Summarize the following:
Whether from cold, allergies, or infection, swelling will prevent Eustachian tubes from opening and allowing air to pass. This results in pressure changes, and sometimes, the accumulation of fluid in the ear. When this happens, you will feel the following symptoms:  Ear pain or a feeling of "fullness" in the ear. Ringing or popping sounds and sensations that don't come from the outside environment. Children may describe popping as a “tickling” sensation.  Trouble hearing clearly. Dizziness and trouble keeping balance. Symptoms might be heightened when you rapidly change altitude — for example when flying, riding an elevator, or hiking/driving through mountainous areas This very simple maneuver is known as the first technique of the Edmonds maneuver. Simply jut your jaw forward, then wriggle it back and forth, from side to side. If the ear blockage is mild, this action can pop your Eustachian tube open and reestablish normal air flow. This maneuver, which attempts to force air through the blocked passage and reestablish air flow, should always be performed gently. When you try to blow out through blocked passageways, the air pressure in your body is affected. The sudden rush of air when you release your breath can cause a rapid change in blood pressure and heart rate.  Take a deep breath and hold it, closing your mouth and pinching your nostrils shut.  Try to blow air out through your closed nostrils. If the maneuver is successful, you will hear a popping sound in your ears, and your symptoms will be relieved. Like the Valsalva maneuver, the Toynbee maneuver is intended to open blocked Eustachian tubes. But instead of having the patient manipulate air pressure through breathing, it relies on the air pressure adjustment of swallowing. To perform this maneuver:  Pinch your nose closed. Take a sip of water. Swallow. Repeat this process until you feel your ears pop and open back up. It might look and feel silly, but this action, called the Otovent maneuver, can be effective for equalizing air pressure in your ears. Buy an “Otovent balloon” either online or at a medical supply store. This device is just a normal balloon that has a nozzle that fits into the nostril. If you have a nozzle around the house that will fit securely into the balloon opening and your nostril, you can make an Otovent balloon of your own at home.  Insert the nozzle into one nostril, and pinch the other nostril closed with your finger.  Try to inflate the balloon using only your nostril, until it is about the size of a fist. Repeat the process on the other nostril. Repeat until you hear the “pop” of free air flow in the Eustachian canal. This is called the Lowery maneuver, and it’s a little harder than it sounds. Before swallowing, you have to build up air pressure in your body by bearing down like you’re trying to have a bowel movement. When you’re holding your breath and blocking your nose, it will feel like you’re trying to blow air out through all of your blocked orifices. Some people find it difficult to swallow under these circumstances because of the increased air pressure in the body. Be patient, though, and keep at it. With enough practice, it could pop your ears open. This can both ease any pain you might experience and treat the blockage. The gentle heat of a warm compress can help break up congestion, unclogging the Eustachian tubes. If you use a heating pad, you should place a cloth between the heating pad and your skin to avoid burns. Ear drops won't be able to unclog your congestion because the ear is blocked up. Because the ears and nose are connected through tubes, a nasal spray is an effective way to treat Eustachian tube blockage. Angle the nasal spray bottle through the nostril toward the back of the throat, almost perpendicular to the face. Sniff as you spray the decongestant, hard enough to draw the fluid into the back of the throat, but not hard enough to swallow it or pull it into the mouth.  Try one of the equalizing maneuvers after using a nasal decongestant. They might be more effective at this time. While antihistamines aren't usually a primary method of Eustachian blockage treatment, they may help alleviate the congestion from allergies. Talk to your doctor about whether this is a good option for you. Note that antihistamines are usually not recommended for people with ear infections.

summary: Recognize the symptoms. Wriggle your jaw. Perform the Valsalva maneuver. Try the Toynbee maneuver. Blow up a balloon through your nose. Swallow with your nose pinched. Place a heating pad or warm washcloth against your ear. Use nasal decongestants. Take antihistamines if your problem is caused by allergies.


Summarize the following:
Many people, especially teenagers in gym class, are insecure about their bodies, which can make showering uncomfortable. Find some ways to become more comfortable with your own body, which will help give you the confidence to get undressed around your peers.  Get naked at home. This shouldn’t be often or for too long, but be willing to spend a little bit of time in front of a mirror with your clothes off. The only way you are going to be able to face down your doubts directly is to confront them.  Look for positive things about your body. Everyone has something they are proud of, so focus on those parts of you, and talk them up to yourself. You can also highlight areas you want to improve, but remember that you can fix those things with time and effort. Just avoid too much negative thinking, like comparing yourself to others, or believing you can’t change. One of the best ways to avoid insecurity about being naked with your peers is to minimize the amount of time that is actually occurring. Moving quickly is also helpful because you probably won't have a lot of time between the end of gym and the start of your next class. If your school’s locker room has separate stalls, close the curtain for a little extra privacy. If the showers don’t have curtains, you can bring your own curtain and shower rings for a little more privacy. If you do have a curtain to use, another thing to do is wear a towel around yourself between your locker and the shower. Take it off once you close the curtain, hang it outside. Once you are finished showering, put it back on before opening the curtain again. You don’t want other people paying attention to you while you are trying to take a shower, so make sure you are doing things that will help you blend in, and not give people something to talk about.  Don't use strong-smelling shampoos and scents. That is just another reason for people to notice or pay attention to you. Avoid talking to other people. If you don’t want people paying attention to you, don’t pay attention to them. Don’t try starting up a conversation with someone unless you really need something, like for them to move out of your way. Everyone in the locker room will be uncomfortable about getting naked, and talking to them will probably make it worse. Your focus while showering is to get yourself clean and ready for your next class. Don’t worry about what other people do or say, just make sure you are doing what you need to do.  If you are concerned about the way other people are acting toward you in the shower, tell the teacher or administrator, or your parents. You don’t have to let yourself be bullied like that.    Don’t become the bully. If your biggest fear is that other people will make fun of you, don’t compensate by making fun of them. If you wouldn’t want someone to say something to you, don’t say it to them.
summary: Learn to get comfortable in your own skin. Get started right away. Use a curtain. Be inconspicuous. Ignore other people.