Q: Wearing suspenders (also called braces) can take getting used to, but many men find them more comfortable and supportive than belts. Suspenders can also create a better silhouette, as belts can divide your body in half and put emphasis on your belly. Suspenders work particularly well with business casual and dressy attire, and they look great with a sharp blazer. If you like to wear watches, go with larger, more proportional designs. The same goes for tie clips, rings, bracelets, and any other jewelry you wear. As a rule of thumb, jewelry should always be in proportion with a person’s body. A giant watch on a thin wrist looks comical, but a hefty watch on a larger wrist looks balanced. Look for ties that are at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide at the thicker end. Since proportion is so important, wider ties complement a broad chest. Thin ties, on the other hand, can make your torso look larger in comparison.  Similarly, thicker knots, such as a Windsor, can balance out a broad neck and face. Recall that a button-up with a widely spread collar is great for broader features. A spread collar also leaves plenty of room for a wide Windsor knot. Be sure that the tip of your tie reaches the upper line of your belt and doesn’t go any lower than the bottom of the buckle. Keeping a large wallet, cell phone, and other objects in your pockets can add extra bulk. To avoid overstuffed pockets and take the focus off of your waistline, invest in a sharp briefcase or messenger bag. If you’re self-conscious about carrying a bag, don’t think of it as a “man purse!” A briefcase can send an in-charge, put-together message, and a stylish backpack or leather messenger bag is perfect for less formal looks.
A: Try swapping your belt for suspenders. Choose large, simple watches and jewelry. Go for wider ties and knots. Carry your necessities in a briefcase or bag instead of your pockets.

Q: If you have an actual storefront, place an e-mail sign-up sheet near the register. Point it out to each customer who makes a purchase. Similarly, you can instruct your cashiers to ask each customer who approaches the register for an e-mail address. Make sure that your cashiers tell your customers that providing an e-mail address is only optional while explaining the benefits of doing so. Place a basket, empty fishbowl, or similar container near the register or in another equally visible location. Place a label or sign on it so people will know to drop their business cards inside. Typically, these types of collections are encouraged by the use of special offers or contests. For instance, you might include a note saying that a random drawing will take place every week, and the winner will receive a certain percentage or dollar amount off his or her next purchase. Look for events that would allow you to meet prospective customers for your business. Bring a clipboard sign-up sheet with you to collect e-mail addresses at these events.  Participate in as many trade-shows and fairs as possible. These events attract potential customers, whereas conventions and conferences only tend to attract other business owners in your field. Depending on the nature of your business, you may also host your own event, like a luncheon, consultation, or show. You can even require attendees to sign up via e-mail for these events. When you ship an order to someone, include a separate packing insert in the package that asks customers to sign up for your e-mail newsletter.  Provide clear instructions on signing up. Include the URL to a specific sign-up page or the e-mail address customers can contact if they wish to be added to your subscribers. Similarly, you can make the request directly on the packing sheet itself. It may not stand out as much as a separate insert would, but it can be a good way to cut costs while still spreading the word. Any guide, printed newsletter, printed advertisement, or other printed material produced and/or distributed by your company should include a request for e-mail addresses within the overall content. The same principle also applies to digital material produced by your company, like videos and podcasts.
A: Create a sign-up sheet. Collect business cards. Attend or create an event. Include a packing insert. Mention your request in any printed material produced.

Q: Water retention is a classic symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Hormonal changes associated with your menstrual cycle may cause monthly water retention problems. For most women, period bloat occurs 1 or 2 weeks before their periods begin. Water retention is also a common problem during pregnancy and menopause for the same reason. Hormonal changes that occur during these longer transition periods in the body cause excess fluid retention that may be constant, cyclical or intermittent. Your doctor may run various types of tests, such as blood or urine tests, depending on your other symptoms. These will check the health of your heart, kidneys, liver, circulatory, lymphatic, and thyroid systems. He or she may also ask you about symptoms of arthritis or allergies, both of which can also cause water retention in some cases. swelling in the feet, legs, or ankles, swelling in the abdomen, chronic coughing, or extreme fatigue.  Water retention that is heart related is a result of changes in your blood pressure. Typically, the legs, feet, and/or ankles will start to swell. Fluid will also build up in the lungs, giving the patient a chronic cough. A doctor may order blood tests, a chest X-ray, or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine if your water retention is a symptom of a heart condition. A urine test will determine if you are losing protein through the kidneys and your water retention is a sign of a more serious kidney problem. A physical exam and/or blood tests can determine if there is a liver problem. Again, with a more serious liver condition you would likely have swelling in the feet, legs, ankles, and abdomen. This is actually one of the first signs of liver disease. Finally, blood tests can determine if your water retention is a symptom of circulatory system problems (leaky capillaries), a congested lymphatic system, or a thyroid disease (hypothyroidism). Notice what you ate for a few days leading up to the water retention. It may take a couple of days for your body to retain excess body fluid after you eat salty foods.  Food sensitivities and/or malnutrition can be causes of water retention. If you have food sensitivities and are still eating these foods, or you are not eating a healthy diet in general, this will show up in your food diary. You can then take steps to change what you are eating. High salt intake and dehydration are leading causes of water retention. How to stay hydrated and eat a balanced healthy diet are discussed more in the next section, "Reducing Water Retention With Diet."
A:
Look at a calendar if you are a woman who gets a monthly period. See your doctor if you notice signs of water retention that you know are not hormone related. See your doctor right away if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms along with your water retention: Keep a food diary.