If the cord feels unusually hot to the touch, stop using it and check that the appliances plugged into it do not draw a higher amperage than what the cord is rated to handle. Consider a heavy-duty extension cord meant specifically for large appliances where applicable. Replace or repair loose or frayed cords. Consider having additional circuits or outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords. These will shut down if overloaded.

Summary: Do not overload extension cords. Regularly check your extension cords to make sure the plastic is not worn away or coming apart at the ends. Avoid using an extension cord as permanent wiring. Instead of a simple extension cord, get a laboratory-tested extension cord with built-in circuit breakers. Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets.

Lymphatic massage works best if you are relaxed. Start in a room that is quiet and free from distraction. Listen to soothing music like ocean sounds or rain noise. Get into a position that is comfortable for you. Many people lie on their backs. Some people sit up and others stand. Choose what works for you since this is supposed to help you feel better. You may want to experiment with different positions to see what works for you. Before you start your massage, spend a few moments relaxing. You want to get your mind and body relaxed to help the massage be as effective as possible. Take around five deep breaths. Inhale slowly, hold for a moment, then exhale slowly. Try to keep up this slow, steady breathing through the massage. Remember, focus on getting to a calm state. You want to start at the top of your body and go down. Start by massaging both sides of your neck. You can do one side at the time, or you can cross your arms and massage both sides at the same time. Place the pads of the second and third fingers on the outer edge of your neck, just above the collarbone. Shrug your shoulders. Your fingers should be in the dip. Stretch the skin gently with light pressure towards the sternum. The stretch should last for three seconds. Keep the fingers above the collarbone. Repeat 10 times. Next, you should massage the side and back of your neck. Once again, you can do one side at a time or together. Position your palms flat against the side of your neck, right under your ears. Stretch the skin back and down, towards the back of your body. Repeat 10 times. Gently rest your fingers on the back of your neck. They should be underneath your hairline and on each side of the neck. Using gently pressure, stretch the skin downwards towards your shoulders. Release. Repeat 10 times. You can do the same stretch on the front of your neck.

Summary: Get in a comfortable position. Begin with deep breathing. Start with your collarbone. Massage the side of the neck. Stretch the back of the neck.

If you wish to find out for certain whether you are in true labor or not, there are some advanced diagnostic procedures that you can opt for such as FFN or Fetal Fibro Nectin Test. This test won't be able to tell you if you are currently in labor, but it will definitely confirm if you are not. This test is useful because when you are in your initial stages of preterm labor, telling labor can be very difficult using symptoms or pelvic examinations alone. A negative FFN Report will relax you and reassure you that you won't deliver your baby for at least another week or two. The nurse or midwife will be able to feel how much you have dilated by examining your cervix. In most cases, when your midwife finds that your cervix has dilated to between 1 to 3 centimeters (0.4 to 1.2in), she will inform you that you are in the first stage of labor. When she feels that your cervix has opened up to an extent ranging between 4 to 7 centimeters (1.6 to 2.8in), she will probably tell you that you have entered your active or second labor stage. When she feels that your cervix dilation is ranging to between 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9in), she will definitely tell you that it's time for the baby to come out! Your midwife also has experience in understanding whether your baby is pointing downwards and whether its head is engaged in the pelvis. The midwife may get down on her knees and feel your lower belly, above your bladder or insert her fingers around your groins to feel the baby's head and assess what percentage has been engaged. These examinations will help to confirm the fact that you are in labor and even tell you what stage of labor you're at.

Summary: Consider getting an FFN. Have your midwife or nurse check your cervix. Have your midwife or nurse assess the position of your baby.

Many people who are drawn to cosmetic / plastic surgery don't stop at a single procedure. Doctor's know this and try to combine procedures sometimes for convenience and some cost savings to you although the overall price is higher, of course. However, bundling surgical procedures, especially at different areas of the body (breast implant with liposuction, for example), significantly increases the risks of life-threatening complication. Motivation to make money is strong in some doctors, but don't let their packaged deals convince you. Get another procedure once you're properly healed from the first. Ask for a "returning patient discount" on subsequent procedures instead of trying to get them all done at once. Another way of saving or recouping your money is through referral fees. As such, refer a friend or family member for a similar procedure if you're happy and get a referral fee from the doctor. Wherever your surgeon plans on operating on you (their own clinic, an independent out-patient clinic or a hospital), make sure the facility is accredited. Your safety during surgery also depends on the anesthetist and support staff working alongside your surgeon, so accreditation is some more piece of mind. Accredited operating rooms and surgical units have key life support systems just in case something goes wrong during your procedure. For accreditation, look for AAAASF, AAAHC or JCAHO operating facility certification. Don't forget about your anesthetist's qualifications. They should be either a Board Certified Anesthesiologist (BCA) or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). To reduce your risks during your surgical procedure, make sure to follow all the advice and recommendations from your doctor, particularly what you're supposed to do the day before and the day of surgery. As such, choose a surgeon who is communicative with you and easily understood. If English is your native tongue, make sure the doctor can speak English or has a translator. Ask the doctor if they have any brochures or pamphlets that you can take home and read in order to get better informed. See if the doctor's office is open extended hours or has methods of communicating and answering questions after hours.
Summary: Avoid combining multiple procedures. Check if the surgery facility is accredited. Follow all recommendations clearly.