Problem: Article: . Exploring your house for that unidentified sound in the night or to going to the aid of a loved one with empty hands is not a smart idea. Equipping yourself is therefore important. The three main categories of firearms are pistols (handguns), shotguns, and rifles. The very first step is to intimately familiarize yourself with firearm safety rules. For example, be sure of your target and what's beyond it. Don't shoot your teenage son sneaking back into the house. Also, remember that most likely the bullets you are firing will go through the walls in your house, and could therefore strike loved ones. Consider tactically preparing yourself with a pistol for suggestions on arming yourself with a pistols. Pistols are a lightweight, efficient, and popular choice for personal defense. An alternative, and highly recommended, firearm to have would be a pump-action shotgun. Shotguns have much better stopping power than a pistol. A pump-action is recommended as reliability is of the utmost importance, but you can also use break-action shotguns to good effect. Don't be fooled by those who say that shotguns are point and shoot. Shotguns take as much training and practice as pistols and rifles. Rifles are the third common option. Rifles, again, produce (even in some smaller calibers) significantly more stopping power than most pistols, but they require just as much precision. A magazine-fed, semi-automatic rifle is the suggested choice as two hands may not always be available, and the option to quickly shoot multiple rounds is often a welcome one. For pistols, the largest pistol possible is recommended for the best stopping power and controllability, while for a rifle or shotgun (from now on they will be called "long guns"), the shortest length possible is preferred. These preferences are obviously "within reason", as a 4-foot-long freak-pistol, or a 12-inch-long long gun are impractical and defy the intended use of the specific weapons. If you are the only one in the house, or everyone in the house is in the room you are in, then your choices are much easier. If you are sure there is a very-unwelcome guest in your house, call the local police. Lock the door to your bedroom (and any other entrances if available), and be prepared. Do not move, wait for the police to come. Do not approach the police with a firearm in your hand, be sure to holster it or set it down once the police are in your immediate vicinity. The reason why you wait in this situation is because searching a house is very dangerous, and nothing (other than loved ones) should be worth dying over. Plus, insurance should cover any stolen or damaged items. This should only be done if you know an intruder is in your house and you have loved ones elsewhere in the house. Be sure you call the police before you take any actions, and be sure to tell them you are armed and that you are going to try to retrieve or protect your loved one(s). The other situation in which you might need to use these techniques is if you are unsure about an intruder and you wish to make sure there is no danger. In this case you should also arm yourself with a cell phone, as you may need to call the police while not near a land line.
Summary: Choose an appropriate firearm Choose different sizes or gauges depending on effect. Decide your course of action, before you do anything. Know what's in store if you decide to search and clear.

Problem: Article: A coccyx cushion (sometimes called a wedge cushion) is a U-or V-shaped pillow that protects the coccyx from uncomfortable pressure. Some cushions are also formed as a wedge. The U- or V-shape, in comparison with the circular doughnut cushions, often provide more comfort for people with tailbone pain. These cushions can also be used to provide comfort for those with hemorrhoids (piles) pain, prostate disorders, pilonidal cysts or degenerative bone disease. Doctors frequently recommend that patients use a coccyx cushion after back surgery to reduce pressure on the spinal column and tailbone. Coccyx cushions are also often used to help relieve pain from other chronic pain conditions and inflammatory pain or to relieve pressure on the back and pelvic area during pregnancy. Coccyx cushions differ from ring or doughnut cushions, which have a hole in the middle, and help reduce pressure on the anal and prostate region in cases of hemorrhoids and swollen prostate. You can buy a coccyx cushion at a local surgical supply store or pharmacy. You can also search online using terms like "coccyx cushion", "tailbone cushion" and "tailbone wedge cushion". Online sources can be less expensive, but the advantage to using a local dealer is that you can try different cushions to see which might work best for you. Do some research in advance. There are multiple things to consider when buying a coccyx cushion. Some are softer and thicker than others, some are inflatable, and others have washable covers. There are also cushions using different materials as padding and some may be more comfortable for you than others. Some of the materials used are memory foams, gels, semi-liquid gels, or other materials. Talk to your physician or orthopedic specialist to see if they have specific recommendations. If you cannot find a comfortable option in stores, then you can try making your own coccyx cushion. Most coccyx cushions are just regular cushions with a small opening on one side. You can get a large piece of memory foam or a memory foam pillow and cut out a small wedge on one side. Other creative options include duct taping together segments of a pool noodle, using a neck pillow, or filling a long sock with rice and bending it into a "U" shape. Coccyx cushions are made in varying levels of thickness and firmness and it's important that you select a coccyx cushion that's comfortable for you. Squeeze the cushion in your hand to feel how firm it is. This will give you an idea of how it will feel to sit on the cushion and how much support it will give you. Coccyx cushions are also made with gel inserts. Gel inserts can help provide a softer form of cushioning and will conform better to the particular contours of your body. Some gel inserts in coccyx cushions can be removed to be warmed or frozen for hot or cold therapy. Some coccyx cushions are U-shaped and have a cut-out area to help relieve pressure on the spine and tailbone. Many people find more relief with these cushions, so try the solid ring cushions and the cut-out version to determine which kind is better for your needs. Coccyx cushions can be anywhere from 3 to 7 inches (7.6 to 17.8cm) thick. Most people use the 3-inch thickness, but a thicker cushion can be beneficial to heavier users. Ask your physician or the local dealer about what size thickness is ideal for you, given your particular body type.
Summary:
Know what a coccyx cushion is and does. Buy a coccyx cushion. Consider making your own coccyx cushion. Choose a cushion that feels comfortable. Try coccyx cushions with and without the cut-out. Make sure your coccyx cushion is the appropriate thickness.