If the painting is stable where it's already hanging on the wall, you can leave it in place to clean it. However, it’s usually recommended that the painting be taken down and placed on a flat, stable table or propped up against a sturdy easel for the best results. Removing the painting from the wall also allows you to look at the painting in different lighting conditions and get a better view of the dirt on the surface. The larger the painting, the larger the brush should be. Otherwise, you might be dusting a large piece with a small paintbrush for hours! No matter what size you choose, feel the bristles first to make sure they’re soft and free of moisture before you get started.  Sable bristled paintbrushes are known for their softness and considered to be safe for this procedure.  Feather dusters may seem soft, but they are not recommended for this task. Feathers have barbs that can scratch the surface of an oil painting. Starting at one of the top corners, swish the paintbrush very lightly back and forth across the surface, working on several inches at a time. Then, work your way slowly down that section of the painting until you reach the bottom. Working from the top down ensures that the dust is removed rather than just moved around. Move to the next section and, starting at the top, lightly brush back and forth as you work your way down the painting. Continue in this way until you’ve dusted the entire piece. This technique only removes superficial dust and dirt from the surface of the painting. Ingrained grime, deep soiling, stains, and other issues can’t be cleaned this way, no matter how hard you push the brush into the surface. Work slowly, be gentle, and take your time for the best results.

Summary: Place the oil painting on a stable surface. Select a dry, soft paintbrush. Dust the first section gently with the paintbrush. Continue working in small sections until the entire painting is dusted. Take your time and don’t increase the pressure of your brush strokes.


Most pre-packaged foods have unnatural chemical additives and preservatives, and often contain unhealthy saturated or trans fat. It is almost always better to eat food you prepare at home, where you can control the ingredients. Most pre-packaged foods are also higher in calories and fat, especially saturated trans fats. Dieticians recommend eating slowly, which helps you recognize when you are full. When you continue to eat after your hunger has been satisfied, you are ingesting a lot of calories that easily could have been avoided. Limit calories to 2,000 kcal/day. If you are trying to lose weight, try cutting down to 1,800 kcal/day. Never consume fewer than 1,200 kcal/day.  One serving of meat, fish, or poultry should be about 3 ounces, when cooked, or about the same size as the palm of your hand.  A serving of cooked pasta should be about half a cup, or roughly the size of a scoop of ice cream. One serving of grains is equal to one slice of bread. One pancake or one waffle equals one serving, which should be about the same size as a typical slice of bread. One cubed serving of cheese is roughly the same size as your entire thumb. One serving of vegetables or fruit is about the size of your fist. A healthy serving size of cooked rice is about enough to fill a standard cupcake wrapper. Try to make half of your plate consist of vegetables. Restaurants often serve food in unusually large portions. Sharing one entree between two people is a good way to ensure proper portion size and save money as well. Although it is not imperative to eliminate meat from your diet entirely, reducing the amount you eat will have a positive effect on your health. Many meats are high in calories and contain a large percentage of fat. Red meats especially have been linked to clogged arteries, higher cholesterol, and heart problems. Oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread contain fiber, which is essential to a healthy digestive tract. Whole grains also contain B vitamins, which boost energy and metabolism. Nuts and seeds contain vitamin E and other nutrients that aren't readily found in other foods. Legumes such as peanuts, lentils, beans, and soybeans also provide fiber, as well as protein, iron, folate, and other important nutrients.

Summary: Limit packaged foods. Watch those portion sizes. Share an entree. Eat less meat. Eat more whole grains. Snack on nuts, seeds, and legumes.


In order to become a licensed endocrinologist in the United States, you’ll have to take and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). This is a 3-step exam that assesses your ability to understand concepts and principles as well as apply knowledge and skills of clinical science. To learn more, go to http://www.usmle.org/.  The first step is an 8-hour, 280-question testing session that evaluates your ability to understand the scientific principles behind medicine.  The second step is a 318-question, 9-hour testing session that tests your skills regarding patient care.  The third step is a 2-day assessment consisting of 413 multiple-choice questions and 13 case simulations designed to evaluate your knowledge of health, diseases, diagnosis, and treatment.  If you fail a step of the examination, you can retake it up to 3 times in 1 calendar year. You must pass both the certification examination in internal medicine as well as the endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism exam. Both tests are given by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Then, you’ll need to apply to the ABIM for a subspecialty in endocrinology. To learn more, go to http://www.abim.org/. Check the “Careers” section of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists website to find available positions in your area. You can also use search engines, social networking sites, and job boards such as LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed, https://careers.endocrine.org/, and https://www.endocrinology.org/careers/.  Be sure to submit an updated resume with references, a recommendation letter, and a tailored cover letter with each application. Arrive on time to each interview, dress professionally, and sell yourself to the interviewer by explaining why you’d make a great addition to the team. Make sure you’ve done research on the company and practice a few interview questions before the interview. Check with your state’s medical board to determine if or how often you will need to renew your license. As long as you keep your endocrinology license up to date, you don’t need to renew your internal medicine license.

Summary: Pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination. Get board-certified as an endocrinologist. Look for jobs through the AACE and online. Renew your license as required by your region.


You should also get medical attention if you cannot keep any food or water down, or are nauseous for more than 48 hours.  You should also seek medical attention if you feel weak, have a fever, have stomach pain, or cannot urinate for 8 hours or more. If there is blood in your vomit, bright red or coffee grounds in appearance and if you have a severe headache or a stiff neck or severe abdominal pain, go see a doctor. You should also take your child to a doctor if she hasn’t urinated in 4-6 hours, she has signs of dehydration, and she is experiencing diarrhea. There are several prescription medications that work to reduce nausea. Most begin working within 30 to 60 minutes.  Promethazine hydrochloride is available as a tablet, syrup, injection, or suppository.  Chlorpromazine is only available as a suppository. Prochlorperazine comes as both tablets and suppositories. Trimetho-benzamide hydrochloride is available as a capsule, injection, syrup, or suppository. Metoclopramide hydrochloride comes as a syrup, tablet, or injection. For relief from nausea connected to motion sickness, ask your doctor about scopolamine or Dramamine patches.
Summary: Get medical attention right away if you throw up three times or more in one day. Take your child to a doctor if her vomiting lasts more than a few hours, or she has a fever. Ask your doctor for an anti-nausea medication.