Q: There are several steps you can take to avoid succumbing to frequent colds in the future. Try making sure that you follow some basic guidelines for living a healthy life. For example, make sure to consistently get plenty of sleep.  Eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables can help build a strong immune system. This will help you fight off germs. Try meditation. Research shows that people who meditate daily report less illnesses per year. This is likely because meditation reduces stress, which can put undue pressure on your immune system. Exercise frequently. People who log exercise five days a week suffer from fewer respiratory illnesses, such as colds. Cold and flu germs are spread very easily and can linger on almost any surface. You pick up these germs by touching everyday items such as door knobs and telephones. Wash your hands several times a day, especially during cold and flu season. Using soap and warm water, scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Make sure that you dry them on a clean towel. You can reduce your exposure to germs by wiping down the surfaces you contact during the day. Pay particular attention to your work space. Your co-workers are one of the most common sources of germs. Ward them off by using a sanitizing cloth to wipe down your computer, phone, and pens at the beginning and end of your day. You can use the same process at home. Try wiping down commonly touched surfaces such as the faucets on your bathroom sink.
A: Develop healthy habits. Wash your hands. Sanitize your surroundings.

Q: As corns are rarely serious medical problems, you can start off treating them with home remedies. Most corns will successfully respond to at home treatment.  Over-the-counter medicated pads, usually containing salicylic acid, can be placed over the corn to protect against infection while it heals.  Soaking your hands or feet in warm, soapy water for about 20 minutes at a time can soothe irritation associated with corns and lessen symptoms.  You can rub corns with a pumice stone, nail file, or washcloth to pair down tough skin. Such products can be bought at most drugstores.  Always wear comfortable shoes and socks. This can reduce existing corns and prevent the development of foot problems down the road. If symptoms do not improve with at-home treatments, or you suspect an infection, make an appointment with a podiatrist (a doctor who specializes in treating feet) to assess the problem. A doctor can help work with you to reduce symptoms.  A doctor can use a scalpel to trim down excess skin around the corn.  Certain medications can be prescribed to reduce corns and callouses. Your doctor will prescribe medication based on your medical history and go over proper usage and potential side effects with you. If infection is a risk, your doctor might also recommend an antibacterial ointment.  If your corns are caused by an underlying foot deformity, your doctor might prescribe custom-made padded shoe inserts to address the problem. Corns are rarely a medical emergency, but certain complications may arise that require immediate medical treatment. Go to the ER if you experience any of the following symptoms in relation to corns:  Increased pain, swelling, and redness around the corn Fever Changes in color of fingers and toes Any unusual drainage around the sore
A: Try home remedies first. Talk to a doctor if symptoms persist. Understand when emergency care might be needed.

Q: Take off all lights, ornaments, tinsels, and anything else attached to the tree. Make sure you can support the tree with one hand while cleaning the branches with the other. Cleaning the tree will usually be more necessary prior to decorating, meaning it will be easier to clean before you put the tree away. At this point, a simple wipe down with a soft cloth or a light vacuuming should be enough to clean your tree and prepare it for storage. Disassemble the tree if necessary. You may put an unfolded sheet inside the tree box to protect the tree from dust while in storage. Once the tree and all its parts are placed the box, wrap the sides of the sheet over the tree, then seal the box.  You may also place the tree’s different sections in heavy duty black trash bags to protect from dust and damage. Avoid storing your tree in attic spaces with exposed insulation or in dusty garages without proper protections, such as covering the tree with plastic or sealing the box with tape. It is possible to purchase Christmas tree wraps that fit your specific tree dimensions. Check online or with a tree designer.
A: Remove the decorations. Make sure the tree is secure and won't topple. Use a dust cloth or vacuum to clean the tree. Prepare your tree for storage.

Q: Starting out in the field can be daunting, so contact your college's alumni department or local chapter of the STC to see if you can meet with an experienced technical writer. This mentor can give you advice and tell you what markets or employers are looking for entry level staff.  The STC also maintains an active mentor board. If you're interested in find a mentor to help you find an entry level job in technical writing, complete a profile that can be posted on this board. A mentor help you by sharing experiences, advice and training. If you're uncertain what particular field of technical writing might suit you, a mentor can help you understand the different aspects that may affect your choice. A mentor can also help you access new training and professional development. There are more entry level jobs in cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, D.C., Boston, Houston, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, Atlanta and Dallas than in smaller cities. Look at the STC website to find the best cities for technical writing jobs.  More and more technical writing jobs are available online as well. If you don't live in a larger city, you may want to find an online entry level technical job position. Depending on the particular track of technical writing you plan to pursue, consider the other factors involved in your field to decide where you should live. For example, if writing for research in healthcare is your goal, look for positions in cities that also house major medical research centers. If you're interested in pursuing writing for the aerospace engineering field, look for jobs in cities that are major hubs for Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, etc. Look online using job search engines. Reading the listings is a good way to become familiar with the job market in different cities. List all major companies that are hiring technical writers in any position. For this list, you'll want to be as inclusive as possible.  Make a spreadsheet that lists the company, industry, contact information and any special notes or qualifications. You should be able to alter your spreadsheet as you acquire new information. Delete or add new entries as need be. Call or email companies directly. Ask them to consider you for any future entry level positions and keep your resume and portfolio on file. To cover your bases well, contact between 50 and 100 companies. Meeting contacts in the industry and foster relationships. They may be able to give you hints about possible entry level openings.  Make sure you have an attractive and professional-looking business card to share with others. Keep your resume up-to-date so that you can share with professional contacts you meet through networking.
A:
Find a mentor. Consider moving to a technical hub. Make a contact list. Network at seminars, job fairs and major technical events.