind the fitted belt. If there is an excessive amount of strapping left, wrap it loosely around the patient's body once or twice (above the fitted belt), then tuck it in.
Summary: Snap the two sides of the plastic buckle together. Move the buckle to the right or left of the patient's belly button. Pull the loose end of the belt strap to secure the belt tightly. Tuck the loose strap end into the belt for safety reasons.

Problem: Article: Use a pair of needle-nosed pliers, forceps, or even a wrench to grip one side of the knot itself (as opposed to its “arms”).  Hold onto the knot with your other hand or with a second pair of pliers.  Tug gently at the knot.  This is done to loosen up the knot.  Once it loosens, pull the knot apart with your hands. Do not pull as hard as possible or you might break the knotted material. Creating space within the knot will help loosen it. Depending on the nature of the knot, you could use a variety of tools for this. For small, tight knots, try using the fine teeth of a plastic comb or one tong of a fork. On larger knots, you might be able to use a bamboo skewer. Anything pointed and not too sharp will do.  Slip the implement of your choice into the knot.  Wiggle it back and forth a bit. Without removing the implement you worked into the knot, pull at one portion of the knot to see it if it comes apart. If the knot is still too tight to untie, wiggle the implement you placed in it a bit more, or take it out and try to push something with a slightly wider girth into the space you opened up.  Afterwards, try to untie it again. If you can place your knot on a hard, flat surface, you could attempt to untie it using a hard fist-sized rock or a hammer.  Start with a gentle but firm tap using moderate force.  After a few taps, test the knot to see if it can be untied.  If not, continue, adding force gradually each time you check the knot. Be sure that whatever is beneath the knot will not be damaged by the impact.
Summary: Take the knot apart with gripping instruments. Work something into the heart of the knot. Tap on the knot.

Problem: Article: When you adhere to a daily routine, your life may begin to feel stale and boring. Disregard your strict schedule and infuse your life with spontaneity. Welcome opportunities to do something unexpected each day. This may include:  Buying flowers for yourself or a loved one. Striking up a conversation with a stranger. Lunching in the park or at a new restaurant. Saying “yes” to an adventure. Fear may manifest itself as boredom, because it can limit the experiences you allow yourself to have. Have the courage to pursue an interesting life. When you face your fears, you grow as an individual and open yourself to a life full of new possibilities. Everyone has a hobby, craft, or sport that they have always wanted to explore, develop, or practice. Often, however, we don’t allow ourselves to commit the time or resources necessary to pursue our passions. In an effort to transform your mundane existence into an interesting life, grant yourself permission to fully immerse yourself in a hobby or craft.  To make the most of your resources, look for online deals.  Ask a friend to join you. Learning doesn’t cease when you leave school; it is a lifelong process. An intellectually stimulating course can reinvigorate your life. In addition to challenging yourself, you are providing yourself with something to look forward to each week. Consider taking a course in the arts, humanities, or sciences. Sign up for a dance or exercise class. Join a language course, reading group, or cooking class.
Summary: Be spontaneous. Tackle your fears. Try new activities. Take a class.

Problem: Article: When it comes to headaches, they are very often triggered by certain foods or drinks. Once you notice a headache coming on, write down everything you recently drank or ate. This is important, as it will give you more information to consider when you look for patterns and triggers later. Some foods you might want to pay special attention to include:  Aged foods Alcohol, particularly red wine Processed, fermented, or cured meats Food or drinks that are overly cold (like iced tea or ice cream) Smoked or dried food Caffeinated products MSG Chocolate Fish or shrimp Miso soup or yeast extract In addition to foods and drinks, medications and other substances can trigger the onset of a headache. As a result, you should record any medicine or substances you used prior to the onset of a headache.  If you smoke tobacco or marijuana, record when you used them. If you're on a prescription medication for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or anything similar, write down when you took them and how they impacted you. If you use a medication (prescription or over the counter) to treat your headache symptoms, record how well it works. Include herbal medicines Headaches can also be triggered by certain activities that you do every day. As a result, you should record what activities you engaged in prior to the onset of your headache. Pay attention to:  Exercise habits Sleep habits Stress levels Places you visited prior to the onset of the headache. There is a chance your headaches could be triggered by the presence of mold, mildew, or chemicals in the air at a given location. Anything unusual you experienced before you got the headache.
Summary:
Track what you eat and drink. Note what medications or other controlled substances you used. Record your activities.