Q: It is not always possible to view a hamster's genitals. If you have your hamster flipped over, thick fur or excessive kicking can prevent you from noticing the genitals. If this is the case, look for nipples. Nipples are usually an indication your hamster is female. Run your finger gently along the underside of your hamster. If you have a female, you should feel two rows of nipples on the stomach. You can part the hair to see down to your hamster's skin to confirm the presence of nipples. If you do not find nipples, your hamster may be male. However, young female hamsters may also have less pronounced nipples that are harder to detect. If your hamster will not allow you to flip it over, observe the hamster as it's moving around. If your hamster is male, testicles may be overtly visible at times. In an older male hamster, testicles will give the rear end a pronounced and pointed appearance. There will also be noticeable swelling near the penile area by the tail. The rear of a female hamster lacks bulges. It's much smoother in appearance. Testicles may be more difficult to locate in younger hamsters. As your hamster grows, sex will be easier to determine. Male hamsters are both longer and wider than female hamsters. If your hamster is noticeably bigger than other hamsters in the cage, you may have a male.
A: Check for nipples. Look for testicles. Consider size.

Q: Infested fabrics that are able to be laundered should be placed in a clothes dryer set to high heat for 10 to 20 minutes. "Dry-clean only" garments can usually go through a dryer cycle safely as long as they are completely dry at the start and the dryer is only set to medium heat, which is less than 160 degrees 71 degrees Celcius (160 degrees Fahrenheit). Heat is an effective way to kill bed bugs, but garments must be laundered at temperatures of 49 degrees Celcius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) in order for the heat treatment to be effective. Avoid taking your garments to a dry-cleaner. Dry-cleaning your garments will usually kill the bugs, but your infested garments may cause a bed bug outbreak at the dry-cleaners. Upholstered furniture, rugs, and other fabrics that cannot by washed or dried can be placed outdoors on a hot, sunny day. Loosely wrap the item in plastic bag material. Any plastic will work, but dark colors absorb more heat, so a black plastic bag is ideal. Place the wrapped item in direct sunlight. Choose the sunniest, hottest day possible. Let the wrapped item sit in that position for at least 24 hours, if not longer. The internal temperature of the bagged item needs to reach 49 degrees Celcius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher. If your bed bug problem occurs in the middle of winter, you can use freezing temperatures to kill bed bugs, as well. Wrap each infested item in plastic bag material. Sit it in a shaded area on the coldest winter day possible. Note that this method will take longer than sitting your furnishing out in the sun. If the temperature is consistently at -18 degrees Celcius (0 degrees Fahrenheit), you will need to wait two to four days. If temperatures reach up to -7 degrees Celcius (20 degrees Fahrenheit), you will need to wait for about a week. A portable heating device designed to kill bed bugs can be difficult to find and may cost you $300 or more. A portable bed bug heater is large enough to treat items like suitcases, backpacks, clothing, sleeping bags, purses, pillows, and shoes. Place your items on the support rack inside the device and follow the instructions to heat the interior. The heat will automatically turn off when the cycle is complete. Note that a portable heating device is ineffective at treating an entire room or large space. If you need to treat an entire room, hire a pest management professional to treat the room with steam or specialized heaters. A professional steamer session can range in price from $300 to $1200. Steaming takes a long time to complete, and the temperature of the steam must reach 71 to 82 degrees Celcius (160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit). One of the most effective treatments is the use of a whole room heating system. Industrial heaters heat the air inside an entire space to a temperature between 49 and 57 degrees Celcius (120 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit). Ask your pest management professional if your beds and furniture must be stripped or moved before the company's arrival. Some companies will ask you to do so, while others like to inspect the items first. Note that turning up the heat in your home will not accomplish the same results as a professional heating session.
A: Place infested garments and bedding in the dryer. Allow furniture to sit out in direct sunlight. Freeze furniture, instead. Use a portable heating device. Call the professionals.

Q: Colon therapists perform colonics, or colon irrigation procedures, at their offices each day. Colonics can be somewhat uncomfortable, but they can be very effective in detoxifying the colon. Make sure you go to a colon therapist who is trained in practicing safe and sanitary procedures. If you are having colon issues, ask your doctor about a colonic and what to expect. During a colonic the colon therapist gently inserts a tube in your rectum. The tube is attached to a pump that forces water or some other liquid into your large intestine. After your colon is saturated, the therapist removes the first tube and carefully inserts a new tube. The therapist will massage your abdomen to expel the water and waste from your colon. The therapist may repeat the process to fully cleanse the bowels. Up to 16 gallons (61L) of water can be pumped and expelled during this procedure. Subsequent procedures may involve water treated with probiotics, herbs, or coffee, which help extract things from your colon. The longer that stool stays in your colon, the more time your body has to re-absorb toxins. Many of the changes listed above should help you to have a daily bowel movement if this is not happening for you currently. If you have improved your diet and tried other options to help and are still not going once a day, it is a good idea for you to visit your doctor for further evaluation and advice. If you are having more than 2 bowel movements per day or your bowel movements are loose, consider consulting with a doctor before proceeding.
A:
Consider a colonic. Ask your doctor about the procedure. Make sure you have at least 1 bowel movement per day.