Problem: Article: It's important to understand that an inversion table is not meant to replace the advice or treatments offered by your family doctor, orthopedist, chiropractor or physiotherapist. Some health professionals recommend inversion tables and even have them in their clinics, but there is no evidence that they can cure any diseases or conditions of the spine over the long term. As such, it's probably best to think of inversion therapy as short-term help to control back pain and sciatica.  Unlike inversion boots and racks, inversion tables don't require you to hang upside down. Instead, they allow you to comfortably lay supine and invert yourself at incremental downward angles gradually. Because your blood pressure increases when you're inverted for more than a few minutes, especially within your head and eyeballs, people with eye diseases (glaucoma, retinal detachment), high blood pressure and those with a history of migraines or stroke should be very cautious with inversion tables. Inversion tables made for home use are relatively affordable (ranging from $200 to $500) and often found at medical supply and rehabilitation stores — your health insurance may even pay for one for certain back injuries. Once you bring it home, make sure there is plenty of space around the table so there is no danger of banging your head or causing other injuries. It's also best to place it on a secured rug or mat so it doesn't slide about and become unstable.  Consider putting your inversion table in your basement, attic, rec room or garage — anywhere that allows at least five feet of space all around the table. The concept of inversion therapy is not new. Supposedly the therapy existed and was witnessed and commented on by Hippocrates (the "father of medicine") around the year 400 BC. Inversion tables are height adjustable for maximum effectiveness, so take the time to manipulate it so that it fits your body. Most inversion tables have a bar with measurements that can be adjusted using a twistable knob. Make sure you tighten the knob securely after you have adjusted it.  Read the instruction manual carefully because your inversion table may not be appropriate for exceptionally tall or short people. The manual should give a range of heights that are safe for usage. Inversion therapy is a type of spinal traction, which is sometimes recommended to decompress spinal disc injuries such as herniations and bulges. In a sense, think of the inversion table as a small bed that can be adjusted to about 60 degrees from the horizontal or level (neutral) position. If you're not accustomed to using an inversion table, then start with a slight decline such that your head is at a lower level than your feet — maybe 10 degrees, for example. Too much angle too soon may make you feel dizzy or give you a headache from the sudden rush of blood to your head.  As you get accustomed to the feeling and change in blood flow / pressure, gradually increase the degree of decline over the course of many days. For example, increase the decline angle by 5 degrees every week if you're using it on a daily basis. Make sure the safety strap is properly connected to ensure it will not invert all the way and jar your body. Once the table is height adjusted and the angle is set, slide on to the inversion table so that your back is flush with the table and you're looking up at the ceiling (prone position). You'll then need to do a partial sit-up in order to secure your feet with straps against your ankles. Wearing shoes may be more comfortable and protective than going barefoot. Then lift your hands above your head and throw your weight back to cause the table to recline and try to relax in the inverted position for a predetermined amount of time.  Until you get the hang of it, ask someone to assist or supervise you while getting on to the inversion table, particularly if you are a large person with limited mobility or flexibility. You can expect to feel the muscles / tendons / ligaments / joints of your legs and low back stretch, but not painfully so. If your back pain is caused by a compressed nerve or jammed spinal facet joint, the gentle traction provided by the inversion table may provide quick relief. The most beneficial amount of time spent on an inversion table (as well as the best angle) can only be determined by you. Some may benefit from three sessions weekly for 15 minutes at a time, while others may prefer more sessions and longer durations on the inversion table. The question is whether or not it positively impacts your symptoms. In general, you probably shouldn't exceed 3x daily and no more than one hour per session, but there are too many factors involved to give precise medical advice.  For your first time, stay inverted for less than 5 minutes, even if the position feels good and doesn't cause any side effects. Increase your time as warranted, but never stay inverted if you feel more back pain or shooting pains into your legs (sciatica).  Most people seem to settle on an angle of inclination between 20 and 60 degrees — never exceed what your body tells you.
Summary: Understand its limitations. Place your inversion table in an open space. Adjust the inversion table to your height. Start with the lowest degrees of inclination. Climb onto the table slowly and secure your feet. Increase the frequency and duration of your sessions gradually.

Problem: Article: These options, if pursued with a measure of dedication, will earn you a diploma while allowing you to do it at your own pace and without the social encumbrances associated with high school. This could be a great option that you can work on with your school's staff. If there's a particular field of work you're interested in, you might consider a work-study program. Not only would you be able to finish school, but you might end up graduating with job options. You might also look into early admission into Junior/Community College through a Gateway Program at your school. If you have enough credits, certain High Schools will allow you to transfer to a Community/Junior College. If you've decided that any kind of academic environment is wrong for you, you might want to start thinking about technical career paths. A GED (General Education Development), often referred to a high school-equivalency degree, is an exam that you can take to show employers that you have the education of someone with a high school diploma without having to go to school. A Certificate of High School Proficiency is something awarded by the California Department of Education to students who pass the California High School Proficiency exam (CHSPE). While the GED is meant for those 17 and up who've dropped out, the California program is meant for teenagers in the 10th grade or aged 16+.
Summary:
Consider online schools and home schooling. Think about work-study programs. Consider Gateway Programs, and Junior/Community Colleges. Think about what you'd like to do for a living. Get a GED (or Certificate of High School Proficiency).