Symptoms of work-related skin disorder can be varied, as varied as the causes themselves. In general, the hands, fingers, wrists, forearms, forehead, face, and V of the neck (or any place on the body in which skin may have come in direct contact or the dust or fumes of an allergen) are the most at risk of developing contact dermatitis, so look for symptoms on these areas first. Most often the symptoms will be isolated to a specific area of the skin. Symptoms may be immediate, or they may linger for a few days. Look for symptoms such as the following: Rash. Itching. Swelling. Bumps or blisters, sometimes filled with clear fluid. Hot or tender skin. Lesions. Burns. Skin discoloration. There are several predisposing factors that may make one more susceptible to work-related skin disease. Age. In general, younger workers are more inexperienced and more likely to take risks on the job site, which leaves them more prone to come into contact with harmful pathogens on the job site. Skin type. In general, lighter skin color is more susceptible to pathogens on the job site than a darker skin color. Pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions may weaken your bodies immune system against unwanted pathogens. In addition, employees with chronic skin conditions (such as acne or rosacea) are more likely to develop skin reactions. Extreme temperatures and humidity. Very low or high humidity and extreme heat or cold can cause chapping and dryness of the skin, thus weakening your skin's natural barriers against pathogens. Working conditions. A clean workplace is less likely to be contaminated with toxic or allergenic chemicals. In some industries, working conditions may expose you to chemicals, such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Because work-related skin diseases are varied, each occupation carries its own risk. For example, medical professionals are more likely to develop immediate skin reactions from harmful agents such as radiation or solvents, and less likely to develop skin reactions that can take a long time to develop, such as exposure to sunlight or heat. Know the particular causes and risks associated with your profession, and the accompanying symptoms. For example, wearing rings is not advised for employees in so-called "wet work" (work that involves extensive exposure to moisture) because water and soap can collect under the rings and become a breeding ground for bacterial and fungal infections.

Summary: Recognize the symptoms. Understand predisposing factors. Know the risks associated with your particular profession.

You should see a doctor if you believe you're at risk for trichomoniasis. He or she can perform a routine STD test to check for the condition. Your health care provider will take a swab of your urethra and send it to a lab for testing. It may be painful to urinate after a swab is taken. It may take a few days before results are ready and may even take up to a week if the lab is busy. Many labs can perform a urine test for multiple common STDs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis. As the symptoms of many other common STDs are similar to those of trichomoniasis, it's a good idea to get a full panel test. Also, if you're worried you're at risk because you've had unprotected sex you'll be at risk for other infections as well. You should wait two to three weeks after a sexual encounter before getting tested, however, as it will take a while for viruses to be detectable. Medical treatment for trichomoniasis is necessary. It can be cured with a single dose of prescription antibiotics that are taken orally. Ask your doctor about medication. Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours after receiving treatment. About 1 in 5 people get infected with trichomoniasis again within three months of treatment. Make sure you know how to prevent outbreaks in the future. Use a latex condom if you have sex with a new partner. While condoms do not completely eliminate the risk of STDs they do dramatically reduce it. Make sure you wait until all symptoms of a previous infection pass before having sex again. Talk to your partner about STDs. It's a good idea for both of you to get tested together before engaging in sexual activity.

Summary: Get an STD test. Seek treatment. Prevent outbreaks in the future.

The pumpkins should be uniformly bright orange in color (unless you're growing a white or mottled variety). The vines will begin to shrivel and dry out. Most importantly, the pumpkins' skin will be tough. If you can indent it easily with a fingernail, the pumpkins need more time on the vine. Leave several inches of stem at the top of each pumpkin, since this keeps them from rotting too quickly. Don't pick up the pumpkins by their stems, since if the stems break their bases will rot. As soon as you cut them, they're ready to be removed from the pumpkin patch and used in whatever way you like. Rinse them off (you might need to scrub the dirt off the bottom) and either cut them to make pie or carve them into jack-o'-lanterns. If you store pumpkins in a cool, dry place they'll keep throughout the winter months.

Summary: Look for signs the pumpkin is ready for harvest. Use shears to cut the stems. Rinse, use and store the pumpkins.

Commitment phobes are notorious for being hard to pin down for invitations and plans. Challenge yourself to agree to dates planned a week out in advance -- or whatever is outside your comfort zone -- and do not cancel. Don't say, "I'll try to stop by" or "I might be able to make it." Say, "Yes, I'd love to come," and keep your word. If you have a tendency to sleep around, understand that your behavior may be the result of a search for an intimate connection with someone. The next time you have a desire to reach out to a friend with benefits, try connecting with a friend for a real conversation instead. Call a friend you trust and suggest meeting for coffee, for a drink, or for another activity where you can talk. Don't set other people up for disappointment. If you have no intention in pursuing a relationship with the other person, do not lead them on. Say you are talking to someone at a party. They say, "Hey, maybe we can get together sometime!" You know that you are not really attracted to the person and are not interested in pursuing a relationship. You could say, "I'm not really interested in dating right now, but thank you," or "That's so nice of you to offer, but I am working on some personal stuff right now." Often, people with commitment issues do not pursue people they really like because they are afraid of the rejection, as well as the potential for a relationship. Instead, commitment phobes often find themselves having flings with people with whom they share few common interests, or people with whom they do not see a future. Pursue a person with whom you share common values. If you want to develop a genuine relationship with someone, you need to make sure you share some common foundations upon which to build your relationship. These may be things like a shared culture or faith, the value you place on your careers or family, or character traits you both value in others. Take a risk and put yourself out there for the person you really like. While a "no" can be painful and feel like a setback, you will learn it is not the end of the world. See the setback as a chance to make yourself braver. If the person you are interested in is also interested in you, great! Have courage and move slowly, and let the person know you want to move slowly. You could say, "I really like you and want to get to know you better, but I have had some difficult times in the past. I hope you can respect that I want to take this slow for right now."
Summary: Make concrete plans and don't cancel. Stop promiscuous behavior. Stop getting numbers of people you won't call. Pursue the person you are truly interested in.