In order to obtain a copy of your birth certificate you need to apply through the CDHP. Start by going to the website and click on the "Birth, Death, & Marriage Certificates" link on the upper left of the CDHP home page, under Most Popular Links.  Alternatively you can go straight to the relevant page by following this link: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records-Obtaining-Certified-Copies-of-Birth--Death-Records.aspx. Here you will see all the steps you need to follow. You can download all the necessary forms directly from this website. Depending on who you are, and whose birth certificate you are attempting obtain, you will be able to obtain either an "authorized copy," or an "informational copy" of the document. In California, “authorized copies” can only be obtained by the person named on the birth certificate, parents of the person named on the certificate and a few other people.  The other people who can obtain authorized copies of your birth certificate are: your children, your grandparents, your grandchildren, a member entitled to a record of your birth by court order, a licensed adoption agency complying with Section 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code, a representative of the law (such as a police officer,) your attorney or anyone court appointed to act on your behalf. All other requesters may obtain an informational copy only. An informational copy contains the same information as an authorized copy, but is not a valid document to establish identity. All birth certificates issued—whether authorized or informational—are certified. The next step is to download a pamphlet for obtaining certified copies of birth records from the CDPH website here, which is available as a PDF here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/CDPH%20Document%20Library/ControlledForms/VS111.pdf. This pamphlet is a comprehensive guide to the processes and fees. It also includes answers to some frequently asked questions.  The pamphlet includes the application form, and sworn statement, which you need to complete and submit. Be sure to read through all the instructions on how to complete the application before you get started.  You can also download the application form and the sworn statement directly here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/CDPH%20Document%20Library/ControlledForms/VS111.pdf.

Summary: Visit the California Department of Public Health (CDHP) website. Determine which copy you are entitled to. Download the required forms.


Castor oil packs aid in the elimination and detoxification of the colon. Get a cotton or wool cloth, plastic wrap, a bath towel, a hot water bottle or heating pad, and castor oil. Pour the oil onto the cloth until it is well moistened. Lie down and place the cloth directly onto your abdomen. Place plastic wrap over all sides of the cloth to prevent staining of your clothes or bedding. Wrap the towel around your torso over the plastic. Then apply the hot water bottle or heating pad (set to medium) over the towel. Rest for 10-30 minutes.  After 10-30 minutes, remove the cloth and clean your abdomen. You may reuse the cloth without washing it for approximately 3 weeks. Make sure you don't fall asleep with the heating pad on as it could burn you or make you overheated. Enemas can be used to help with bowel cleansing during a detox program. When you do an enema, you inject fluid into your colon in order to stimulate a bowel movement and help flush the colon of impurities. Like laxatives, enemas can cause dependence if used too frequently, but they are safe and effective when performed properly during a short-term cleanse. Environmental toxins found in cigarette smoke, recreational drugs, pesticides, and herbicides can be counterproductive to your cleanse. It's important to stay away from these types of toxins in general, but especially during a colon cleanse.

Summary: Use castor oil packs. Try an enema. Avoid toxins.


Most remotes come with batteries, but you may have to purchase your own. The battery type will be listed on the remote’s packaging.  Some universal remotes lose the programmed codes when both batteries are removed. When replacing batteries, do so one battery at a time. This ensures that there is a current running with just enough voltage to keep the stored codes from getting erased. If you’re worried you’ll forget and remove both batteries, use a label maker or paint marker to write a reminder on the inside of the battery cover. The packaging for your remote should explain how many devices (and which type) it can control. The manual for your universal remote will have even more detailed information on compatibility. This will probably be your television, but it can be any device. The packaging, as well as the owner’s manual, will detail how to enter your remote’s setup mode. Some universal remotes require a computer running specific software for setup. Others can be configured on the TV screen or on a smaller screen built right into the remote. Some universal remotes even come with smartphone apps.  You can enter setup mode in most universal remotes by pressing a button that says something like “setup” or a combination of two buttons (like On and Off at the same time). If you don’t have the manual, visit the manufacturer’s website and search for one to download. For example, if you’re programming your remote to turn on your television, press the button on your remote that says “TV.” Depending on your remote, you may need to hold down the button for a few moments. Each device has its own code which needs to be programmed into the remote. These codes are located in the universal remote’s manual, but some remotes have internal lists that can be accessed from the setup screen. Since these codes vary across remotes, you’ll need to use the ones that work with your specific remote.  There are websites which contain links to various manufacturer’s codes. You can find them by searching for the manufacturer and model of your remote along with the word “codes.” Typically, you’ll have to type in a numeric code and wait a few moments before receiving a screen confirmation or LEDs flashing in a certain pattern. Some remotes have a feature called Learning Mode which doesn’t require entering codes. If your device can “learn” and your other devices have remote controls, you can point the two devices at one another and use a key combination to force your universal remote to emulate the original. See your manual for information on how to start Learning Mode. Turn on the next component and re-enter setup mode in your universal remote. Press the button representing the component on your remote and enter its code. You never know when you’ll need it.
Summary: Put batteries into the universal remote. Find out which of your devices will be compatible. Turn on the first component you want to set up. Enter the universal remote’s setup mode. Press the key on your remote that corresponds with the device. Program the code for the device into the remote. Repeat the process for your other devices. Store your manual in a safe place.