Q: Fingers are very susceptible to injury and even breaking when exposed to blunt trauma, such as getting them caught in doors or jammed while playing contact sports. In most cases, it's obvious which finger is injured (the one that hurts the most), but sometimes you need to examine your hand and fingers closely to better understand the injury. Signs of mild-to-moderate musculoskeletal injuries include redness, swelling, inflammation, localized pain, bruising, reduced motion, and maybe some degree of crookedness if your finger is dislocated or fractured.  Buddy taping can be used on most finger injuries, even some stress (hairline) fractures, although more serious displaced fractures usually need splinting, casting, or surgery.  Small stress fractures, bone chips, contusions (bruises), and joint sprains are not considered serious issues, but severely crushed fingers (mangled and bleeding) or displaced compound fractures (bleeding with bone sticking out of the skin) require immediate medical care, especially if the thumb is involved. Once you've established which finger is injured, you need to decide which adjacent finger to buddy tape it to. In general, try to tape fingers together that are closest in length. The index finger and second finger are usually paired for buddy taping and fingers three and four are usually best taped together. Your thumb, due to its location and range of motion, can't be buddy taped to the index finger, so it's often splinted or casted when severely sprained or broken. In addition, make sure the "buddy" finger is uninjured, because taping two injured fingers together may create more problems. If your third finger (ring finger) is injured, you have the option of buddy taping it to the second or fourth finger. Choose the finger most equal in length, but for the most stability, the ring finger should be buddy-taped to the middle finger. Once you've decided on which two fingers to buddy tape together, prepare your finger for taping. Start by washing your hands with soap and water, and then specifically clean the fingers to be taped with alcohol wipes. The alcohol in the wipes (isopropyl alcohol) is not only a good antiseptic, but it also gets rid of any oily or greasy residues that might prevent the tape from sticking to your skin. Use a hypoallergenic or low-irritant wrap underneath the tape if you have especially sensitive skin. If alcohol wipes are not available, the next best alternative is simple soap and water. Once you've cleaned and prepared the fingers, take some non-stretch medical, surgical, or athletic tape (about an inch wide) and tape your injured finger to the uninjured one — perhaps using a figure-eight pattern for more stability. Be careful not to bind the fingers too tightly together, because you might create additional swelling and may even cut off the circulation, causing tissue death (necrosis). The taping should be secure enough that both of your fingers move together. Check that there is no numbness, throbbing, color change, or loss of sensation in either finger after the taping.  Be cautious buddy taping fingers together if you have diabetes, circulation problems, or peripheral arterial disease, because any significant reduction in blood circulation (from taping too tight) increases the risk of necrosis. Consider placing a thin strip of padding foam or cotton gauze between the fingers for comfort, protection and prevention of skin abrasions and/or blisters. Keep in mind that your risk of bacterial infection significantly increases with blistering and abrasions on the surface of the skin. Materials used for binding fingers include non-stretch medical/surgical paper tape, self-adherent wrap, electrical tape, small Velcro wraps and rubber bandages. To provide more support (beneficial for dislocated fingers) use a wooden or metal splint along with the tape. Popsicle sticks also work pretty well, just make sure there are no sharp edges that can dig into your skin. If an injury is serious enough to warrant taping, it is serious enough to be evaluated. Once your finger is stabilized, you should see a health care provider for a more comprehensive examination. You will likely need an X-ray to make sure you do not have a severe fracture or other damage.  Use the buddy taping method in a pinch until you can seek medical care, but don't use it as a substitute for seeking medical attention. If you are in pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help. Try acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
A: Identify the injured finger. Decide which fingers to tape together. Prepare your fingers for taping. Tape your fingers together. Follow up with a doctor for an evaluation.

Q: Find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed, such as your bedroom. Turn off any electronic devices that may distract you, such as the television, phone, or computer. Turning off the lights and shutting your blinds will also help. Candles are a great way to focus your attention during meditation. If you have created an angel altar, then you can light the candle on your altar. If you do not have an angel altar, then you can just light a candle and place it on a table in front of you.  If you do not want to light a candle, then you can also use a rosary to help focus your attention or listen to some repetitive nature sounds, such as ocean waves or rain sounds. Meditation requires you to be still for a long time, so make sure that you are comfortable. For example, you may want to sit on a cushion. You can even lie down to meditate, as long as you're sure you won't fall asleep. Close your eyes or watch your candle. Try not to think of anything, not even your guardian angel for a few minutes. Focus on keeping your breath steady and slow. If you notice that you have started thinking about something, then take a moment to acknowledge the thought and then refocus on your breathing. In your mind, say "hello" to your angel. Thank your angel for watching over you. Then, let your angel know about any problems that are bothering you and ask your angel for guidance. If you have learned or prepared a prayer, then take a moment to recite the prayer. You can do this in your head or say the prayer out loud. Any sign that your angel is there will most likely be subtle. For example, you may hear a faint noise, see a fleeting image in your mind's eye, notice a sensation of warmth, or get the feeling that someone is in the empty room with you. Some people believe that angels cannot interfere in our lives without being directly asked to. If you're not sure your angel is there, try asking your angel to let you know someone is there. When you have finished speaking with your angel, say goodbye. You may want to end your meditation with a prayer as well. If your eyes were closed, open them. Then, sit quietly for a minute or two as you let your mind go back to normal. Keep in mind that meditation is a difficult skill to master. You probably won't get it right on your first attempt and that is okay. Just keep practicing your meditation and it will become easier.  Remember that it is fine to start with just a few minutes of meditation per day and work up to longer periods of meditation as you become more comfortable.
A:
Prepare your space. Light a candle. Sit in a position that is comfortable. Breathe deeply and clear your mind. Greet your angel. Listen for your angel's reply. Emerge from your meditation slowly. Practice your meditation.