Q: Leave about 4 to 8 inches (10.16 to 20.32 centimeters) hanging off of the left side of the corner. Keep the rest of the ribbon on the spool on the top edge. Take the spool-side of the ribbon and pull it behind the top right corner, down towards the bottom right corner. Keep your thumb over the ribbon on the top left corner so that it doesn't fall off. Keep the wraps nice and snug so that they don't slide off of the corners. At this point, it would be a good idea to take a moment to adjust the positions of the wrapped ribbons on each of the corners. If they look like they are slipping off, pull them further from the corners. Bring both ribbons towards the center of the top left corner. Measure the spool ribbon against the other ribbon, and cut it down to match. Cross the left ribbon over and under the right, then tug on both ends to tighten them. Fold both ribbons into loops, then cross the right one over the left—just like tying a shoe! Once the bow is tight and secure, snip off the excess ribbon at the tails. For a fancier touch, cut them at angles or into notches.
A: Drape your ribbon across the top left corner of the box. Wrap the ribbon behind the top right corner. Wrap the ribbon across the bottom right corner and under the bottom left corner. Bring the ribbon back towards the top left corner. Cut off the excess ribbon. Cross and tie the ribbons. Cut off the excess ribbon.

Q: As with most infections, washing your hands well and often is one of the best preventative measures you can take. This goes double if you have strep throat and want to ensure that you do not spread it to those around you. Any time you cough or sneeze while battling a strep throat infection, you expel the bacteria, potentially spreading it to those around you. Make sure you take extra steps to cover your mouth whenever you cough or sneeze. Using your sleeve rather than your hands helps reduce the spread of germs even more, but if you must use your hands, ensure that you wash them immediately after. Eating utensils, cups, and anything else that goes near your mouth will have an even higher risk of potentially spreading strep throat to others. Avoid sharing these items and wash them in hot, soapy water to kill the bacteria.  After you finish two days of antibiotics, throw away and get a new toothbrush to prevent re-infecting yourself. A dishwasher works fine to eliminate the bacteria when it comes to dishes and utensils.
A: Wash your hands often. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Avoid sharing personal items.

Q: If you feel pain in your lower back that radiates along the path of sciatic nerve (through the buttocks, thigh, and lower leg), you may be suffering from sciatica.  Sciatica pain is often described as sharp, burning, needlelike, or tingling. In some cases, sciatica can be more localized around the buttocks, with radiation in the thigh, but no pain at the lower back. The specific pain pattern will differ from person to person, and is mainly tied to the underlying cause of the sciatica. Pain is usually present in one leg, but can affect both in some cases. Muscle weakness can occur during sciatica, due to the irritation and inflammation of the nerve.  Pain and muscle weakness can be so severe that it can affect your lifestyle and daily activities. The pain could be triggered by walking, bending forward or backward, and prolonged sitting or standing. In some cases, pain can get worse even with coughing, sneezing or hard laughing, although it usually recedes after. If your symptoms become especially acute, it is necessary to seek medical attention to prevent complications from developing. These signs include:  Progressive weakness or numbness in your lower leg or thigh Inability to control your bladder or bowel movement
A: Keep an eye out for lower back pain. Notice any new muscle weakness. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms.

Q: Simple over-the-counter pain medications may reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain associated with new braces. Try using pain killers and see if you notice an effect.  Ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling associated with new braces. Take the medication as recommended on the bottle. Avoid alcohol when taking pain medications.  If you're on any existing prescription medication, it is important to talk to a pharmacist to make sure over-the-counter meds will not interact poorly with whatever medication you're taking. Ask your orthodontist about special gels and medicines designed to reduce pain. There are many dental products that can ease the transition into new or tightened braces.  Several rinses and gels have medications in them that help ease pain. Follow all instructions when taking these medications. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about the medications. Bite wafers are products shaped to fit your teeth. You bite down on these products for a set period of time, which encourages an increase in blood circulation that results in less pain. Chewing gum can also help reduce pain. Barrier products are designed to provide some separation between your braces, teeth, and gums. This can help prevent irritation that causes pain and soreness.  Dental wax is one of the most common and easy to use barrier products. Your dentist will give you a container of wax and you simply break off a piece and rub it on the areas that are sore. Make sure you take dental wax off before brushing your teeth as dental wax can get stuck in your toothbrush.  There are also barrier products that are somewhat similar to whitening strips, known as comfort strips. You place a strip over your teeth and it forms a protective barrier between your braces, teeth, and gums. Ask your dentist about using comfort strips when you get your braces put in place.
A:
Take over-the-counter pain medications. Use dental products designed to relieve pain. Try barrier products.