When you find yourself caught in a conversation that you would like to get out of, it’s important that you treat the other person politely and respectfully. If the other person is talking a lot and you are finding it hard to get a word in, try to change the subject. This can break the flow of her speech and give you an opportunity to explain that you need to be going.  Don’t be too abrupt, and don’t change the subject to something completely different. Doing this will likely come across as rude and dismissive.  Instead say something that indicates you have been listening, but can help you to transition to saying that you have to go. For example, if she was talking about her school work you could say something like “Oh, that reminds me, I haven’t done the work for class tomorrow.” Sometimes the best way to find an opening to make your excuses and exit is just to wait for a pause or lull in the conversation. These can come naturally and it won’t seem as though you were trying to engineer a break to get out of the conversation. You have to be paying attention to pick up on any lulls or pauses, then you can make a spontaneous comment that explains why you have to go. You could jump into a lull and say: “Wow, I’ve just seen the time. I’ve really got to go. Great talking to you.” Another way to try to remove yourself from a conversation is to take any opportunity to involve more people. Having more than two people relives the pressure on you to stay in the conversation. You could encourage somebody to join you and get the two of them talking before making your excuses.  If you do this, you are ending your conversation but replacing it with another. If you see a friend who has some shared interests with the girl you’re talking to, pull her into the conversation and bring up things they have in common. For example, if the girl is talking about her pet dog and you see a friend who has a dog you could say “Oh, Susie’s over there. She loves dogs. Hang on, I’m sure she’d want to talk to you about it.” You can try to use body language to subtly communicate that you have to go and need to end the conversation. Body language isn’t always very subtle, so be careful and remember to stay polite and friendly. Very slightly turning away from the person you are talking to can give a clear indication that your mind is beginning to drift.  Be aware that if you start yawning, looking at your watch or phone, or looking past the person you are talking to, she may consider this rude and get upset or irritated. Crossing your arms or rolling your eyes will suggest to her that you would rather be somewhere else, but is not especially subtle. When you have worked a moment to make your excuse for leaving, always try to give a genuine reason. If you have another commitment or you are running late, say that. Being honest is generally the best way. If you are obviously insincere or making something up, she may well pick up on that and might be offended. If you do have to make something up, pick something small and plausible.  You could say, “sorry, but I have to make a call. Nice talking to you.” Or, “I’ve got a load of work to do this afternoon. I better get to it.” Avoid more unusual statements like “I have to get to the hospital to visit my sick Uncle.”
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One-sentence summary -- Change the subject. Wait for a pause. Introduce somebody else to the conversation. Use body language. Explain why you have to end the conversation.


Forests in Brazil, Russia, Canada and other parts of the world are being cut down or burned by forest fires every day. 78 million acres of rainforest are lost every single year. Scientists posit that if forest destruction continues at this rate, 80 to 90 percent of rain forests will by gone by 2020. Since forests play an essential part in keeping our planet healthy, stopping their destruction can't happen soon enough.   Most forests are destroyed to provide space for agriculture or developments, to provide wood for paper products, or by forest fires that have increased in severity since the advent of global warming. Saving forests must be a global effort, but there are things you can do to contribute, even if you live nowhere near a rain forest. Showing those in your life that you care about trees is a good way to help other people start taking action, too. Many people simply don't realize how important old growth forests are to the health of the planet, including its human population. The more people who understand and care, the more likely destructive practices will be brought to a halt.  Spread the word on social media. When you see a story related to the state of the earth's forest, share what you think about it and encourage others to comment. Show that standing up for trees is something you believe in. Since saving trees will require a change in lifestyle, some people oppose the idea. By making it clear that saving trees is something you believe is valuable, you'll be acting as a role model to others. There are many nonprofits dedicated to saving forests across the world, and they are all in need of donations. Find one you trust and consider making a donation.    For example, Greenpeace is working to stop deforestation. It has projects around the world aimed at saving forests that are under threat.  The Rain forest Action Network aims to educate people and help everyone find a way to play a part in saving forests. Changing your consumption habits and helping local trees are both admirable ways to make a difference, but if saving trees and forests is something you're passionate about, you might be looking for a way to do more. Volunteering or working with a nonprofit working on this vital issue is a hands-on way to take action.   You can start by looking at http://arbordaynow.volunteermatch.org/ to find a group in your area where you can volunteer your time. Volunteering with a local group geared toward saving trees is a good way to get familiar with the issues surrounding deforestation.  The desire to save trees has inspired heartfelt activism around the world for decades. Look into groups using creative ways to save trees and protest the destruction of forests, like by tree-sitting and blocking logging equipment. Learn as much as you can about what has been done to save trees, and decide how you can contribute.
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One-sentence summary -- Learn about the state of forests. Share your love for trees and forests with other people. Donate to a nonprofit working to protect forests. Join a group working to save trees.


No matter what kind of damage or wound you have on your finger, change your dressings once a day. Change them sooner, however, if they become soiled before 24 hours have passed. When you take off the bandage each day, clean your finger with a sterile solution and rebandage it in the same manner you had it before. If you have stitches, ask your doctor before cleaning them. Follow any instructions he or she gives you on how to care for the stitches. You will likely have to keep them dry and should not clean them with any solution. Whenever you remove the bandages, look for signs of infection in the wound on your finger. Notice if there is any pus, drainage, redness, or heat, especially migrating up from your hand or arm.  Also take note if you begin to run a fever, as complications can develop, including infections such as cellulitis, a felon, or other hand infections. After you have had your finger injury for a few weeks, follow up with your doctor. If he or she treated the injury with stitches or hematoma evacuation, your doctor may schedule this. However, always follow up with your doctor when you go through any intense injury such as this.  Make sure you contact the doctor if you have additional symptoms, think you may be getting an infection, you get dirt or grime into the wound and can't get it out, you experience any additional or excessive pain, or your wound starts to bleed uncontrollably.  You should also contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of nerve damage, including: a lack of sensation, numbness, or the development of a ball-like scar called a "neuroma" that is often painful and causes an electrical sensation when touched.
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One-sentence summary --
Change the bandages. Look for signs of infection. Follow up with your doctor.