Q: Viral meningitis is usually self limited and goes away on its own. There are a few specific viruses such as the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and HIV that require specific goal directed therapy with antiviral drugs. Viral meningitis is spread person to person contact. A groups of viruses called enterovirus is the primary source and occur most typically in the late summer to early fall. Despite it being possible to be spread by person to person contact, outbreaks of viral meningitis are rare. There are three kinds of bacteria that cause bacterial meningitis, which is the most worrisome and lethal. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common form to strike infants, young children, and adults in the US. There is a vaccine for this bacteria, however, so it is curable. It is spread most commonly from a sinus or ear infection and should be suspected when a person with a prior sinus or ear infection develops symptoms of meningitis. Certain people are at higher risk, such as those who do not have spleens and those who are older. Vaccination for these individuals is protocol. Another bacteria that causes bacterial meningitis is Neisseria meningitidis. This is a highly contagious form that afflicts otherwise healthy adolescents and young adults. It is spread person to person and outbreaks occur in schools or dorms. It is particularly lethal, leading to multi-organ failure, brain damage, and death if not rapidly identified and started on intravenous antibiotics.  It also has the distinction of causing a “petechial” rash, meaning a rash that looks like lots of tiny bruises, and this is an important distinction to note. Vaccination is recommended for all adolescents 11 to 12 years of age, with a booster at age 16. If no prior vaccine was given and the patient is 16, only one vaccination is required. The third bacteria that causes bacterial meningitis is Haemophilus influenza. This used to be a very common cause of bacterial meningitis in infants and children. However, since a Hib vaccination protocol has been introduced, rates have dropped dramatically. With the combination of immigrants from other countries that don’t follow routine vaccination or even parents who do not believe in vaccination, not all are protected against this form. Obtaining an accurate vaccination history, preferably  from the actual medical record or yellow vaccine card, is critical when this, or any, form of meningitis is considered. It is recommended that the following groups with high risk of contracting meningitis have routine vaccinations:  All children ages 11-18 U.S. military recruits Anyone who has a damaged spleen or whose spleen has been removed College freshmen living in dormitories Microbiologists exposed to meningococcal bacteria Anyone who has terminal complement component deficiency (an immune system disorder) Anyone traveling to countries which have an outbreak of meningococcal disease Those who might have been exposed to meningitis during an outbreak
A: Learn about viral meningitis. Know about Streptococcus pneumoniae. Understand Neisseria meningitidis. Learn about Haemophilus influenza (Hib). Take advantage of meningitis vaccines if necessary.

Q: PETA, or the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has always advocated for companies and consumers going cruelty-free. To help their supporters find cruelty-free products and companies, they have created an online search engine on their website that helps users find these products and companies based on various search criteria. You can search for companies in your area, or focus on a specific type of product you’re looking for. You can also use the search engine to narrow the results down to only products that are available in your country. There are other organizations that have similar search engines. For example, the Cruelty Free International website offers a search engine for products that sport the Leaping Bunny logo, which denotes the product is cruelty-free. The Leaping Bunny organization supports companies that do not test on animals. To find these products on any given shopping trip, check the product label for the Leaping Bunny logo—a simple black outline of a leaping bunny. You will most likely find this logo on the information label, somewhere near the barcode, if the product has one. The Humane Society of the United States offers a free downloadable infographic that will help you understand product labeling, and help you find cruelty-free products. The Leaping Bunny is the only logo that signifies that no ingredients of a certain product, nor the finished product, have been tested on animals. While some products may say “cruelty-free” or “not tested on animals,” it’s still possible that certain ingredients in the product may have been tested on animals, even if the finished product was not. If the product doesn’t have the Leaping Bunny logo on it, do a search through their database to look the product up specifically. If you don’t see a Leaping Bunny logo but can’t identify whether or not the product has been tested on animals, you can simply contact the company and ask. Most companies will have readily available contact information either on the product label itself or on their website. Try the number on the packaging or look the company up online for how to contact them. China requires that all imported makeup and beauty products that will be sold in the country be tested on animals. In 2016, the Chinese government also began planning for more products to be added to this regulation, including things like toothpaste and even soap. Do a quick internet search or contact the company to find out if their products are tested on animals before or after being exported to China. Products made in China but not sold there are not required to be tested on animals. China requires animal testing only on products that will be sold in China. Check the product’s label to see if it was made in China. If it was made in China, look on their website or do an internet search to find out if that product is available in China. If the product is only made there, but not sold there, the product is not required to be tested on animals. The Leaping Bunny has its own app that you can download to locate and learn more about cruelty-free products. PETA also compiled a list of vegan-friendly apps that can help you find vegan and cruelty-free products around you. This is a convenient way to find cruelty-free products nearby the next time you go shopping. For example, the app Bunny Free allows you to quickly look up a company name and find out whether or not they test on animals. This could be very helpful if you are shopping and need to get some information on the go.
A: Use PETA’s cruelty-free search engine. Check product labeling. Be careful with unverified labels. Write or call companies. Find out if the products are sold in China. Download cruelty-free apps for your smartphone.

Q: There are a few different options for steel-bound strings. You’ll need to determine which gauge string you use and what type of finish you prefer. The standard size for strings is .11 or .12, but you could go higher for lighter strings or lowers for heavier strings. Decide what type of finish from the following types:  Bronze strings have a clear, ringing, and bright tone, but age quicker. Phosphor bronze strings are warmer and darker than bronze strings. The sound is crisp and lasts a long time due to the phosphor finish. Brass strings have a bright, jangly, and metallic texture. Polymer-coated strings have less sustain and brightness, but are warm sounding and resistant to corrosion. Silk and steel strings are popular among folk guitarist and finger picking players due to their softer touch and delicate tone. Lay your guitar on a flat surface, for example on a table, and put yourself in front of your guitar. You could also lay it across your lap or even hold the neck while the body stands upright on the ground. Open the package and uncoil the first string (the thinnest high E string). Look for the string labeled 6th string and uncoil it. Each brand of strings use different legends to help users identify which string is which.
A:
Buy a set of strings. Position your guitar. Prepare your new strings.