INPUT ARTICLE: Article: There are a number of different ways to apply kinesiology tape, and these typically depend on the size of the affected muscle and the results that are trying to be achieved. You should visit a medical professional, such as a physiotherapist or physical therapist, to learn the proper tension and alignment that should be used for taping your particular muscle. As a general rule:  Y tape applied in the shape of a Y over the target muscle. This is used to surround the target muscle and can either inhibit or facilitate muscle stimuli. The tape should be slightly longer than the target muscle. I tape application is used for acute injuries and helps with alignment corrections. In this case, you place a single strip of tape along the target muscle in a straight line. X tape application is when the tape forms an X shape across the affected muscle. This is used when the origin and alignment of the muscle changes with movement. The tape will move with the muscle providing continued support. For example, it can be used on the rhomboids (upper back and shoulder). Fan/web tape application is used in a similar way to the X tape; however, the one end remains intact while the other end spreads out in a fan-shape across the muscle. Kinesiology tape can come in a continuous roll or precut strips. If you are using a roll of kinesiology tape, unwind and cut off the amount of tape you need. Then, round the ends of the tape by cutting the corners with scissors. This will help prevent the tape from fraying and unpeeling at the ends. If you are using precut strips, tear the strips along the serrated edge. If you are applying kinesiology tape to a joint, such as the knee or elbow, you should always begin with the joint in a bent position. If the tape is applied to a knee or elbow in an extended position, the tape will pull off once you begin to move. Tear the backing 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) from the end of the tape to create an anchor. This part will be applied directly to the skin. It is important that you do not stretch this section of the tape. If you stretch the anchor section of tape, it may cause the tape to peel off and the application will be less effective. After you have anchored the tape to the skin, you can begin to stretch the tape across the desired muscle. The amount of stretch you use will depend upon the type of treatment. For example, if you want to stimulate a muscle that is struggling to perform, you should use 15%-50% stretch. This will alleviate muscle pain and tension. Alternatively, if you want to relieve pain from a muscle that is overstimulated, you should use 15%-25% stretch. This can be done by holding the tape in the middle and gently tearing and pulling at the paper backing. If you peel off all of the backing at once, the tape may stick to itself and ruin the application. Avoid touching the adhesive. This can impact the stickiness of the tape and may cause the tape to peel off the skin. The last 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) of tape should be anchored to the skin without stretching the tape. Avoid sticking tape to another piece of tape. This will not hold and may cause the ends to roll up. Once the tape has been applied to the skin, you want to activate the tape and ensure that it will not peel off the skin. Use your hands to rub the tape from the center towards the ends. This will help stick the tape to the skin.

SUMMARY: Tape the area as instructed by your physiotherapist. Cut the amount of tape needed. Bend all joints before applying tape. Apply an anchor to the skin. Stretch the tape across the skin. Peel the backing from the tape in small segments. Anchor the end of the tape to the skin. Rub the tape from the center to the ends.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you are throwing a birthday party, don’t have them bring the cake.  If you will need a ride somewhere, ask another person who is more punctual. If you need them to arrive somewhere at 6PM, and they are typically more than two hours late, tell them to be there by 4PM. Be aware that should they actually arrive at 4PM, they will be upset with you for misleading them. If they are upset, explain your reasoning in telling them the earlier time.  Tell them that this event was time sensitive and you were afraid they would be late. If this person is late because they have a disability, are elderly, or have small children, don’t punish them.  Instead, go over to assist them so they can be on time.  Offer to pick them up if you are able. Sometimes, being on time is not always important.  Who cares if you show up 30 minutes late to the party?  And so what if you’re a bit later than expected for a beach outing. Pick your battles when the schedule is flexible. The person who is late might be someone who you cannot avoid waiting on, like your boss.  Find something to do to occupy your time so that you won’t be fretting over their lateness. Send emails, read a book, or catch up on any other work. If you are always waiting for your spouse to get ready, but are in no particular rush, use this time to do something for yourself.  Watch a show you’re behind on, read a magazine, or call and catch up with a friend.

SUMMARY: Make plans that don’t depend on them. Tell them an earlier time. Help them if they are in need. Go with the flow when you can. Use waiting time productively. Use extra time to relax.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Your new bamboo shark will eat foods such as uncooked shrimp, scallops, mussels, and pieces of fresh marine fish, squid or octopus. Cut any large food into bite-sized pieces.  Do not feed your shark common feeder fish such as goldfish or guppies. These freshwater fish are not a natural food for bamboo sharks. If you wish to feed your shark live food, use silversides or sand eels.  Bamboo sharks only need to be fed every two or three days. Give the shark a large portion of food a few times a week. If it loses weight, increase feeding. A juvenile shark should grow, but if an adult shark shows signs of weight gain, reduce the amount of food.  When you first get your shark, it may be hesitant to eat. Providing live food such as saltwater feeder shrimp and fresh cockle (in the shell) may help entice it to eat. If it takes a few days to start eating, don't be alarmed. These sharks can survive a few weeks without eating. A clean aquarium is important to keep your shark healthy.  Clean/replace the filters often, and change the water when necessary.  Your protein skimmer will need to be emptied approximately every other day. Follow package instructions for replacement of carbon filters. When water becomes overly soiled (i.e. cloudy), you will need to change it. This will require large containers full of RODI filtered and salted water, and pumps to remove the old water while adding the new. Bamboo sharks can coexist with other fish if you want to make your aquarium more interesting. Be aware, however, that small fish will probably be eaten, and any crustaceans are likely to disappear very quickly. Bamboo sharks have been kept successfully with grunts, snappers, jacks, groupers, and goatfish.

SUMMARY:
Feed the shark. Keep the aquarium clean. Introduce other fish if desired.