INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You aren't going to fail if you work. Yes, you will get into university/college. Although it may seem like a lot at first, it'll all pass eventually. Don't let stress and fear get in the way of succeeding in this program. Lack of human contact due to IB can result in social isolation and depression. Relax and have some sort of social life, for the sake of your own sanity. Find a decent IB forum on the Internet. Talk to other IB students and programmes. That said, don't fall behind on your schoolwork. Do whatever it is you do to relax. Have some "you time". Just not all the time. The IB is hard sometimes, but do it properly. There's no point wasting years of your life goofing off, when you could be making the most of what is, at the end of the day, an amazing qualification. IB students are known for being the kings and queens of procrastination. It's okay to if you feel like putting things off once in a while, but not so often that you end up having to write your Extended Essay overnight. It is much too difficult to survive successfully all by yourself, as this also requires a guardian who is committed to helping you succeed IB. Your friends in IB will be a large mental help to you succeeding. You need to hang out with this particular group and study well with them, because you can all support each other. You also need to take every help you can get, ask every single question in your head if you have to.

SUMMARY: Try not to freak out. Remember, there is more to life than IB. Give yourself a break once in a while. Avoid slacking off for any extended period. Don't procrastinate. Do the IB with friends, or make friends in the IB early on.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Varicose veins and venous insufficiency can cause blood flow in your leg veins to slow, which results in swelling. Compression stockings can stimulate blood flow, improving circulation and reducing swelling. Wear compression stockings until you see a significant improvement in your legs, or as advised by your doctor. Purchase compression stockings at medical supply stores or online. Be sure to remove your compression stockings at the end of each day to wash and dry them before wearing them again. Raising your legs above your heart will reduce pain and pressure in your legs due to vein problems. Aim to have your feet at least 6 inches (15cm) above your heart. Use pillows to prop up your legs if necessary. Do this as often as you can, at home or in other relaxed locations such as the beach. Heat can cause increased blood flow in your blood vessels, making varicose veins and other vein problems worse. Avoid very hot showers and baths, sitting near a campfire or heater, or using a heat pack. If your legs feel hot, swollen, or hurt, apply a cool compress as needed to make them more comfortable. Some vein problems seem minor but may develop into a bigger problem. While milder issues like varicose veins, for instance, are sometimes just an aesthetic issue, they may also indicate a serious condition like deep vein thrombosis. See your doctor as soon as possible if you notice: Swelling in your legs, especially if 1 is swollen more than the other Intense calf pain Skin discoloration Open sores Dry, thin skin

SUMMARY: Wear compression stockings to reduce swelling in your legs. Elevate your legs above your heart when sitting or lying down at home. Keep your legs cool to avoid worsening symptoms. Contact your doctor if you notice signs of serious vein damage.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid irritates the connection between the stomach and esophagus, causing it to relax. This then causes the acid to rise from the stomach into the esophagus, resulting in a burning pain in the chest. People with acid reflux may also experience nausea or a feeling like food is stuck in the chest or throat. It sometimes leaves an acidic taste in the mouth. The condition is usually triggered or worsened by fatty or spicy meals, especially if you lay down after eating. Alcohol, chocolate, red wine, tomatoes, citrus fruits, peppermint, caffeinated products and coffee can cause acid build up and reflux. When you feel that familiar burning sensation, avoid lying down. Acid reflux happens in the esophagus, and lying down encourages stomach acid to flow through it. Sit up to help keep the acid from easily entering the esophagus. You can also try doing some gentle movement, such as rocking in a chair or walking. This may help to improve your digestion. Tums, Maalox, Pepto-Bismol, and Mylanta are all over the counter antacids that can relieve heartburn symptoms quickly. Take these drugs either after meals or after you begin feeling symptoms. You can also find antacids that can be taken before meals to prevent heartburn altogether. Read the instructions on the labels carefully, and take the drugs as directed. While antacids prevent reflux, Prilosec and Zantac work to stop acid production in the stomach. Prilosec is an over the counter proton pump inhibitor that stops acid production in your stomach. Take 1 tablet at least an hour before your meals to slow down acid reflux. Make sure that you read the insert carefully to ensure you understand how this medication will affect your overall digestion. Zantac works achieves the same effect by blocking receptors for Histamine. Place a tablet in a glass of water and wait for it to dissolve. Drink the mixture 30 to 60 mins before your meal to reduce acid production. A mixture of baking soda and water is also known as "sodium bicarbonate," and can be very useful in easing acid reflux pain. Simply mix 1 or 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a glass of water and drink it when you feel chest pain from acid reflux. The bicarbonate found in baking soda will help neutralize the acid. Make a cup of chamomile or ginger tea, or add ginger root to your meals. These two herbs can help with digestion, and have a soothing effect on your stomach. DGL-licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) extract can help coat the mucous lining of the esophagus and prevent the damage and pain of acid reflux. Take 250 to 500 mg capsules three times daily, chewed either one hour before or two hours after meals. If you take this for a prolonged period, visit your doctor to have him check your potassium levels. Licorice can reduce the potassium content in your body, which in turn can cause heart palpitations and arrhythmias. Buy deglycyrrhizinated capsules to prevent side effects such as swelling. Several studies suggest acupuncture can have a positive effect in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In a 6 week study, acid reflux patients were given traditional Chinese acupuncture at 4 specific points on the body. The acupuncture group had results similar to the group treated with traditional medication. Tell the acupuncturist to focus on the following areas once a day for a week: Zhongwan (CV 12) Bilateral Zusanli (ST36) Sanyinjiao (SP6) Neiguan (PC6) If you find that over the counter treatments and home remedies aren't doing the trick, you may need prescription strength help. The OTC medication Prilosec is also produced in prescription strength, and may be able to help ease your pain. Be sure to follow the medication insert's advisements on changes you may experience in digestion.

SUMMARY:
Make sure you have acid reflux. Sit up or stand. Take an antacid. Think about taking medication to reduce acid production. Make a simple, homemade treatment. Try herbal treatment. Consider acupuncture treatment. Ask a doctor for prescription strength medication if necessary.