Whether you cook for yourself or eat out, eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, and lean protein. Avoid excessive sugar, salt, and fat. Brush at least twice a day. Floss daily. Rinse once a day with mouthwash or a hydrogen peroxide solution to fight gum disease. Keep your sugar intake low and keep soda, gum-chewing, and candy to a minimum Make sure to do at least a half-hour of a cardiovascular workout three or more times a week. Develop a daily, at-home routine that includes stretching and cardio. Get a gym membership and learn how to use the machines. Also consider consulting a personal trainer to develop a good gym routine. Walk or bike instead of driving or riding public transit whenever possible. Avoid smoking, excessive caffeine and alcohol, and abuse of other substances. Keep a low level of stress. Finding regular methods to reduce stress and blow off steam can help you avoid heart disease, hypertension, and other conditions. Also visit specialists like optometrists and nutritionists depending on your personal needs.

Summary: Eat fresh, nutritious food. Maintain dental health. Exercise. Visit a physician and a dentist twice a year.

The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is the tube that takes the air from mouth or nose to the lungs. When a trachea collapses, instead of the rings maintaining a totally open pipe or tube, they collapse or squash down. When this happens, water cannot pass along and it makes it difficult for air to flow along. The trachea can collapse because the cartilage rings are badly formed and are too wide and narrow, because the ligament filling the gap is too long and floppy, or due to a combination of both of these factors. The lining of the windpipe is very sensitive, and in a Chihuahua, this flattening can make the dog cough. Small breeds, such as the Chihuahua, are most at risk, probably because of a genetic tendency for the rings to be malformed. Other breeds commonly affected include Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Maltese terriers, toy poodles, and pugs. Collapsed tracheas can happen at any age. However, the condition generally appears around six to seven years of age. Keep an eye on your chihuahua as he ages. One reason dogs might end up with a collapsed trachea is from the owner pulling on the collar. Jerking the collar or using a choke chain can put enough pressure on the windpipe with force that can cause it to collapse. Use a dog harness instead of a collar when using a leash on your dog.

Summary: Learn what causes a collapsing trachea. Monitor older chihuahuas. Refrain from pulling on collars.

" In this method, we use the airflow from a fan to cause a fake fabric "flame" to billow and blow. The size of your flame will depend on the desired size of your fake fire or the space limitations of your fireplace. Taking these measures into account, cut flames accordingly. When it comes to cutting flames, you have several options. You may want to cut many thin strands of fabric to give your fire a thin, "wisp-y" appearance, or, alternatively, you may want to cut a flat flame-shaped sheet for a more robust look. You can even create a 3-dimensional flame by using a tented piece of fabric open at the bottom -- however, if you do this, be sure to cut several holes at the top for the air to pass through or you'll have a "fat", stationary flame. Now that you know your fire works as intended, it's time to give it the appearance of a real fire instead of a fan-powered contraption. For instance, you might try placing logs over and around the flames. You might also want to spread fake ashes and burnt debris over and around the fire. If you don't have real logs at your disposal, don't worry - you can make fake lightweight logs by cutting pool noodles into short sections and wrapping these in construction paper. Another good idea is to mimic the appearance of "coals" by piling a string of LED or Christmas-style lights beneath the fire. The effect is best if you can find red or orange lights or if you put a layer of red or orange cellophane over the lights.

Summary: Cut your "flames. Conceal your fan and lights.

A helmet is standard equipment and should be purchased before buying a bike. Ensure the helmet fits the child's head size correctly and that the chin strap is snug, but not too tight.Look at pictures of properly fit helmets to find a helmet that fits your child. You may consider buying a bell or reflectors for your child's bike. Other safety gear to consider includes knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Cheaper bikes tend to be made out of cheaper materials, which also tend to be heavy. Because children's bikes have a smaller wheel diameter, they are harder to pedal, so you want to choose a lightweight bike. Choose a bike frame made from metal alloys and not steel. Children under the age of 5 tend to lack the coordination and skill to work hand brakes and should use pedal brakes. Pedal breaks are activated when the child pedals backward. If you choose a bike with hand brakes, make sure they can easily be grasped and that your child knows how to use them, as it can be dangerous if your child does not know how to stop her bike. Gears will help your child navigate hills and different terrain. Using gears are for more advanced riders, so make sure your child has mastered basic skills such as hand braking, turning, and safety before graduating to more advanced stages. Many bikes are available for purchase from a garage sale or through an online marketplace. Children will outgrow their bikes, so consider purchasing a quality second-hand bike as opposed to a new bike. Look at yard sales or thrift stores for used bikes. Make sure the second-hand bike is in good condition before purchasing it. Check the recall list in your area to see if the model you plan on buying has been recalled.
Summary: Buy a helmet. Choose additional safety equipment. Consider the bicycle frame. Choose a braking method. Consider whether to buy a bike with gears. Consider purchasing a bike second-hand.