Q: As noted earlier, the taste of the cantaloupe will not change when you ripen it off the vine since its flesh does not contain starches capable of converting to sugars. The texture, color, and juiciness of the fruit can improve, though, so this process is still beneficial if you have a freshly harvested mature melon or one that is only slightly unripe. Use a brown paper bag that is large enough to fit the cantaloupe with a little extra room. The fruit should not be squeezed into the bag too tightly. Ideally, you should leave a little room for airflow inside the bag. Make sure that you close the top of the bag when you are ready to let the melon begin ripening. The closed paper bag traps the ethylene gas produced by the cantaloupe as it ripens. The production of ethylene gas increases in the presence of additional ethylene gas, so keeping the gas concentrated within the space of the bag speeds up the ripening process. You need to use a paper bag instead of a plastic one. Paper bags are porous, so carbon dioxide can escape and oxygen can enter. Without at least this much airflow, the cantaloupe can begin to ferment. If you place a ripe banana or ripe apple in the bag, even more ethylene gas will be produced inside the space of the bag, and the ripening process will speed up even more. Bananas and apples produce notably high amounts of ethylene gas once they ripen, making them better options than most other fruits. Usually, the process will only take about two days, if not quicker. Make sure that the place you store the melon is neither excessively cold or excessively hot. You should also avoid areas that are heavy in moisture or particularly drafty. Check on the progress of the cantaloupe throughout the process to make sure that it has not ripened early.
A: Know what to expect. Place the melon in a brown paper bag. Consider placing a banana or apple in the bag. Leave the melon out at room temperature until ripe.

Q: If you have persistent non-infectious cervicitis, you may need to address the problem surgically with cryosurgery, also called freeze therapy. Cryosurgery involves the use of extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue. A cryoprobe, which is an instrument that contains liquid nitrogen, is inserted into the vagina. The cold compressed nitrogen makes the metal instrument cold enough to destroy the diseased tissues. Freezing is done for three minutes. The cervix is then allowed to thaw, and freezing is repeated for another three minutes. Cryosurgery is relatively painless, but you may experience cramping, bleeding, and, in more serious cases, infection and scarring. For two to three weeks after your surgery, you can expect to notice a watery discharge. This is caused by the shedding of dead cervical tissue. Another possible surgical treatment for persistent non-infectious cervicitis is cauterization, also called heat therapy. Cauterization is an outpatient procedure that burns away the inflamed or infected cells. You will lie on your back with your legs in stirrups, and a speculum will be inserted into the vagina to hold it open. The cervix is then cleansed using a vaginal swab, and a heated probe is used to destroy the diseased tissues. Anesthesia may be used to prevent discomfort before cauterization. You may experience cramping, bleeding, and watery discharge for up to four weeks. Call your doctor, however, if the discharge has an offensive smell, or if the bleeding is heavy. A third possible surgical treatment for persistent non-infectious cervicitis is laser therapy. Laser therapy is typically done in an operating room under general anesthesia and involves the use of an intense laser beam/light to burn/destroy abnormal tissues. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold it open. The laser beam is directed toward any abnormal tissue. Anesthesia will limit your discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you may notice cramping and bloody, watery discharge for two to three weeks. Call your doctor if this discharge has an offensive smell, or if you notice increased bleeding or pelvic pain.
A: Consider cryosurgery. Talk to your doctor about cauterization. Ask your doctor about laser therapy.

Q: The use of medicines, herbal remedies and/or lifestyle changes are not substitutes for medical care. Given that stomach aches can point to serious problems, it is vital that you know which symptoms to take seriously and know when to see a doctor. If you are experiencing severe stomach pain that makes you unable to sit still, or if you need to curl into a ball to find relief, you need to visit the emergency room. This is especially true if the pain is on the right side of your abdomen. You should also visit the emergency room or see your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: Stomach pain with bloody stool, persistent nausea and vomiting, skin that appears yellow, swelling in your abdomen, or tenderness in your abdomen. If you have stomach pain after an injury or car accident. See your doctor right away if you have stomach pain and suspect you may be pregnant. If your stomach ache persists for a few days or begins to worry you, it is time to see a doctor. You should also call your doctor is you have heartburn that lasts for several weeks with no improvement from over the counter medicine. Also, call your doctor if the stomach pain is accompanied with fever and headache, poor appetite, weight loss, or pain with urination. Your doctor will ask you to lift up your shirt to examine your stomach. In order to check that there is no inflammation or other problems, the doctor will listen to your stomach using a stethoscope and will also feel around to check for tenderness and ensure that all the organs are in the right place. Tell the doctor if you experience any pain or discomfort when he or she presses your stomach.
A:
Understand that stomach aches may be serious. Visit the emergency room immediately with severe and unrelenting pain. Call your doctor if you have stomach pain lasting several days. Let your doctor examine you to rule out anything serious.