A blood test checks your vitamin, mineral, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels to determine if they are in a healthy range. By going annually, your doctor may be able to catch potential health issues in their early stages and help you make healthy changes to reduce their effects. Getting an annual blood test is especially important if you are over the age of 45, have high blood pressure, had gestational diabetes, or fall into a high risk category, such as being overweight. An A1C test measures your average blood sugar levels for the last 2 to 3 months. It doesn't require fasting, so it can be taken at any time of the day. A doctor or nurse draws a sample of your blood, then sends it to a lab for analysis. In general, it takes 1 to 3 days to get results after having your blood drawn. You'll most likely have to take the test twice before the doctor rules out or diagnoses you with diabetes. Pregnancy and some medical conditions can affect an A1C test's accuracy. In place of the test (or to confirm its results), your doctor might order a glucose test. Options include: A random blood sugar test, which measures your glucose levels at a random time, regardless of when you last ate. Readings above 200 mg/dL indicate diabetes. A fasting blood sugar test, which is taken after you've gone 8 hours without eating. Levels above 126 mg/dL indicate diabetes. An oral glucose tolerance test, which involves multiple parts. You're first tested after fasting for 8 hours, then you drink a sugary liquid. Your glucose levels will then be tested multiple times over the next 2 hours. A reading over 200 mg/dL after 2 hours indicates diabetes. Try to stay positive if your doctor diagnoses you with type 2 diabetes. While it's a serious disease, you can manage it with lifestyle changes, oral medication and, if necessary, insulin therapy. It might be tough to change your diet, exercise more, take medicine, and adjust to other new routines, but your health is worth the effort.

Summary: Undergo a yearly wellness exam and blood test. Get an A1C test. Ask your doctor about other methods if you can't take an A1C test. Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan if necessary.

Coconut oil in particular strengthens the proteins in your hair but avocado and argan oils are also great for looking after damaged or treated hair. Starting before you bleach will help your hair tolerate and absorb the bleach better. In particular, the night before you dye your hair, melt half a cup or more of coconut oil in a saucepan or in the microwave. Wait for it to cool, then massage it into your hair. Sleep with a plastic shower cap over it, or cover your pillow with an old towel. You'll get pretty oily, but don't worry: coconut oil is good for your skin, too. If you're bleaching at home, you can re-apply the oil before you apply the bleach. Don't wash it out. After you've dyed your hair, continue to look after it by applying oil every day or two. Massage the oil into your hair, starting at the ends and ending near the roots. Once or twice a week, apply a mask to your hair. Make a mask at home by mixing any combination of coconut oil, olive oil, yoghurt, honey, bananas, avocadoes, and egg. Blend together and wear in your clean, dry hair for 30 minutes. For best results, start this routine as soon as you know you are going to bleach your hair, and maintain it after you have bleached. You can also buy professional masks and deep conditioners. Oils such as coconut, argan and avocado are great for healing color-treated, bleached, and fried hair. If you don't have time to make a mask, just massage some oil in, starting at your ends and ending at your roots. Start applying oil as soon as you know you are going to bleach, and maintain it in your routine.

Summary: Start applying oil to your hair. Start using a mask. Apply oil daily. Finished.

You might be shocked or surprised to hear your relative saying something outrageous or crude. When your relative loses their filter, don't react in shock, anger, or even ridicule. Gently let your relative know that their behavior is inappropriate and move on. There's no need to bring up an incident once it has passed and you've dealt with it in the moment. For example, say, "It's not appropriate to speak of people in that way. We do not talk like this." In some cases, it may even be appropriate to ignore the comment and not respond at all. However, this may not be a good strategy for someone who is suffering from a cognitive decline. If the situation is uncomfortable, gently guide your relative somewhere else. Speak calmly and directly to your relative as you travel elsewhere. You may also notice certain situations that target their inappropriate behavior and divert their attention prior to them seeing something or someone. If you know your relative has a tendency to say inappropriate things during certain events or situations (like being in a large crowd or around young children), guide them away ahead of time to prevent the situation from unfolding. For example, if your relative is saying something racist while at the grocery store, direct them to a different aisle or exit the store. If you're feeling like the stress of dealing with your older relative is getting to be too great, take a quick break to de-escalate. Take a walk or go outside and get some fresh air. If you're getting frustrated with your relative or need some time to cool off, remove yourself from the situation temporarily. Excuse yourself from the room and go somewhere else. You may wish to prepare a snack to help you get away and return later. Relatives have a way of saying things when others are nearby. It's up to you how you handle the situation. You can apologize for their behavior ("I'm so sorry my aunt said that to you"), clue them in, ("Sometimes my grandmother says inappropriate things due to her dementia"), or laugh it off ("All those years of embarrassing my uncle as a kid have come back on me!"). However you choose to handle the situation, think about what your relative would want. For example, if your relative has always valued privacy, they may not appreciate you saying things about their condition to strangers. However, if your relative has often valued humor and lighthearted joking, consider taking the statements in stride when out in public.
Summary: Respond to the remarks. Guide them away. Take a small break. Respond to onlookers.