Q: There are many different types of drug tests, so be sure you know which specific tests you will be taking. Unfortunately, drug tests are not 100-percent accurate and can produce a "false positive" for numerous reasons. If you are an athlete, you may also be tested for substances that are not necessarily illegal, but that have been banned from athletic competition. Ibuprofen (Advil, nuprin) used to produce a false positive for the narcotic marijuana, but this problem has been remedied and is no longer an issue. Yet, there still remain a number of foods, medications, vitamins and supplements that will produce a false positive. A teaspoon of poppy seeds is enough to produce a false-positive for opioids. This is less than one-poppy seed bagel. Many over-the-counter work-out supplements are banned from athletic competition. If you are an athlete, discuss your supplement options with your coach or trainer. Find out how the test will be administered, and more specifically, try to find out what foods, vitamins, medications, and supplements have been known to trigger a false positive. The more you know about the specific tests you will be taking, the more you can actively defend yourself against a false positive. Prescription antidepressants, such as Zoloft, can also produce a false positive. Athletes should familiarize themselves with substances that have been banned from competition. A guide to substances that have been banned from competition can be found here. This can mean skipping your morning poppy-seed bagel, or opting to pass on any over-the-counter medications that can affect your test. But, it is a lot easier to prevent a false positive than it is to contest. Athletes should know that certain substances have been banned for use while competing, but are actually allowed during training. When you go in for your drug test, you will be asked to complete a list of all the foods, vitamins, medications, or other supplements that you have been taking. This will help the screening facility determine a false-positive from an actual positive test, and could be the difference between losing and keeping your job. Athletes who test positive for a banned substance--regardless of its legality--may face punitive action. Increasing your fluid intake will help flush any of the substances that may produce a false positive (such as poppy-seed), so be sure to increase your fluid intake at least 24-hours before your scheduled examination. You want to give the cleanest urine you can to avoid any false positives, so make sure that you do not provide your first urine of the day as a sample. Drink as much water as you can an hour-or-two before your test.
A: Learn what tests you will be taking. Be aware that certain over the counter medications and vitamins--even foods--can trigger a false positive. Research the limitations of the test(s) you will be taking. Avoid the "substances" that produce a false positive. Keep track of everything you consume. Drink lots of water. Give a clean urine sample.

Q: Regulations regarding basement apartment requirements vary between jurisdictions, but it is very common that a separate entrance is required. This ensures ease of access but also serves as a method of emergency egress in case of a fire. If your basement already has a door to the outside, this requirement is likely fulfilled. Many building codes require separate dwellings to have a certain amount of natural light. Whether or not your unit has adequate sunlight can be tested by a local building inspector using special equipment. If you can't pass this requirement, you will have to have additional windows installed along an exterior wall in order to create a legal basement apartment. Another major requirement concerns the amount of insulation between your main dwelling and the basement unit. You will almost certainly have to replace the door to the stairway separating the units with a fire door; these doors are usually made from steel and can withstand a burn for 2 hours or more before giving way. Additional insulation for soundproofing and fire resistance may also be required in the floor between the units. If your basement is currently unfinished, adding this insulation will be easy.
A: Make sure that the basement apartment has a dedicated exit. Ensure that the basement has enough light. Improve the sound and fire insulation between dwellings.

Q: You do not need to remove your jewelry when you brush your teeth. In fact, if you remove it, you run the risk of irritating your tongue or having the piercing close up. Tongue piercings heal much quicker than many other piercings, so don't risk removing jewelry at first. Besides, fresh piercings make your tongue too tender to touch. Tongue piercings heal within 6 to 8 weeks on average. After that point, you can remove the piercing whenever you want. Try taking it out when you eat or brush your teeth to help keep it clean. Toothbrushes collect bacteria over time, so getting a new brush reduces the chances of infection. Look for slim toothbrushes designed to reach small spaces. Slimmer soft-bristled brushes are useful for brushing both your teeth and your piercing. Stop at your local drug store or general store to get a new toothbrush. Brushes are inexpensive compared to the cost of discomfort and medical treatment for an infection. Starting at the back of your mouth, position your toothbrush with the bristles facing the roots of your teeth. Take care of the inside portion of each tooth first. Work from the back to the front and repeat with your other row of teeth. Avoid the piercing for now, especially if you just had it put in. New piercings make your tongue very sensitive. Try to avoid it as best you can by holding the toothbrush at an angle. The swelling goes away after 7 to 10 days. Instead of using a back and forth motion, move in small circles. This cleans your teeth effectively without damaging the enamel or hitting your piercing. Continue doing this for a few minutes to ensure you remove all plaque and debris. Brush the inside, outside, and top of each tooth to keep your smile healthy. As you brush, roll or sweep the toothbrush down from the tops of your teeth to direct the debris into your mouth. Don't rush! Rushing is tempting, but quick brushing may leave debris that can wear down your teeth or get into your piercing. For great teeth, reach for your toothbrush about half an hour after every meal. This is especially important while your piercing heals, since it clears away plaque and food particles that can lead to an infection. However, stay hygienic by making it a part of your routine even after your mouth goes back to normal. Acidic foods wear down your teeth if you brush right away after eating. Some examples of acidic food include grains, sugar, fish, some meat, and sweetened drinks. Drinking water after eating or brushing before you eat are ways to protect your teeth. Frequent brushing is a great way to keep your teeth in shape and avoid some tense visits to the dentist. Keep in mind, though, that brushing too hard or too frequently can wear down enamel. After brushing, floss the space between your teeth as you normally do. Take extra care while working on the areas close to the hole in your tongue. Knocking your hand against it could be painful.
A:
Leave jewelry in place until the piercing heals. Use a new toothbrush when you first get your piercing. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to avoid bumping the piercing. Brush your teeth using circular motions for 2 to 3 minutes. Brush your teeth 3 times a day after eating.