Summarize the following:
Since sage has a thick leaf, it dries well off of the stalk. Gently pull off each leaf and place it on a clean towel. You could also use sharp scissors to cut the leaves from the stalk, but this is more time consuming. Check each leaf to make sure it's healthy. Otherwise, your sage may not taste right, spoiling any dish you season with it. Insects are common on herbs, including sage. Look over each leaf to make sure there are no obvious signs of insects, such as bugs crawling, webbing, or little white specs that could be eggs. You can remove insects, but it's best to discard any leaves that have webbing or possible eggs. Hold the sage under running water for a few seconds either in your hand or in a colander. Since sage leaves are larger, using a colander is an easy way to rinse the herbs. After the rinse, gently shake the sage and then place them on a clean, dry towel. Gently blot away the remaining dampness by pressing a 2nd clean towel over the herbs. Place the prepared herbs on a dry towel.

summary: Pull the leaves from the stalk. Discard any damaged, soiled, or imperfect leaves. Inspect the leaves for insects. Rinse the leaves in cool water, shaking off any excess. Dry the sage with a clean towel.


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Most dogs instinctually take to games of tug-of-war because it’s one of the ways puppies can play while both tugging on an object with their mouths. Choose a long, soft toy (such as a stuffed animal or a knotted rope) that you can grip away from your dog’s mouth and that your dog can’t wrench out of your hand with a head shake. Grip the toy with your hands at the ends, and associate a command such as “Get it!” with the game. Once the dog tug playfully without letting go for ten to twenty seconds before giving another commands such as “Drop it.”  It will obviously take time to teach your dog the commands. Use positive reinforcement and treats to teach the commands. For instance, have a treat ready in one hand when you say, “Drop it.” Repeat the command but don’t provide the treat until your dog releases the tug toy. After several times, your dog will begin associating the phrase and obeying even without the treat. Contrary to popular belief, it’s okay to let your dog win at tug sometimes. It’s an especially good tactic to help your dog develop confidence when it comes to play time, and it does not automatically make your dog think of itself as the pack leader. Keep the tug toy at waist height or below so as not to encourage your dog to jump up on your or others. If you have a high-energy dog that is eager to obey, investigate joining a dog agility group. You can find information on these groups at veterinary clinics, local pet stores, or through an internet search.  An agility course has various objects and walks that the dog is taught to navigate. These include weave poles, teeter boards, tire jumps, elevated walks, and tunnels. These fun gatherings test both the owner and dog’s ability to work as a team to navigate these objects and walks in a competition against other owners and dogs. One fun game is to teach your dog a vocabulary. As you hand over a toy, say the name. An example would be a ball. Say, “Ball,” and give the ball to the dog. Then have the dog give you the ball and repeat the process of naming and handing the ball to your dog. Then when the ball is on the floor, point at it and say, “Get your ball.” The dog will likely associate the word ‘ball’ with the actual ball and should go to it. This process can be repeated with almost any object as long as the word is one simple word.

summary: Play tug-of-war with your dog. Look into dog agility groups. Teach your dog vocabulary.


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There are certain exercises that are recommended for people who have suffered an MCL sprain. However, it is important to talk to a physical therapist before you try any of these exercises; if you begin these exercises too soon after your injury, you could cause further damage. Assume a lying position with the injured knee in a bent position. Keep your foot flat on the floor and slowly slide the heel in the direction of your buttocks as far as you possibly can without it hurting. Repeat this exercise 10 to 20 times. Grasp the right foot with the right hand and gradually pull the foot up then behind your back, towards the buttocks. Reach as far as possible until a stretch is felt. Maintain this position for 10 seconds then return your leg to the starting position. Switch to your other leg and repeat the exercise. In a standing pose, position one leg in front of the other leg. Bend the back knee while keeping the front knee straight. Place the weight on the bent knee and then lean forward. Stop once a stretch is felt at the back of the thigh . Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds then return to the starting position. Switch legs and repeat the exercise. Exercises and muscle movements promote good blood circulation and oxygen distribution to the affected area, thus speeding up the repair of the damaged tissue.
summary: Go see a physical therapist. Try a heel slide exercise. Practice a quad stretch. Do a hamstring stretch. Understand why exercising your knee is important.