INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Know when to avoid going to the store or logging on to online shopping sites. If you're feeling hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, don't let yourself be tempted to shop. Recognize that you're most vulnerable in these states and put the credit card away. If you get the sudden urge to shop, ask yourself if you're feeling one of these things. Deal with these states instead of going shopping. Remember these vulnerabilities by remembering the acronym HALT (hunger, anger, lonely, tired). If you go into a store knowing what you need, it's easier to navigate your way around and stay on task. Before you head out to purchase items, take a moment and decide what you need. Write down the stores you need to go to and what you need in each store. When you're in the store, stay focused on only getting the items on your list. Whether you're buying lots of things or just a few, a list will help you know what you're looking for. If you get distracted by something that's not on your list, write it down and save it for the next shopping trip. Plan your grocery shopping after you eat, not before. Plan a weekly (or bi-weekly) shopping trip so that you can anticipate going food shopping. If you can anticipate when you will shop for food, you can prepare ahead of time by eating and creating a shopping list Stay away from groceries and food when you're hungry, as you're more likely to spend more money when you are hungry. If you need to buy groceries and you're hungry, stop and get a snack or a meal first. If you find yourself turning to shopping when you're feeling emotional or having a bad day, recognize that there are other ways to deal with these emotions. Shopping is not the only thing that can lift your spirits or help you feel better. Emotional spending is often a culprit for impulse buys. If you feel like you want to buy something, do another calming or stress-relieving activity instead. For example, take a walk, take some deep breaths, meditate, listen to music, or write in a journal.

SUMMARY: Recognize when you're most vulnerable. Write a list of what you need. Pick a time to grocery shop. Know how to cheer yourself up.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The sleeping bag will be very delicate when it is wet so you will need to hold it gently. Try to lift the entire bag at once so it does not drag on the ground. You may need to ask someone to help you lift the sleeping bag out of the washer or tub so it is well supported. Check that the dryer is clean and does not have any debris or sharp corners that might catch on the sleeping bag. Set the dryer to the lowest temperature and place 1-2 absorbent towels and 1-2 tennis balls in with the sleeping bag. Run the dryer for a full cycle. The towels will help to soak up excess water. The tennis balls will help to prevent clumps in the down or synthetic filling in the sleeping bag. Stop the drying cycle periodically and open the door to let some heat out so the sleeping bag does not get too hot, as this can damage it. You may need to dry the sleeping bag for 1-3 cycles to get it completely dry. If you do not want to risk exposing the sleeping bag to the heat of a dryer, place it flat on a clean table or landing outside. You can also hang it on a clothesline to help it dry faster. Position it so it is exposed to direct sunlight for most of the day. It may take 1-2 days for the sleeping bag to air dry completely. If the weather is bad outside, or rain is in the forecast for the next 1-2 days, spread the sleeping bag out indoors so it can dry. Once the sleeping bag is dry, do not roll it up or compress it right away. Instead, leave it spread out on a clean floor or area for several days so the stuffing can fluff up. It should smell clean and feel puffier. Store the sleeping bag flat in a safe, cool spot. You should only compress it or roll it up when you pack it for a trip or for camping.

SUMMARY: Lift the sleeping bag carefully out of the washer or the tub. Dry the bag on a low setting in a front-loading dryer for a quick option. Let the bag air dry if you don't have access to a front-loading dryer. Spread out the bag and let it fluff up for 2-3 days before storing it.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You need to be as healthy as possible going into the surgery. This includes even minor illnesses like a cold or the flu. If you have a fever, coughing, or a stuffy nose before surgery, tell your doctor so she can evaluate if you are healthy enough for the procedure. During the two weeks before your surgery, avoid spending time with people who have the flu or a cold. Wash your hands frequently, especially after shaking hands with people, being in public, or before preparing food. If it is cold or flu season, ask your doctor if you should avoid crowds of people and public transportation. Avoiding crowds may help you reduce your chances of getting exposed to something. . If you smoke, you will need to stop at least two weeks before the procedure. Not only does smoking damage your heart, but it can complicate your surgery. It may cause: Blood clots Breathing difficulties A bacterial infection in your mouth can increase the risk that you could have bacteria in your blood which might cause an infection. Tell your doctor: What procedures you have scheduled When they are scheduled Why you need the procedures. Your doctor may have advice about when to get the procedures done. If you are having elective valve surgery, you should have most elective dental work done before surgery. If you will have major dental surgery, you will usually have to take antibiotics with the dental procedure. . It is natural to be worried about undergoing heart surgery; however, the physiological changes that your body goes through when under stress are also an additional burden to your heart. You can ease your stress by: Talking to your doctor to learn as much as you can about the procedure you will have. Successful heart surgeries are performed every day. You may find it reassuring to research the success rates. Contact your hospital to ask if they have information on your particular procedure, such as how long it is expected to take, how long you will be in the hospital, and the mortality rate or likelihood of complications. Ask your doctor what will happen if you don't get the surgery. Use relaxation techniques. These methods can help you to control your emotions and reduce stress. You can try deep breathing exercises, meditation, visualizing calming images, and progressively tensing and relaxing the different muscle groups throughout your body. Consult your doctor before starting any new physical activities to make sure your doctor feels that it will be safe for you. Depending on your condition, this could include even mild forms of exercise such as taking walks or doing yoga.

SUMMARY:
Avoid exposure to illnesses. Quit smoking Tell your doctor about any dental work you need to have. Manage stress