INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If your itch becomes particularly painful or disruptive to your daily life, or if it persists for longer than two weeks of home treatment, you may want to visit a doctor for additional care. Call and make an appointment with a general practitioner, who can give you helpful diagnostic feedback and refer you to a specialist if needed. When meeting with your doctor, be prepared to share with them details regarding your general health as well as your specific itchy condition. Information that can be particularly helpful includes: Skin conditions you've had in the past Locations and sizes of itchy skin patches A timeline of the development and changes of your itch Aggravating factors you may have identified Any associated symptoms you've noticed Relieving factors you may have discovered It is likely that your doctor will conduct a physical examination to help generate a diagnosis. Be prepared to show her or him the areas of your body most affected. Your doctor may also ask to touch your skin. In many cases, additional diagnostic work may become necessary. Here are some of the most common tests your doctor may ask for: Blood test. Drawing blood with a small needle and analyzing its components in a laboratory can help doctors identify the internal conditions that could be contributing to the itchiness. Imaging tests. X-Rays, MRIs, or CT scans may help doctors find the internal conditions at the root of your itchiness. Chemistry screen. This type of blood test can help determine if liver or kidney disorders are contributing to the itch. Thyroid function test. A specific type of blood test, a thyroid function test examines whether a thyroid abnormality might be causing the itchiness. Skin biopsy. By removing and testing a section of affected skin, doctors can better determine what types of specific skin conditions are contributing to the itch.

SUMMARY: Know when you need medical help. Make an appointment with a general practitioner. Share relevant information. Receive an examination. Get additional testing.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: It should sit just slightly toward the upper edge of your palm. Make sure both sets of seams are visible. Let your pointer finger rest directly to the inside of the inner seam. The stitches will provide traction and offer a more comfortable and natural grip. Slide your middle finger until it's roughly an inch to an inch and a half away from your pointer finger. Some players find it easier to place both fingers parallel on the seams, while others prefer to leave their fingers a little closer together on one side of the ball. Do what feels most comfortable for you. This "claw" type grip will give you the dexterity you need to put some rotation on the ball at the moment of release. Bring your thumb around the underside of the ball and clamp down. When it comes to hand positioning, your thumb is the final piece of the puzzle. It will give you the stability you need to manipulate the ball without it slipping out of your hand. Don't squeeze the ball too tightlyjust grip it firmly enough to hold it in place until you complete the pitch. Pinch the ball with the pad of your thumb, not the entire length of your finger. This will make it easier to make a quick release once the time comes.

SUMMARY: Place the ball in your dominant hand. Wrap your pointer and middle fingers around the top of the ball. Hook the bottom of the ball with your thumb.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: While you may feel like flying is a special occasion, don't dress up to your international flight. Flights overseas are long, and you'll want to wear loose, comfortable clothes. If your flight is especially long, consider packing a pair of sweats for your flight in your carry-on. Change back into your original clothes for the landing. Some airports offer long-term parking rates for your car while you're away. Call or email about the long-term car storage options and the costs of each choice. If car storage isn't an affordable option for you, use a shuttle service, hire a taxi, or ask a friend/family member to drive you there. Check in for your flight as early as possible to go through security and board on time. You'll also have time to use the bathroom or grab something to eat before you depart. While you're waiting for your flight, bring something to relieve boredom: keep a book, journal, or game in your carry-on to entertain you while waiting. Dehydration is a common problem on long flights, which can lead to exhaustion or irritability. Buy a large water bottle to fill up before you board the flight so you can take it in your carry-on. Avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine before and during your flight, as both can lead to dehydration. Most nations require you to mark on an official form what goods you bring with you to their country. Which items you must declare depends on the country. You will likely receive your customs form at the airport and during the flight. Fill it out while on the plane so you are prepared for landing. Some countries require a customs form for each person traveling while others require one per family. Check beforehand to know which forms you must fill out. Most countries require declaration of: alcoholic drinks, tobacco, animals, seeds, soils, medication, and animal products. International flights involve crossing time zones and long, uncomfortable plane rides. Both can disrupt your sleep schedule. Bring a sleeping mask and earplugs with you, and consider taking an over-the-counter sleep aid to help you adjust to the new time zone.

SUMMARY:
Wear comfortable clothing to your flight. Check with your airport about car parking rules for international flights. Arrive at the airport two to three hours before your flight. Stay hydrated. Declare your items for customs. Prepare for jet lag.