Problem: Article: In order for wood ashes to work well as a tattoo ink, you need to completely burn the wood you're using. The ashes should be totally black, with none of the wood's natural color still visible. They should also be completely cooled when you use them. Different types of wood will give you a slightly different shades of color when the ashes are used as ink. Lighter woods will produce a grayer pigment; darker woods will produce a blacker pigment. Once you've burned the wood of your choice to create ashes, you'll need to grind the burned wood. You want the ash particles as fine as possible so that they make a smooth and easily usable ink. To create tattoo ink from wood ashes, you'll need to mix the ashes with a liquid. Some people recommend that you use distilled water, but this still risks some bacteria getting under your skin as you press the needle in. Instead, use a clear spirit like vodka or gin as your liquid base. The alcohol will kill any bacteria and the clarity of the alcohol won't change your ink color. Mix your ashes and clear spirit together by blending them in a blender for 10 to 20 minutes. The consistency should be a slurry a little thicker than water, but thinner than a paste and should not have any chunks in it. It's hard to recommend an exact proportion of ashes to liquid for this, since it will depend on how finely you grind up the ashes, the type of wood you use, and the desired pigmentation of your ink. It's better to add liquid slowly you can always add more, but you can't take any out. If you're creating a larger tattoo, make sure you track the ash and liquid amounts you're using. You'll likely have to mix up more than one batch of ink, and knowing the exact measurements keeps the pigment of the ink consistent.
Summary: Burn wood to create ashes. Grind the ashes. Choose a clear spirit. Mix them together. Track the ash and liquid amounts.

Problem: Article: Dyeing clay can be messy. Make sure your hands and your work surface are protected from staining. Only work on disposable or washable surfaces, like a sheet of wax paper over a counter or a plastic cutting board. Wear plastic or rubber gloves, especially if you're working with oil paint or food coloring. Disposable gloves are best. Spend some time kneading and pressing the clay with your hands before you add the colorant. This will help it soften so it can absorb the color more quickly and evenly. Kneading means to repeatedly press your fingers into the clay.The time you spend kneading will depend on the temperature and altitude you're at, but it shouldn't take more than 5 minutes. You'll know it's done when the color is distributed evenly all through the clay. Be careful adding additional colorant--you shouldn't add more than a drop at a time. Be sure to knead the clay thoroughly after each drop!
Summary: Set up your work surface. Knead the clay before adding colorant. Continue adding one drop of colorant until the clay is the color you want.

Problem: Article: Concrete cures best in temperatures above 50F (10C), so check the forecast for the next week. If you can expect warm temperatures, then now is the right time to pour the concrete. Pouring in the spring or summer is ideal to avoid any unexpected cold weather. If there is a sudden cold snap after pouring the concrete, professionals usually protect the concrete by building a structure around the site and using a portable heater. This is an expensive option, but it's the best choice to protect the concrete. While the concrete is curing, it can't handle excessive weight. Let it dry for a full 24 hours before stepping on it to prevent damage to the surface. If you're water-curing the concrete, take extra care to avoid stepping on it while you re-wet the fabric. If the concrete is in an area with a lot of foot traffic, block the area off and hang signs warning about wet cement. Make sure any pedestrians will know they can't step on the area. Even if the concrete looks dry, it can't handle excessive weight until after it cures completely. If the concrete is in your driveway or a similar area that cars drive on, wait at least 10 days before driving or parking your car on it. If you have a large vehicle like an RV or truck, wait 28 days before parking it on the concrete. Also wait 28 days if this is a commercial area with a lot of vehicle traffic, like a parking lot. The weight from multiple vehicles can cause the concrete to sink. Introducing new chemicals to the concrete before it's completely hardened can interfere with the curing process. Wait a full month before applying any paints or stains to the concrete. If you do want to paint the concrete and used a curing compound, remember to get one that is nonreactive with paint.
Summary: Pour concrete when the temperature will be above 50F (10C) for at least 7 days. Wait 24 hours to walk on the concrete. Drive on the concrete only after 10 days have passed. Let the concrete harden for a full month before painting or staining it.

Problem: Article: Aspirin and ibuprofen may work well to alleviate some pain and swelling. Follow the recommended dosage on the bottle and don't exceed the daily limit. If you find your pain doesn't get better or if you keep taking more and more medication, it may be time to call your doctor. If you take a blood thinner, always check with your doctor before using pain medication. They may want you to take something different so it doesn't interfere with the blood thinner. This is the one type of hernia that sometimes doesn't need surgery, especially if its symptoms can be managed through diet and over-the-counter antacids. If your symptoms increase over time, though, surgery may become the best solution. Enjoy multiple small meals throughout the day instead of 3 larger ones. This will put less pressure on your stomach so you're more comfortable all day long. Avoid caffeine, chocolate, garlic, tomatoes, and other fatty or fried foods that can cause heartburn. Don't lay down after you eat for several hours. A truss is a supportive undergarment that helps keep your hernia in placeit's a temporary solution to help relieve pain until you can have surgery. You can buy a truss online, but it's best to visit your doctor so they can make sure it's properly fitted. Most inguinal hernias do need surgery to be repaired, but if your hernia is really small and not causing you pain, your doctor may be okay with waiting and keeping an eye on it. Surgery may sound scary, but these procedures usually take less than an hour and should quickly help relieve your pain. Straining your muscles can aggravate your hernia, and constipation can make things worse. Add lots of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet, and consider taking a fiber supplement to help things move smoothly. Oatmeal, nuts, beans, popcorn, chia seeds, and whole grains are also great high-fiber food choices. This can be helpful for all types of hernias; the less weight you're carrying around, the less strain your muscles will be under. Try modifying your diet by eating leaner proteins and more fruits and vegetables, and try adding in some gentle exercise every day to lose weight. Hernias can be really uncomfortable and it may be hard for you to imagine exercising. Try going for short 15-minute walks when you can, or go to the pool and slowly swim laps. Be gentle on yourself, though, so you don't aggravate the hernia more.
Summary:
Take over-the-counter pain meds to help relieve your discomfort. Avoid heartburn-causing foods and large meals if you have a hiatal hernia. Relieve discomfort from an inguinal hernia with a truss. Eat a fiber-rich diet to make bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Lose weight to take pressure off of your abdomen.