The doctor will insert a prostaglandin like misoprostol (Cytotec) or dinoprostone (Cervidil) into your vagina and position it near your cervix. This will soften and thin out your cervix, which helps it dilate faster. These medications work for 4-12 hours and cause contractions that soften and thin out your cervix. You may need multiple doses to dilate your cervix enough for labor to start. Talk to your doctor to find out if this is an option for you.  While this treatment is pretty effective, it doesn’t work for everyone. However, prostaglandins are preferable to oxytocin since they may reduce the need for a cesarean delivery. You likely won’t be able to use ripening agents if you’re already having contractions. If your cervix doesn’t start to dilate after a few hours, your doctor may send you home. It can take anywhere from hours to days for your cervix to ripen, depending on how soft and thin it was before your doctor administered the prostaglandins. You'll know the medicine is working when you start to feel contractions. Your doctor can give you oxytocin intravenously to increase contractions and kickstart labor. Contractions make your cervix dilate, so this can help you dilate faster. Discuss this option with your doctor to find out if it’s right for you.  Oxytocin is used to induce labor when you’re past your due date or your doctor thinks it’s best for you and your baby. Your doctor likely won’t administer oxytocin unless you’re already overdue, your water has broken, or you have a condition like high blood pressure or diabetes. Your doctor can insert a flexible catheter into your vagina to inflate a balloon with saline. The balloon will apply direct pressure to your lower uterine region and this may help to dilate your cervix. You can keep the balloon in your vagina for up to 12 hours or until it naturally falls out on its own. This may help dilate your cervix faster so that labor can progress. However, it may not work for everyone.  The great thing about cervical balloons is that they’re considered a non-medical option. If you’ve had a prior cesarean birth, a cervical balloon may be your best option.

Summary: Ask your doctor about taking prostaglandins to ripen your cervix faster. Consider getting an oxytocin IV to start contractions and dilate faster. Discuss a saline-filled cervical balloon with your doctor.


Since there is no center rearview mirror in a moving truck, backing up is extremely difficult. Try to find parking spots which you can pull all the way through so you can just drive forward when you’re ready to leave. Have the person stand off to one side so that you can clearly see them in your mirror, then ask them to direct you to make sure you don't back over something you can't see. Discuss what hand signals you will use before you start backing up. For instance, you may agree that an open hand means go and a closed fist means stop. This will help keep the truck from rolling, and it will reduce strain on the truck’s regular brakes. If the emergency brake is a lever, press the button and lift the lever up. If the brake is a pedal, press it with your foot until you feel it engage. Even if it seems like the truck is on flat elevation, you still need to engage the emergency brake. If the front of the truck is facing uphill when you park, turn the steering wheel so that the front tires are angled away from the curb. This will help anchor the truck and keep it from rolling backwards. If you have to park so that the front of the car is angled downhill, turn the steering wheel so that the front tires are cut in towards the curb to keep the truck from rolling forwards. Moving trucks are sometimes targets for theft, since people often are transporting their valuable items. If you stop to eat or to stay overnight in a hotel, try to park where you can keep an eye on the truck.

Summary: Try to find drive-through parking so you don’t have to back up. Get someone to help you if you do need to back up while parking. Set the emergency brake every time you park. Turn the wheels away from the curb if you park uphill. Turn the wheels into the curb if you park downhill. Park where you can see the vehicle whenever possible.


If you find yourself falling asleep after eating sweets, try exercising. A gentle walk or a full-blown workout can help energize you. Try going for a short walk around your office building if your afternoon treat leaves you feeling lethargic. If you find yourself crashing, it’s easy to reach for another cookie or energy drink for a quick boost. Avoid doing this, as you will only cause your blood sugar to peak and then crash again, possibly leaving you more tired. Dehydration can often mask itself as a sugar craving. Before you indulge in a sweet treat, try drinking a large glass of water or a cup of tea to see if hydrating can curb the craving. Another way to overcome the sleepiness brought about by consuming too much sugar is to step outside. Sunshine can warm and invigorate you. Spending time in the sun will give you an added boost of vitamin D, a nutrient that is essential to overall health and wellbeing.

Summary: Get moving. Avoid consuming additional sugar. Drink a glass of water or a cup of tea. Let the sunshine in.


Calipers are exposed to very high temperatures during braking. Choose a paint that is heat resistant or developed specifically for calipers.  Specialty caliper paints can be purchased from auto parts stores. Purchase a heat tolerant spray paint from your local hardware store. Make sure the paint is designed for use on metals. Spray multiple coats to achieve an even paint job. Do not apply spray paint in thick coats or you will get drips and runs in your paint. Spray smoothly and from different angles to get maximum coverage.  Shake the can and follow the label directions on the paint can. Spray short bursts, not a continuous stream of paint. Move the can from side to side as you spray. Wait 5 minutes between coats of paint. Spray 3 to 4 coats on the top side of the caliper. After applying multiple coats to one side of the caliper, wait for it to dry to the touch before turning it over.  Repeat the painting process on the opposite side of the caliper Be gentle when turning the caliper so you don’t twist the brake line. You do not need to paint the inner portion of the caliper as this isn’t seen and may affect the performance of your brakes. Depending on the temperature and humidity, the time it takes for your paint to dry may vary. You don’t want to ruin all your hard work, so make sure the paint is completely dry before replacing the caliper.
Summary: Select a high quality paint. Paint the caliper one side at a time. Allow the caliper to dry for 30 minutes, then paint the other side. Allow the paint to dry for one hour before replacing the caliper.