INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Sometimes, just being with a friend who's depressed can be a big help. If you can't be there with the person, offer your emotional support, letting her know that you're there to listen and help in whatever way you can. Being depressed can make the smallest things hard. You can offer concrete support to the person, such as volunteering to drive her places, cooking for her, or calling to make appointments for things she needs to get done. Just make sure to follow through on what support you offer. Go ahead and make the offer of support up front. Sometimes people who are depressed have a hard time reaching out for help when they need it. Even something small can mean a great deal to someone who's depressed. Bring her a coffee, or drop her a note in the mail. Try cooking her a plate of sweet treats she'll enjoy. These small gestures add up, letting her know that she's loved and you are thinking about her. If she hasn't already, try to get her to seek a professional opinion. Ask her if she's talked to a therapist or a psychiatrist, both of which can help with depression. Because mental illnesses have a stigma in society, you should also mention that she shouldn't feel ashamed of getting help. Depression is just a disease like any other one, and it can be treated. If she's hesitant, offer to take her to an appointment or to work with her to help her feel less anxious. Maybe you can help her work through what to say or what questions to ask when she gets there. If she's not willing to see a psychologist, look up some local support groups for people with depression. You can give her the information to encourage her to go, but it's ultimately up to her. However, one way you can encourage her is to offer to take her. Many times, people with depression will isolate themselves. Encourage her to spend time with you doing things she likes or taking a walk with you. Getting out and seeing people can help on the road to recovery. Of course, you have to meet people where they are. If she doesn't feel like going out right away, ask if she wants some company at home or if she wants to come over to your house. You're only trying to be helpful by offering advice such as "Just buck up," or "You really need to snap out of this." However, these types of statements tend to only make the situation worse. Supportive statements are much better, such as, "I know you're going through a difficult time. I do believe you are strong enough to get through this, but don't be afraid to ask for help."

SUMMARY: Let her know you're there for her. Offer concrete support. Show the person you care. Encourage her to get help. Find support for her. Encourage her to come out with you. Skip the platitudes and criticisms.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you want your cat to come when called, you have to offer a reward of some kind. Unlike dogs, cats do not always work to please their owners alone. If your cat does not feel she will be rewarded for behaving, she may not engage in an activity. Food is highly recommended as a reward. The vast majority of cats will work for a treat or food type they love. Choose something other than their everyday food. Get a special treat from the store or offer a small bit of deli meat or tuna. You may have to do some trial and error to find a food type your cat likes. Though most cats' primary pleasure is food, there are some cats that just aren't as interested. If your cat is generally disinterested in food, substitute the food treat with a special toy, favorite brush, or even a certain petting your cat enjoys. Make up a unique call to signal to your cat she needs to come. You should choose something that's not an every day phrase. Your cat's name, for example, is a bad option for a call as you likely say it in situations where you don't need your cat to come. This can be confusing. Think of a unique phrase or sound you can use to get your cat to come. Noises can work well. You can say can say something like, "Ki-ki-ki!" in a high-pitched voice. You can make a clicking or squeaking noise. A whistle may also work. You can also choose a phrase you don't say often. You can try something like, "Come here!" or "Treats!" or "Tuna!" Once you've chosen your noise and reward, start establishing a positive connection. If you want your cat to come in response to a particular sound, you need to make sure she associates that sound with positive things. Make your call and then offer your cat food, treats, toys, or petting as a reward. If you're using food as a reward, you may want to make your call just before dinnertime.

SUMMARY: Find a reward. Decide on a call. Establish a positive connection between the sound and the reward.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The easiest way to work out your buttocks while you sit is to simply squeeze the muscles in your rear end. As you squeeze your gluteal muscles, you will feel your rear end squeezing in and your hips will rotate very slightly. In order to make it an effective exercise, you'll need to do it repeatedly. Hold for 30 seconds, then release. Do three to five sets of 10 to 20 repetitions. Squats are among the best exercises that you can do for your buttocks, but you don't need to get up and away from your desk to do them. Instead, plant your feet about shoulder width apart and raise your buttocks an inch or so off of your seat. Make sure to keep your back straight as you perform this exercise. Be careful that the knees stay in line with your shin and don't pass the toes. You should be able to see the top of your shoe at all times during this exercise. Count to ten or hold it for as long as you can. Try to do 10 throughout your day. Work up to a one minute hold or try for three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions. Start out using your hands to help balance by holding onto the arms of your chair or your desk, but work up to hands-free as soon as possible. Single leg lifts can help engage your thighs and core and, to a lesser extent, your buttocks. Try straightening one leg at a time and holding it a few inches above the ground. Hold your leg in place for the extent of the exercise, then switch to the other leg. Hold your foot a few inches off the ground with your leg straight. Count to ten before placing it back on the floor. You may want to try holding it up for as long as you can instead of counting. Repeat the process periodically throughout your day.

SUMMARY:
Squeeze your gluteal muscles. Squat just above your seat. Tone your thighs with leg lifts.