Q: Soybeans and soy products contain isoflavones, a class of plant substances that includes phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are substances that are similar in structure to human estrogens. In some circumstances, they can either increase or decrease the effects of human estrogens. Because of this, eating soy has raised some concerns about reproductive cycles, fertility, puberty, and overall safety. The main phytoestrogens in soy are genistein and daidzein. These phytoestrogens have been labeled endocrine disruptors; however, the disruption can be positive or negative depending on a number of variables, including age, gender, and hormonal status. The isoflavones in soy can also act as goitrogens, substances that interfere with normal thyroid function. Soy has been recommended to help with various health conditions. Soy has been used to help with menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and to aid in lowering the risk of heart disease, especially in women). Soy has also been used for lowering LDL cholesterol and prostate cancer. The results for the benefits of soy have not always been consistent, however. This inconsistency can be due to a number of issues, including how much soy is ingested, in what form, and the individual variations of people to soy based on their particular hormonal status at the time. The benefits or dangers of soy is inconclusive. For example, phytoestrogens have been implicated in increasing the risks of breast cancer in lab animal studies. Human breast cells are also affected by the phytoestrogens; however, many studies have also indicated that women who eat soy regularly have a lower risk of breast cancer. In men, some studies have indicated that soy can lower sperm count. Other studies have indicated no effect at all. Most of the studies have been conducted in lab rats and mice, but the concerns exist because rats and mice have hormonal systems that are similar to those in humans. While the studies done on lab animals or adult humans are a mix of benefits and risks, the studies of soy in children are less promising and the evidence of harm is more significant. In one study, infant girls who were fed soy-based formula had significantly more breast tissue at the age of 2 years than girls who were breast-fed or fed a dairy-based formula. The use of soy-based infant formula is also associated with early puberty for girls as well as longer and more difficult menstrual cycles. Infant formula based on soy should be avoided completely, unless specifically recommended by your child's pediatrician.
A: Learn the importance of phytoestrogens. Know how eating soy can benefit your health. Understand the risks of soy. Understand the risks of soy for children.

Q: Bridges often fall out of place during tuning. To prevent this from happening, make sure you hold your bridge in place with one hand when tuning. On occasion, you will need to replace the strings of your violin as they break and wear down over time. In this case, make sure to replace strings individually. Removing more than one string at once can cause the bridge to fall out of place. Take your violin back to the shop where you bought it, or bring it to a music shop. If you don't feel confident placing a bridge on your own, ask your instructor to do so, or get a professional do so for you despite the cost. A professional will sand it, make sure it's the right size for your instrument and will adjust the sound post.
A: Hold the bridge when tuning. Replace strings individually. It is best to have a professional place your bridge.

Q: You can add yourself to the Do Not Call Registry by phone, but you must call from the phone number you are adding. If you have multiple phone numbers you would like to add to the list, you must repeat these instructions for each one. Some senior living centers, university dorms, and other housing centers have a phone system that the FTC cannot identify automatically. If you get an error message when trying this method, register online instead. This is a toll-free number. If you are using a TTY device, call 1-866-290-4236 instead. Adding your number by phone is a quick, automated process. Follow the instructions to confirm that you are adding your number to the Do Not Call list for the first time. As of May 2016, the process goes as follows: Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish. Press 2 to confirm that you would like to add your number to the Registry. Enter your ten digit phone number on your keypad. It may take this long for telemarketers to remove you from their database. If you are still getting calls after a month, report the illegal caller.
A: Use the phone that you would like to add. Call 1-888-382-1222. Follow the prompts to add your number. Wait 31 days.

Q: While cut refers more to quality and level of brilliance, the shape is one aspect of the cut. Review the possible shapes available on the market, and choose the one you like best. If buying a diamond for someone else, ask his/her opinion before selecting a shape, or bring a trusted friend/family member. Select a popular, classic shape if you have no one to ask. The most popular shapes are round brilliant, princess, and cushion cut. Consider a non-traditional shape if the receiver has a non-traditional personality. Also, note that less common shapes can be 30%, for the same karat weight and quality! Less common shapes that are still fairly popular include marquise, oval, pear, and heart. A diamond's cut determines the vast majority of its brilliance, and many consider the cut to be the most important factor when choosing a diamond. Ask the jeweler to see the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA's) diamond grading report for any diamond you consider purchasing. This report will give you a rough grade on cut: Select an "Ideal Cut" diamond for the highest level of perfection. Choose a "Very Good" or "Excellent" grade diamond for a slightly less expensive yet high-quality stone. Consider a "Good" grade if you want to balance the other C's and still stick to a budget. Never purchase a fair to poor quality diamond, especially for engagement rings and other gifts. Diamonds at these levels severely lack brilliance. The pavilion side is the lower side of a diamond, which isn't visible enough and has no impact on its sparkling style. Chevrons are of particular importance when considering the princess cut diamonds. These are the facets at the pavilion side of the diamond surrounding the main pavilion. Most princess cuts have two, three or four chevrons. The more the chevrons, the more the light gets reflected upon. There is no "right" number of chevrons, just personal preference. More chevrons lead to a more multifaceted look, whereas less has a smoother look.
A:
Pick out the right shape for you and your budget. Choose the highest quality of cut you can afford. Consider the number of chevrons.