In general, children are more likely to get ear infections than adults. This is because the eustachian tubes (tubes running from the middle of each ear to the back of your throat) are smaller in children and more prone to fill with fluid. Children also have weaker immune systems than adults and are also more prone to viral infections such as colds. Anything that blocks the eustachian tube can cause an ear infection. There are other risk factors for an ear infection, including: Allergies Respiratory infections such as colds and sinus infections Infection or trouble with the adenoids (lymph tissue in your upper throat area) Tobacco smoke Excess mucus or saliva, such as that produced during teething Living in a cold climate Changes in altitude or climate Not being breastfed as an infant Recent illness Attending daycare, especially a larger daycare with many children A middle ear infection (acute otitis media) is the most common type of ear infection and hence recognizing its symptoms is very important. Middle ear infection is caused by a virus or bacteria. The middle ear is the space just behind the eardrum that contains the small bones that pass vibrations to the inner ear. When the area becomes filled with fluid, bacteria and viruses can get in and cause an infection. An ear infection often occurs after a respiratory infection such as a cold, although severe allergies may also bring one on. Symptoms of a middle ear infection include: Ear pain or an earache Feeling of fullness in the ear Feeling ill Vomiting Diarrhea Hearing loss in the infected ear Tinnitus Dizziness Ear drainage Fever, especially in children " Swimmers' ear, also known as otitis externa or an "external ear infection," is an infection of the outer ear canal caused by bacteria or fungi. Moisture is a common culprit for this type of infection (hence the name), but scratching or inserting things into the ear canal can also leave you prone to infection. Symptoms may begin as mild but often worsen, and include: Itching in your ear canal Redness inside the ear Discomfort that worsens if you pull or push on your outer ear Ear drainage (begins clear and odorless, may progress to pus) More severe symptoms include: Feeling of fullness or blockage Decreased hearing Severe pain that radiates outward to your face or neck Swelling of neck lymph nodes Fever Young children may display different symptoms of ear infection than older children and adults. Because young children often cannot communicate how they're feeling, look for the following symptoms: Tugging, pulling or scratching the ear Banging the head around Fussiness, irritability, or incessant crying Difficulty sleeping Fever (especially for infants and very young children) Fluid drainage from the ear Clumsiness or balance problems Trouble hearing Most ear infections can be treated at home, and many go away on their own. However, if you or your child experience certain symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately. These symptoms include: Blood or pus in ear drainage (may look white, yellow, green, or pinkish/red) Continued high fever, especially if it is over 102F (39C) Dizziness or vertigo Stiff neck Tinnitus Pain or swelling behind or around the ear Ear pain that lasts more than 48 hours
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One-sentence summary -- Know who is most at risk for an ear infection. Recognize the symptoms of a middle ear infection. Distinguish between a middle ear infection and "swimmers' ear. Look for signs of ear infection in children. Know when to seek immediate medical attention.

Blanching is the process of boiling something for a short period of time and then plunging it into an ice bath. The boiling will loosen the tomato skins, and the ice bath will stop the cooking process. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Use a small pot if you're just peeling a few tomatoes, and a larger pot if you have many tomatoes to peel. The blanching method is very effective, and it works well when you have to peel many tomatoes. Fill a bowl halfway with ice, and then fill it the rest of the way with water. Place the ice bath near the stove, so the tomatoes won't have far to go when you remove them from the boiling water. A small bowl of ice water will do if you're just peeling a few tomatoes. For larger batches of tomatoes, use a larger bowl filled with ice and water.
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One-sentence summary -- Boil a pot of water. Prepare the ice bath.

If you want your honey to retain the benefits of "raw" honey, use the microwave with caution. While quick and efficient, microwaving can easily destroy the beneficial enzymes by overheating them. Besides presenting a possible health hazard, plastic containers don't transfer heat as well as glass does. Bottom line: you'll get the job done quicker and more safely if you move your honey to a glass jar instead of using a plastic container. Cooking time for your batch will vary based on the amount of honey you're liquefying, the starting temperature of the honey, and its sugar content as well as content the wattage of your microwave. It is best to start off at low power and use short microwave times. This may take more cycles and an extra minute or two, but you won't ruin the taste of the honey or inhibit the effectiveness of the good enzymes during the liquefaction process. Experiment to find what works for you in your environment, but experiment cautiously. Above 100F (38C), the flavor of honey is altered; above 120F (49C), the beneficial enzymes in the honey start to break down and stop being effective. If pockets of honey have started to liquefy, stir the honey to help transfer the heat. If the honey hasn't started to liquefy, continue microwaving in 30 second increments until some crystals start to liquefy. Continue until the honey has nearly liquefied, then stir until the process is complete. If most of the honey has liquefied but some stubborn crystals remain, you may want to finish the job off manually by stirring the honey vigorously instead of continuing to heat it.
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One-sentence summary -- Use a microwave cautiously when liquefying honey. Transfer your honey from any plastic containers into a glass jar by spoon. Start microwaving honey in 30 second increments on the defrost setting. Check for liquefaction of the honey after 30 seconds, particularly near the surface of the jar. Microwave for additional increments of 15 to 30 seconds, stirring after each microwaving session.

Make sure the notes aren't obscured by Velcro.
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One-sentence summary --
Write your notes on a piece of paper. Wear your winter jacket with a ski pass pocket. Hide your notes in the pass pocket.