When you scrape or break your skin, special blood cells called platelets begin to stick together and form a clot where you hurt yourself. These clots function like a protective bandage that keep the wound from continuing to bleed and to shield your body from the outside germs. Scabs serve an important purpose, and you need to let your body heal itself by forming a scab. You will need to change the bandage any time it gets wet (which might be more than once a day). If it doesn't get wet, choose a time daily to switch the bandage. Wash the scab gently and reapply the dressing. Is the scab changing color, getting puffy or oozing at all? Is the skin around the scab tender, red, or warm to the touch? These are signs of an infection that needs to be dealt with by a medical professional. Eventually, a scab falls off and reveals new skin underneath. Hopefully it will fall off by itself without you picking at it. This usually happens by itself after a week or two. If you are still having trouble getting your wound to heal, it is a good idea to check with your medical professional.

Summary: Know why you shouldn't remove your scab. Change the dressing on your scab daily. Inspect your scab for signs of infection daily. Wait some time.

A healthy relationship requires healthy communication. If you're only really communicating when you argue, you're not building a strong foundation for your relationship. Tell your spouse that you love them and care about them. You don't need any special occasion to do this - you can do it every day if you're comfortable doing so. Let your partner know when they've done something that makes you happy and thank them for it. For example, you might say, "I really appreciate the way you've been inviting me to more social events. It means a lot to me, so thank you." Show gratitude for the little acts of kindness your spouse does for you every day. Even small and simple things like sharing household chores or picking up after you when you're busy or not feeling well deserve acknowledgment. If your spouse said or did something that seriously upset you, offended you, or threatened the stability of your marriage, you should have a serious talk about the incident. However, if your spouse says something in passing that rubs you the wrong way, it's probably not worth starting an argument over. Learn to give your spouse the benefit of the doubt. For example, if you've been married for several years and your spouse has never criticized you over something before, they probably didn't mean to do so now. Focus on the kind, caring things your partner says and does every day. It's probably safe to assume that those acts of kindness outweigh this one word or action that you didn't like. Never criticize your spouse. You can criticize actions or words if you can do so respectfully, but tearing down your partner is not a healthy way to communicate. One way to build a stronger foundation for your relationship is to bond over shared interests. This can help remind you that your partner cares about you, which may help you give them the benefit of the doubt when an argument does pop up. Take an interest in your spouse's hobbies. You can also invite your spouse to join you at something you enjoy. Try taking up a new hobby together - something that you can both learn and explore together. It's normal for relationships to change and evolve over time. This happens because you and your partner are changing and evolving, and you should be growing together instead of separately or apart. As this happens, you may find it comforting to check in with your spouse on the status of things. Ask your spouse about any changes in goals or expectations for one another and for the relationship. You can also check in by saying something like, "I'm sorry I overreacted last week. I feel like things are back to normal, but I wanted to make sure you feel like everything is okay with us after that fight we had." You may only need to check in on goals or expectations once or twice a year, though some couples may need to do this more often. You should only need to check on the status of your relationship after really big arguments. If the level of communication between you and your spouse has deteriorated or is consistently negative, you may need the help of a marriage counselor. A marriage counselor can help you develop better communication skills and work through difficult periods in your marriage. You can find a marriage counselor in your area by searching online or asking your doctor for a recommendation. Never feel embarrassed or frustrated over needing the help of a marriage counselor. Not getting professional help would likely cause your relationship to continue to deteriorate. Make sure your counselor is a licensed therapist with training that specifically deals with marital therapy. You should also make sure the therapist is committed to finding real solutions, rather than just encouraging a separation. It's important to have a clear idea of what you hope to accomplish with the help of a marriage counselor. You'll need to work on the issues at home between sessions, which is where most of the healing and repair will take place. Be honest and open during counseling. This should be a time and place where you and your spouse can calmly and respectfully air your grievances and find ways to work through them.

Summary: Share positive, loving feelings. Choose your battles. Enjoy your time together. Check in from time to time. Seek counseling as needed.

More activity burns more calories. An active cat will lose weight much more effectively than a cat that never gets any exercise. In addition to the extra calories burnt, exercise for your cat will also reduce her appetite and increase her metabolic ratewhich can counter the slowed metabolism related to reduced-calorie diets. Engage in a game of chase by projecting a laser pointer on the ground and having your cat chase it. You can also use toys attached to string to play with your cat and get her burning calories. If you have trouble getting a lazy cat up and running, then try a catnip toy. Water is important in keeping your cat active as well as aiding metabolic function. As with people, drinking fluid can also assist in making your cat feel fuller while on a restricted diet. Ensure that you keep her water dish consistently clean and full. Like people, cats can eat out of boredom. Many cat owners make the mistake of providing attention mostly in the form of providing food and treats. Instead, spend more time playing with your cat and brushing her to cut down on potential boredom. Do not place all of your cat's food for the daywhether a diet formula or otherwiseout at one time for your cat to eat freely throughout the day. Cat's do better with controlled portions provided at intervals, so you should divide your cat's meals into two or three servings a day. You should cut back heavily on the amount of treats you're giving your cat since these amount to empty calories. Instead, use play, grooming, and other attention as positive reinforcement. Another behavioral strategy you can try is to get your cat to mimic hunting behavior. A feral cat living off mice makes a kill three to four times a day, and is used to having several small snacks throughout the day. To mimic hunting behavior, fill several small food bowls and hide them around the house. This will force your cat to go 'hunting' and exert some energy to try to find her food bowls. This faux hunting helps to engage your cat both physically and mentally. Another option is to use a play ball filled with food. These sort of balls require the cat to play with the ball and bat it around in order to make the kibble fall out.
Summary: Exercise your cat. Provide plenty of water. Entertain your cat. Provide a higher frequency of smaller meals. Reduce treats. Use your cat's hunting instincts.