Q: Diets high in salt tend to make tissues look puffy because the sodium within salt pulls the water from the cells into the surrounding interstitial spaces, creating a type of swelling called edema. The face, hands and feet/ankles are common areas affected by high-salt diets. Most processed foods are high in sodium, so focus more on fresh meats and produce.  Canned tomato sauces, salsas, crackers and pickled veggies are particularly high in sodium. Your daily sodium intake should be between 1,500 mg and 2,300 mg.  A low-sodium diet recommended by many doctors is called the DASH diet. Pregnancy not only involves weight gain that may negatively impact your ankles, but also periods of poor circulation and changes in hormonal levels, which often promotes fluid retention in the lower legs. So if you're worried about your cankles during pregnancy, then you can certainly reduce your sodium intake, but simply wait until you give birth and see if your ankles go back to normal size.  Going on moderately paced walks and always raising your legs when you sit will help reduce edema in your ankles while you're pregnant. Realize also that edema can come and go with a woman's menstrual cycle. Chronic alcohol intake can injury the pancreas and liver because ethanol is relatively toxic. A damaged liver doesn't work properly making enzymes and processing amino acids, which leads to edema (water retention) in the body. Alcohol is also fairly high in sugar-based calories (especially when combined with soda pop) without containing any other nutrients, which promotes weight gain. Beer can be particularly problematic because some brands are also high in sodium.  Consider switching to red wine, which is healthier for your blood vessels.  Avoid eating the peanuts and pretzels that are served at some bars, as both are very high in salt.
A: Reduce your dietary salt intake. Be patient if you're pregnant. Avoid consuming excessive alcohol, especially beer.

Q: Vinyl windows can be easily scratched and discolored, so caution is needed when cleaning them. Use fresh, clean water to rinse off any loose particles and dirt from the surface by gently pouring water from a pitcher or wringing it out of a clean wet rag. Avoid wiping debris-covered windows without rinsing them first.  To avoid scratching, you should also remove any rings, bracelets and watches you’re wearing before you begin. These can puncture the vinyl.  Avoid cleaning the glass in direct sunlight. Mix together ¼ cup (30 milliliters) of mild, non-detergent soap (such as Woolite, Dreft or Murphy Oil Soap) and a gallon (3.79 liters) of warm water in a large bucket.  Never use alcohol or ammonia based products, Windex, dishwashing detergents or any other cleaning products that contain abrasive chemicals. If used, these substances will damage the vinyl (and most likely void your warranty, as well). Dip a microfiber towel into the bucket of cleaning solution, then wring it out. Wipe the surface with the microfiber cloth, working from left to right (or right to left) consistently. As you wipe, use very little pressure to avoid scratching. Work quickly; don’t allow the cleaning solution to sit on the surface for any longer than necessary. Never use paper towels, household sponges or other abrasive cloths to wipe down the panel. These materials will scratch the surface. After wiping the panels down with the cleaning mixture, take a clean microfiber cloth and soak it with fresh, clean water. Wipe the surface down thoroughly to rinse away the cleaning solution. Work from left to right (or right to left) consistently as you rinse the surface. Never use a high pressure nozzle to rinse off your windows. To prevent water spots from developing, use another lint-free cloth to dry the surface thoroughly. Make sure you use a soft absorbent cloth or towel to avoid scratching the panels.
A: Rinse off dirt and debris with clean water. Create a cleaning mixture with non-detergent soap and warm water. Wipe down the surface with a microfiber towel. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water. Dry the surface completely with a soft absorbent cloth.

Q: A whelping box is one in which the dog gives birth. It should also keep the puppies warm and protect them from being squashed if their mother lies on them.  The box should have 4 sides and a base. Choose a length and width that allows the mother to lie down with her head and legs extended. Add half her height again to the width of the box, which will be used to create a space for the puppies. Make sure the sides are tall enough that puppies will stay in but the mother can jump out without difficulty. You can buy a whelping box at most pet stores. You can also use a cardboard box, or you can make a box out of hardboard or plywood. Acquire 2 large, stiff boxes, such as television or appliance boxes. Cut one end out of each box and push them together to make one longer box. The puppies will need a safe haven in the box where the mother can’t lie on them (which could suffocate them). Mark the additional width in the box, and install a sturdy wooden rail raised about 4-6 inches from the bottom of the box.  A broom handle works well as a rail in the box. This is especially important when the puppies are over 2 weeks old and are more mobile. Line the floor with plenty of newspaper and some thick towels. Alternatively, use a vetbed, which is a polyester fleece that wicks dampness away from the bitch and puppies. After you’ve constructed the puppy area, place a heat mat underneath the paper in this area. After the puppies are born, you’ll turn this heat mat on to a low setting. This helps the puppies to keep warm while they are away from the mother.  An alternative to a heat mat is a heat lamp, angled towards one corner of the box to provide a warm spot. However, a heat lamp provides dry heat, which can dry out the puppy’s skin. If you have to use a lamp, be sure to check the puppies regularly for flaky or red skin. Remove the lamp if this happens.  Use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to provide temporary warmth. During the whelping, the dog may want to feel like she is in a den. This helps her feel secure, which also allows labor to continue more readily. Place a large towel or blanket over part of the box to give her some covering. The bitch shouldn’t be disturbed while she is giving birth, so choose a quiet room to place the whelping box. Make it easy for your dog to eat and drink by making sure food and water is available nearby. You can still keep food and water in your usual spot, but making sure your dog knows there is food and water near the whelping box will help make her feel more at ease here.
A:
Choose a box that is a comfortable size for your dog. Create a space for the puppies. Line the floor of the whelping box. Place a heat mat in the puppy area. Provide a covering for the box’s opening. Place the box in a quiet room inside. Provide food and water near the box.