Use mild antibacterial soap. Do not put your hand in your mouth, eat food, or go to the bathroom without washing your hands first. You can also wear gloves when you touch your dog so you do not come in contact with ringworm. Do not let children or other family members touch or pet your dog. Make sure other pets do not play or interact with your dog for at least three weeks so they are not at risk of contracting ringworm. If you suspect your other pets may have ringworm, make sure you bring them to the vet for a check up. You will then need to quarantine any other pets that have ringworm, keeping them in separate rooms or areas. Ringworm can be transmitted easily to humans, especially young children, older people or people with weakened immune systems. If you notice small patches of red skin with raised, scaly edges on your body, go see your doctor right away. Your doctor can then recommend treatment for the issue. Make sure you take the prescribed treatment for the entire time, even if your symptoms clear up. Ringworm can stay dormant for up to 18 months in humans and recur if not treated fully.

Summary: Wash your hands before and after touching your dog. Keep other pets and humans away from your dog for at least three weeks. See your doctor if you develop any symptoms of ringworm.


If the weather permits it, take a romantic walk around the neighborhood or go to a local park, beach, or nature preserve. Taking a walk will give you the chance to enjoy each other’s company while enjoying the scenery. It also might work up your appetite for dinner! together. Head to the backyard or a local park with some type of ground covering, a laser pointer, and some geeky enthusiasm to look for constellations. You might even be able to watch a meteor shower.  If it’s cold, bring extra blankets and maybe a warm drink in a Thermos. If it’s warm, bring some lemonade and light snacks. Many towns and cities have an array of locally-sponsored cultural events. Many of these are free, to boost community spirit. Why not take advantage of them? Check local listings for ideas of fun things you can do, then plan your date around them.  Many museums have frequent free nights. Who cares about holding hands at the movies when you can hold hands in front of a T.rex? Parks often host free concerts and movie nights. You can find out together if you like bluegrass! Fireworks displays don’t happen very often, but they’re special when they do. Bring along the same supplies you would for stargazing (blanket, snacks, and warm clothing if necessary) and enjoy. Street fairs and festivals are a fixture in warm or moderate weather. You don’t have to buy anything--just walk around and enjoy. Readings and lectures are often offered by colleges or bookstores. What could be more romantic than learning together? Dinner and drinks together can get really pricey, but sometimes you want the enjoyment of going out to eat. Buying an indulgent dessert from your favorite restaurant feels celebratory, and it’s a great way to split the difference. If you both want to, you can even split a large dessert. Also, make sure to leave your server a nice tip--it adds to the romance,

Summary: Go on a long walk. Stargaze Check out cultural events in your town. Go out for dessert.


Find a church, temple, mosque, or other religious center that shares some of your beliefs. If you already belong to a congregation, renew your engagement with it. Volunteer your time, join a committee for a cause you believe in, and connect with other members of the congregation. Consider attending religious services at congregations other than your own. Get to know other spiritual traditions. If your spiritual practice involves prayer, focus on improving the quality of your prayers. Pray at least daily. When you pray, do not let your mind wander. Focus on the words you are saying. If you notice your mind wandering, remind yourself what your intentions are and resume with a renewed sense of purpose.  Pray with others. See if your congregation has a prayer group. If not, consider praying with another congregation. If your family prays together at meals or at other moments, ask to lead the prayers one night. No matter your denomination, prayer profoundly shapes your mind and your sense of  oneness with the world. Get to know the core beliefs of your faith tradition. Read directly from the source, and seek to understand the central messages of your spiritual ancestors. Consider creating or joining a reading group to share your journey.  If you are Christian, for instance, you may join a Bible study group through your church. If you are interested in spirituality across religious faiths, consider reading texts from many faiths.

Summary: Attend religious services. Pray. Read core texts.


Natural acne treatments can cause bacteria to enter into your pores, which can lead to an infection. If you don't treat an infection quickly, it can cause scarring, facial marks, and can be dangerous if it spreads. Get to a doctor if you have a pimple that becomes infected for antibiotic treatment. Look for pus oozing out of a pimple or red streaks in the skin surrounding pimples. These are surefire signs of an infection. Pain or sensitivity in the skin around a pimple could be a sign of infection as well.
Summary: See a doctor if a pimple becomes infected.