To make the sugar and phosphate sides, use strands of black and red licorice that have a hollow center. For the nitrogenous bases, use 4 different colored gummy bear candies. Whatever candy you use, make sure that it is soft enough to allow a toothpick to puncture it. If you have them on hand, colored marshmallows are a great substitute for gummy bears. Gather string and toothpicks to be used in creating the model. The string should be cut to be about 1 foot (30cm) long, although you can make it longer or shorter based on your preferred size of DNA model. Use 2 pieces of string that are the same length to make the double helix. Make sure you have at least a dozen toothpicks, although you may need a few more or less depending on how large you make your model These will be strung on your string in alternating colors and should be cut to 1 inch (2.5cm) long. In a DNA strand, pairs of cytosine and guanine (C and G) are paired together, while pairs of thymine and adenine (T and A) are paired together. Choose 4 different colored gummy bears to represent these nitrogenous bases. It doesn't matter if a pair goes C--G or G--C, as long as those are always the two in a pair. You cannot mix colors between pairs. For example, you cannot combine T--G or A--C. The colors you choose are completely arbitrary and are entirely based on personal preference. Take the 2 pieces of string and tie a knot in the bottom of each to prevent the licorice from slipping off. Then, thread the string through the hollow centers of the licorice in alternating colors. The 2 colors of licorice symbolize the sugar and phosphate that make up the double helix strands. Choose one color to be the sugar group; your gummy bear nitrogenous bases will be attaching to this color of licorice. Make sure that your 2 strands have licorice in the same order so that they line up when placed next to each other. Tie another knot to the other end of the string once you have finished adding all your licorice pieces. Once you have paired off all your gummy bears in the C--G and T--A groups, use a toothpick and stick 1 bear from each pair at the ends of the toothpicks. Push the gummy bears far enough on each toothpick that at least 14 inch (0.64cm) of the sharp end is still sticking out. You can have more of some pairs than others; the number of pairs in real life DNA determines differences and changes in the genes they form. Lay out your 2 licorice strands flat on a smooth surface, and then attach the gummy bear toothpicks to the licorice by inserting the sharp ends into the licorice. You should be attaching the toothpicks only to the "sugar" molecules that you decided on. These are all the pieces of licorice in the same color (for example, all the red pieces). Use all your gummy bear toothpicks, don't worry about saving any. Once you have attached all your gummy bear toothpicks to the licorice, twist the strands in a counter-clockwise direction to give the spiral appearance of a true double helix. Enjoy your completed DNA model!
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One-sentence summary -- Select your candy. Prepare your other supplies. Cut the licorice. Pair off your gummy bears. String your licorice. Attach your gummy bears with toothpicks. Attach your gummy bears to the licorice. Twist your double helix.

Usually, the drainage is bloody following surgery, but as time passes it should become straw-colored, then clear. The drainage should never look cloudy or like pus. Notice the amount of drainage for every 24 hours. Your doctor should have given you a marked plastic container so you can track how many cubic centimeters (cc) or milliliters (ml) of fluid were drained. Check this every time you empty the JP drain, usually every eight to 12 hours. The amount of fluid should decrease as time passes. You'll probably also be given a data sheet, to log the amount at the time of drainage. Usually drains can be pulled (by your surgical staff) when drainage is less than 30 100 cc in 24 hours. It is important that you have good communication with your surgeon and the staff. You'll need to attend follow-up appointments for wound observation and drainage removal. You should also report any issues or concerns you have. If you notice any of the following, get call your doctor: Edges of the wound are red Pus or thick drainage Foul odor coming from the incision/insertion site Fever, greater than 101F (38.3C) Pain at surgical site Bathing and showering can be challenging with JP drains, but with some help you should be able to gently clean the site. Be sure to get your doctor's permission before bathing or showering, especially if you still have bandages. If you're allowed to bathe or shower, gently wash the area and make sure it's completely dry when you're done. If you're not allowed to bathe or shower, carefully clean the area around the drain using a washcloth or gauze. If you need additional help, communicate this to the office staff for a visiting nurse referral. Some surgeons will have a visiting nurse come out daily to help you with a sponge bathe and washing your hair. Or consider having a family member help you bathe. Use a safety pin and attach the pin through the plastic loop on top of the JP bulb. Wear loose fitting clothing and attach your drains to your clothing, like a loose shirt. Pin the drains to anchor them. This way, they won't get tangled or pulled out. JP drains that are attached to clothing may also feel more comfortable. You might try using a fanny pack to secure the JP drains around your waist. Avoid pinning them to your pants. If you accidentally forget they're there, you may pull down your pants and remove the drains.
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One-sentence summary --
Pay attention to the drainage. Monitor the wound site. Keep the area clean. Secure the drains.