A line graph has variables on the left and bottom. The line charts where the two variables meet, which is why it works well for time, such as the number of vegetarians on campus over the years. For instance, put years on the bottom and the number of people on the side. Then you can graph how the number has changed over the years.

Summary: Use a line graph to show how two variables interact. Find the spot where the two variables meet. Pick one variable for each side.

Carefully move your blade into the granite without using heavy pressure. Guide it along the line as evenly as possible for an accurate cut. Stand to the side of the saw instead of directly behind to protect yourself from kickback. Have a partner spray the granite with a spray bottle as you cut through the line. This will keep the saw blade from overheating from pressure. If you don't have a partner, rent a wet saw. Wet saws spray water over the rock and blade as you cut. This will give you maximum control over it to prevent slipping or kickback. Although you can use a circular saw with one hand, you will not be able to make a safe or accurate cut. Never look away from the saw while it's still on. A moment's distraction can result in damage to your project or even serious injury. Avoid forcing your saw through the rock too quickly, as going too fast can cause kickback, which may injure you or damage the granite. If it looks satisfactory, begin prepping your next cut or wrapping up your project. If you notice any uneven lines or are otherwise unsatisfied with your cut, however, mark the areas you want to fix and re-cut the granite.

Summary: Turn on your saw and begin cutting the granite. Spray the granite lightly with water. Always use both hands while operating the saw. Stay concentrated on the blade as you cut through the granite. Inspect your finished cut.

Try to bend your injured finger to check for dislocation or malrotation of your knuckle. If your knuckle is dislocated, you may not be able to bend it at all as the bone will have moved in a way that does not allow you to use your finger. If the bone has rotated, you might be able to bend the finger, but it will be pointed towards your thumb. Malrotation means that the bone has twisted in such a way that the finger will bend in a different direction than normal. If your bone is dislocated or malrotated, you will need a doctor to reset it. A malrotated or dislocated knuckle often takes longer to heal than a simple broken knuckle. If your knuckle is broken it will be very difficult for you to close your hand. You can test the severity of your injury by trying to make a fist. Your hand may have swollen too large or it may simply be too painful for you to move your fingers if your knuckle is broken. You may also be able to close all your fingers except for the one with the broken knuckle. If you can make a fist, and your knuckle is broken, your injured finger may not align properly with the rest of your fingers. Don't push yourself. If you try too hard to fight through the pain and make a fist, you could injure or dislocate your knuckle further. A broken knuckle will drastically reduce your finger strength. Your brain can shut down the muscles around a severe injury to prevent further damage. If you find yourself unable to get a tight grip on anything, there's a chance your brain is trying to protect your broken knuckle. If you have a minor fracture of your knuckle, you may still be able to use most of your grip. If you suspect you might have a fracture though, take it easy. Gripping something too hard could cause the fracture to become more severe. Your knuckle is at the top of your metacarpal bone. The bottom of your metacarpal bone is connected to your carpus or wrist bone. Because the two bones are connected, a broken knuckle can affect the mobility of your wrist. Move your wrist from side to side and up and down. If you feel a sharp pain shoot through your hand, you most likely have a severe broken knuckle. If you suspect that your knuckle is broken, then see a doctor or visit an emergency room as soon as possible to get treated. You will probably have to wear a splint or brace for a few weeks until the knuckle heals. Casts are not often necessary for breaks in the hand and fingers.

Summary: Bend your finger. Make a fist. Grip something. Try out your wrist. Seek treatment.

Healthcare can get very costly without insurance. Make sure your doctor accepts your insurance plan. You can call the office and ask or you can check online. Oftentimes, you can even find doctors through working with your insurance company. This is a great way to assure your coverage is accepted. If you have any questions about coverage and co-pays, clear these up with your insurance company before going in. You don't want to get a big bill you were not anticipating a month after your first visit. You'll need your medical records forwarded to your new doctor. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can request a copy of your medical records over the phone, and some offices even have a Patient Portal that allows you to access your records online. You can have the records sent directly to you and then bring them to your new doctor. Make sure to request items like lab results, x-rays, and any CAT or MRI scans. If you're being referred to a specialist, consultation notes can help your new doctor understand your condition. While these legally belong to your doctor, you're entitled to a copy. You can request these when requesting your records. You can request your records face-to-face at the front desk of your doctor's office. You may be required to pay for the cost of print outs, but the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act means you can only be charge cost-based fees. In general, if there is a fee it's around $20. If you have a lengthy medical record, you may have to pay more. Preparing your own patient history can help smooth the transition. You should also make sure there's no gaps in coverage. You don't want to be left without a doctor during an emergency or run out of a prescription and have no one to refill it. Make sure that you get a supply of refills for any prescriptions you have with your old doctor before searching for a new one. This way, you won't be left without your meds if the search is lengthy and your prescription expires. Make a running list of your medical history, including medications, allergies, and diseases that run in your family, and give a copy to your new doctor. New patient forms are often brief and it's difficult to include all the necessary information. The more your doctor knows about you, the better.
Summary: Make sure the new doctor will take your insurance. Have your medical records forwarded. Get organized.