There are plenty of recordings that feature a Jew’s harp. It is typically used in old time folk and country music, but it is native to eastern European folk music. Listen to these popular recordings featuring a Jew’s harp:  We’re Allowed by The Odd Tones Bumblebees Can Fly by Gorgon Frazier Mouthing Off by Wayland Harman Search through the internet for a wide range of different players with unique styles.  Watch the videos with your Jew’s harp in hand to try out new techniques. Videos of other players can inspire you to become a better harpist. Youtube.com has plenty of videos by pros and amateurs. There are even how to videos that can help improve your sound. A common reason for a lack in interest in playing a Jew’s harp is playing a cheap harp. The popular Snoopy’s mouth harps may be cheap and the most accessible, but they don’t sound good. Spend an extra ten dollars on a better Jew’s harp. Some harps are even sold by the key like A, C or D.

Summary: Seek out recordings. Watch videos. Purchase a good Jew’s harp.


Be available to listen when this person needs a friend. Even if the person does not want help now, they may want some support in the future. Let them know that while you don't approve of their alcoholism that you are available to talk and listen if they need it. Communicate that you are willing to be a friend when they need friendship. Share your thoughts and feelings honestly with the addicted person, letting them know how you feel. Put the focus on you and not on them, as this can cause guilt or shame. For example, instead of saying, “You're destroying yourself and making bad decisions” say, “I don't get to see you anymore, which makes me sad. I miss having you as a part of my life.” Let the person know you are worried and are impacted by their drinking. Express your willingness to be supportive as well. Say, “I really don't like how alcohol has impacted our relationship. While this is painful for me, I want to support you because I care about you.” If the person expresses interest in seeking treatment, offer to help them however you can. Help them look up treatment facilities, detoxification programs, support groups, or whatever else they are interested in exploring. Offer to drive them to appointments or support them in certain life changes.  If the person isn't quite ready for help, make one offer, then wait for them to ask you. If you constantly offer help, the person may become off-put by you and your good intentions. Get informed on local resources for alcohol addiction. For example, look up community groups for alcoholism, treatment specialists, and treatment programs. That way, you can be ready to share information with the person.

Summary: Be available to listen. Express honesty. Offer to help.


Thickening your liquids can help prevent choking and prevent fluid from getting into your lungs. Ask your doctor what consistency your liquids should be when you thicken them.  Nectar-thick liquids are easy to pour. They're approximately the thickness of a cream soup. Combine 1 and 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 g) of commercial thickener to 1/2 cup (118 ml) of thin liquid. You can purchase commercial thickeners at most drug stores. Honey-thick liquids are not as pourable as nectar. They drizzle off of your spoon slowly. Combine 1 and 1/2 tablespoons (22.5 g) of your commercial thickener with 1/2 cup (118 ml) of thin liquid. This is the thickest consistency that you should thicken your liquids for medical reasons. You can eat pudding-thick liquids with a spoon. To create pudding thickened liquids, combine 2 tablespoons (30 g) of commercial thickener with 1/2 cup (118 ml) of thin liquid.

Summary: Make a nectar-thick liquid. Make your liquids honey-thick. Create a pudding consistency in you liquids.


Studies have shown that blueberries in particular help protect the brain and may reduce the effects of age-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Aim for 1 cup of blueberries a day; they can be fresh, frozen, or freeze-dried. Pomegranates (or pomegranate juice without added sugar) are also a good source of antioxidants. Many fish, including salmon, are rich in the omega-3 essential fatty acids that are necessary for brain function. These acids also reduce inflammation. Aim for a 4-ounce serving 2 to 3 times per week. Avocados offer another source of healthy fat — monounsaturated, which helps lower blood pressure and contributes to healthy blood flow. Nuts and seeds are great sources of vitamin E, which can help minimize the cognitive decline that accompanies age. Aim for 1 ounce each day of nuts or unhydrogenated nut butters. Raw or roasted doesn’t matter, but be careful of salt content. Eating whole grains promotes cardiovascular health, which promotes blood flow throughout the entire body, including the brain. Aim for 1/2 cup of whole-grain cereal, 1 to 3 slices of bread, or 2 tablespoons of wheat germ each day. Beans help stabilize blood sugar (glucose), upon which the brain depends for fuel. Aim for 1/2 cup of beans every day. Aim for 2 to 3 cups per day of either hot or cold tea. The small amount of caffeine that tea contains can help enhance memory, focus and mood. Tea also contains antioxidants.  Make sure the tea is loose leaf or in a tea bag: bottled or powdered teas are not effective. If you suffer from stress, you may need to reduce your caffeine intake as this can increase your anxiety/stress. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and several natural stimulants, including caffeine, to enhance focus and concentration, and boost one’s mood. Aim for 1/2 to 1 ounce (but no more than that) per day. The brain is made up of roughly 80% water; when your brain is chronically dehydrated, it does not function properly. To calculate how much water you need to drink each day, take your weight in pounds and divide it by 2. That is how much water you should drink each day, in ounces.  If you weight 150 pounds, you'll need to drink 75 ounces of water each day. You may need to drink more water on days where you sweat more, for example, from exercise or hot weather. There is not enough scientific research to prove that any of the popular “brain boosting” supplements actually work. Ones that have potential include ginkgo biloba (improves blood flow), omega-3 fatty acids, Huperzine A, Acetyl-L-carnitine, vitamin E, and Asian/Panax ginseng.
Summary: Eat antioxidants. Eat healthy fats. Eat nuts and seeds. Eat whole grains. Eat beans. Drink freshly brewed tea. Eat dark chocolate. Drink enough water. Consider taking supplements.