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Salt certainly makes our food more flavorful, but it can also work to fix many of our unexpected challenges around the house. Here are some of our favorite household uses for salt.
When windows won’t open, and salt clogs the shaker, the weather will favor the umbrella maker. –Weather folklore
Best Uses for Salt in the Home
Rub salt on fruit-stained clothes while still wet, then put them in the wash.
For mildew spots, rub in salt and some buttermilk, and then let dry in the sun.
If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth, pour salt on the spot immediately to absorb the stain.
Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to the ugly heat rings on your table. Let it sit for about an hour, and then wipe it off with a soft cloth.
To clean your clothing iron, sprinkle salt on a piece of paper and run the sticky iron over it a few times while the iron is hot.
To restore some of the color to faded fabric, soak it in a strong solution of salt and water.
A mixture of salt and vinegar will clean brass.
Salt on the fingers when cleaning meat or fish will prevent your hands from slipping.
To kill unwanted weeds growing in your driveway or between bricks and stones, pour boiling salt water over them.
For perspiration stains, add enough water to salt to make a paste, then rub into the cloth. Wait for an hour, and then launder as usual.
Cover spilled raw eggs with salt, then wipe clean with a paper towel.
To freshen smelly sneakers (or any canvas shoe), sprinkle their insides with salt. Wait 24 hours for the salt to absorb the odor, then shake them out.
Pour salt directly onto a grease spill and come back to it later.
A new broom will last longer if you soak the bristles in hot salt water before using it for the first time.
Stainless steel can be cleaned by rubbing it with a gritty paste of two tablespoons of salt mixed with lemon juice. Rinse well and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Rub 2 to 3 tablespoons of salt onto the stains inside your glass vases, and then scrub clean with a damp bristle brush.
Gargle with warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt to 1 cup of water) to relieve a sore throat.
Sprinkle salt on carpets to dry out muddy footprints before vacuuming.
When silk flowers get dusty, put them in a paper bag with several tablespoons of salt and shake gently for two minutes to clean them.
Refresh household sponges by soaking them in cold salt water for ten minutes.
Have we missed any great household uses of salt? Please let us know below!
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Have you ever heard of compost tea? No, it’s not a fancy tea for humans; it’s for garden soil! At its simplest, compost tea is water in which compost has been steeped. It’s a natural liquid fertilizer. Think of compost tea as a health boost (like vitamins for people) to help plants resist pests and diseases.
What is Compost Tea?
Compost tea is a liquid produced by extracting beneficial microorganisms (microbes)—bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and microarthropods—from compost using a brewing process. A true compost tea contains all of the organisms that were present in the compost before brewing. The brewed water extract should also have soluble nutrients from the compost.
The Benefits of Using Compost Tea
Good tea improves soil health. A healthy soil is less likely to leach nutrients beyond plant root zones. If soil is nutrient-rich, the need for fertilizer is minimized.
Compost tea improves the water retention capacity of soil, which reduces the need for frequent watering.
Soil structure is improved with regular applications of compost tea. (Good soil structure is important for nutrient and water retention and accessibility.) The biological components in the soil create its structure. For good structure, all organism groups in the food web—bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, and micro arthropods—need to be present. When you add tea, you add these microbes.
Compost tea helps loosen clay soils for air and water to move and helps sandy soils retain water and nutrients.
Compost tea applications stimulate plant root growth. Deeper roots retain moisture better and help to reduce runoff.
When sprayed onto plants, compost tea adds beneficial microbes to foliage. By occupying leaf surfaces, these organisms prevent potential disease organisms from gaining a foothold.
Compost tea combats the negative impact chemical-based pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers have on beneficial microorganisms.
Unlike store-bought fertilizers, tea recipes can be developed and fine-tuned to target specific conditions and plant needs.
How to Make Compost Tea
You can buy compost tea in stores in powder form (though be sure to test it out first).
Or you can make your own! Compost tea can be made with or without aeration and with or without adding supplemental nutrient sources like molasses that feed microbes. For best results, aeration and supplements are recommended, and the right compost is critical.
This sample compost tea recipe is good for vegetable crops:
Materials
5-gallon bucket, filled with water (let it sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate)
1 compost tea brewing bag (either purchase one online or make one from a scrap of meshed material such as burlap or row covering, tied with twine—it should be large enough to hold 5 to 6 pounds of dry ingredients)
OPTIONAL: 1 fish tank aerator
OPTIONAL: 1 aquarium thermometer
Ingredients
1 large handful of compost
1 handful of garden soil
2 handfuls of straw
Optional: 3–5 leaves from a healthy plant
1 cup fish hydrolysate (pulverized fish, available at most garden centers)
1 cup seaweed extract (available at most garden centers)
Instructions
Put the first few ingredients into the tea bag, tie the bag tightly, and submerge it in the bucket of water.
Add the fish hydrolysate and seaweed extract liquids directly to the water. OPTIONAL: If you are using an aerator, place the aerator in the bucket and turn it on.
Brew the tea for about 36 hours, monitoring temperature—the optimal temperature is between 68° and 72°F. OPTIONAL: Ideally, use an aquarium thermometer.
Once you are ready to use your compost tea, we like to dilute it to a 3 parts tea to 1 part water ratio before spraying.
Fill a backpack sprayer. Spray early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid burning leaves in the midday sun. If you do NOT have a backpack sprayer, use a spray bottle to mist foliage or use a watering can to apply tea to the leaves and base of the plant
Note: If you need to water your garden, do this before you add compost tea, or you’ll end up diluting/washing off the liquid fertilizer.
Best Practices for Making Compost Tea
Monitor your brewing conditions. With each new batch, take note of the following:
Temperature of water during brewing: if you are unable to reach the optimal temperature range, consider buying a small submersible aquarium heater, available at most pet stores.
Any microbial foods added to the brew (and quantities); this is helpful information to have should you need to tweak the recipe later.
The length of time tea is brewed: if you find that your tea is not having the desired effects, you may want to increase the brewing time.
The more information you have, the better equipped you will be to make changes to your recipe and/or brewing conditions if need be.
Tip: Use the tea immediately after brewing; the longer it sits, the less active and effective it will be.
Clean Up
Be sure to clean your equipment and spray tank well between each brew (dirty equipment can breed harmful bacteria). Hydrogen peroxide or ammonia are appropriate cleaning agents.
Celebrate Father's Day with Great Gift Ideas and Activities
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Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16, 2024! Find some great quotes for your card, tasty recipes, and a few activities. Plus, find out who “invented” Father’s Day—it’s a moving story.
Why We Celebrate Father’s Day
Father’s Day celebrates and honors the men who have embraced the essential role of fatherhood. On this day, we also thank fathers and father figures (uncles, grandfathers) for the sacrifices they make, for embracing the responsibility of nurturing and raising children, and for their devotion to their families.
When Is Father’s Day 2024?
Father’s Day is celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India, and a number of other countries around the world.
In 2024, Father’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, June 16.
Father’s Day Dates
Year
Father’s Day
2024
Sunday, June 16
2025
Sunday, June 15
2026
Sunday, June 21
2027
Sunday, June 20
Many countries celebrate this holiday at other times of the year. In Australia, for example, Father’s Day is held on the first Sunday of September; in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, on the second Sunday in November; and in some Catholic countries, on March 19 (St. Joseph’s Day).
Father’s Day Ideas
This year, Father’s Day falls a few days before the summer solstice (June 20, 2024), which makes it the perfect time to kick off the summer season with a father-focused barbecue, camping trip, beach day, or other outdoor activity!
Cooking: Grill out some grub! How about our favorite Super Steak Sandwich? Or find 10 more recipe ideas at the bottom of this page.
Fishing: How about a great tackle box or something Dad needs in his tackle box? See our article, What to Put in a Tackle Box.
Who “Invented” Father’s Day?
Like Mother’s Day, the modern American version of Father’s Day has a history that goes well beyond greeting cards. The first known Father’s Day service occurred in Fairmont, West Virginia, on July 5, 1908, after hundreds of men died in the worst mining accident in U.S. history. The Sunday service happened because of the efforts of Grace Golden Clayton, the daughter of a dedicated reverend.
While missing her own dad, who had died in 1896, Mrs. Clayton wanted to honor the many fathers who had died in the mining explosion, which killed more than 360 men and boys and left about 1,000 children fatherless. Although the Fairmont service was the first known to honor fathers, it did not turn into an annual event, nor was the idea promoted (a large July 4 celebration in Fairmont and a tragic young death from typhoid fever took over the news then).
Father’s Day Gains Momentum
Several other people across the nation had similar ideas throughout the years, but Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd is credited for being the one to popularize it, starting events that led to Father’s Day becoming a U.S. national holiday.
Her story began as she sat listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. Mrs. Dodd thought that it might be nice to honor fathers as well. Her father, William Smart, had raised his SIX children alone on his farm in Washington after his wife died giving birth. Mrs. Dodd proposed to the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA that they celebrate a “father’s day.”She chose the 5th of June because it was her father’s birthday.
The idea received strong support, but the good ministers of Spokane asked that the day be changed to give them extra time to prepare sermons on the unexplored subject of fathers. The first Father’s Day in Spokane, Washington, was observed on June 19, 1910 (the third Sunday in June) and became an annual event there. Soon, other towns had their own celebrations.
Despite widespread support, Father’s Day was not a permanent national holiday for many years. It wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon signed a law declaring that Father’s Day be celebrated annually on the third Sunday in June. It has been an official, permanent national holiday ever since.
Cook for Dad! Our deliciously satisfying recipes will make Dad one very happy customer!
1. Grilled Flank Steak with Rosemary and Thyme This is our go-to flank steak recipe—so mouthwatering and easy to prepare! We like to pair the steak with grilled asparagus—and a garlic smashed potato or Mediterranean pilaf recipe.
2. Country-Style Root Beer–Glazed Ribs Is Dad a ribs guy? These are absolutely juicy, mouthwatering, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth. Here’s another rib recipe if it’s more to your liking: Maple BBQ Ribs.
3. Bourbon and Brown Sugar–Glazed Salmon If Dad’s not a meat guy, how about salmon? The marinade adds a lovely flavor without taking away from the salmon.
4. Stuffing-Breaded Pork Chops If you’re cooking indoors, how about some comfort food for Dad? Thanks to the breading, the pork comes out crispy on the outside and deliciously juicy on the inside.
5. Chicken Wings With Sesame and Ginger Does Dad like to watch the game? These wings, fully flavored with sesame and ginger, are good cold, too. Great for a picnic basket, too, so a flexible recipe choice!
6. Baja Fish Tacos A good use for a fresh catch, perhaps? Cool, tangy cabbage slaw cozies up to crispy fish in these tasty Baja Fish Tacos. They are easy to make and delicious to eat!
7. Super Summer Sliders Dad deserves a super burger! The sweet and savory topping is killer, and the chili base adds an unexpected kick. What an absolutely fantastic combination of flavors!
8. Daddy’s Meat Loaf From the recipe’s author: “This is how my dad used to make it. Everyone who has eaten it just loves it. I love it because it reminds me of him.”
9. Grandpa’s Baked Beans Need a side at your cookout? These are the best baked beans. It’s the ultimate comfort food—so savory and flavorful.
10. Grandpa’s Banana Bread If you can’t meet for a meal, how about bringing Dad some banana bread? This recipe comes from the author’s grandfather in Minnesota, who used to make the best breads you’ve ever tasted.
It’s always tough to think of a fitting message for your Father’s Day card. So, here’s a selection of some of our favorite poems about what being a father means.
Only a dad, but he gives his all To smooth the way for his children small, Doing, with courage stern and grim, The deeds that his father did for him. This is the line that for him I pen, Only a dad, but the best of men. –Edgar Guest (1881–1959)
My father moved through theys of we, singing each new leaf out of each tree (and every child was sure that spring danced when she heard my father sing). –E.E. Cummings (1894–1962)
He never made a fortune, or a noise In the world where men are seeking after fame; But he had a healthy brood of girls and boys Who loved the very ground on which he trod. They thought him just a little short of God; Oh you should have heard the way they said his name—‘Father.’ –Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850–1919)
A boy and his dad on a fishing-trip— Builders of life’s companionship! Oh, I envy them, as I see them there Under the sky in the open air, For out of the old, old long-ago Come the summer days that I used to know, When I learned life’s truths from my father’s lips As I shared the joy of his fishing-trips. –Edgar Guest (1881–1959)
Father’s Day Quotes
“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” –Clarence Budington Kelland, American writer (1881-1964), about his father
“I believe that what we become depends on what our fathers teach us at odd moments, when they aren’t trying to teach us. We are formed by little scraps of wisdom.” –Umberto Eco, Italian novelist (1932-2016)
“His heritage to his children wasn’t words or possessions, but an unspoken treasure, the treasure of his example as a man and a father.” –Will Rogers, Jr., American politician (1911–93)
“A father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.” –Unknown
Share Your Thoughts
Do you have any great quotes about fathers? Or do you have some favorite memories of growing up with Dad? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!
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If you feel pain and stiffness in yourjoints caused by inflammation, see our natural remedies for arthritis—plus, tips regarding which foods to eat and not to eat in order to alleviate inflammation.
What is Arthritis?
When people say “arthritis,” they usually mean osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. More than 16 million Americans over the age of 45 complain of this condition, which causes joints to become inflamed, painful, and stiff.
While osteoarthritis cannot be cured, mild symptoms can be managed or reduced. We don’t want you to suffer, so check out these tips to relieve pain.
6 Natural Remedies for Arthritis
Stinging Nettle(Urtica dioica). This common herb has been used to relieve arthritis since the ancient Egyptians. The plant has tiny stingers which cause a burning sensation. Some brave folks literally self-inject the stingers into the inflamed area and swear by its effectiveness. However, most sufferers drink it as tea, steaming several ounces of the fresh leaves in hot water (once cooked, stinging nettle loses its sting). You can grow stinging nettle in the garden or purchase in health food stores as dried leaves or in ointment form for arthritis. Read more about using stinging nettle for health.
Capsaicin—the “hot” chemical in red chili peppers—can relieve the pain of arthritis. Capsaicin temporarily interferes with the perception of pain in the body by reducing substance P, a pain transmitter. You can make a tea by mixing red pepper into water, or simply cook red pepper in your meals or add a splash of hot-pepper sauce in tomato juice. It is also available as a topical cream, gel, or patch at drugstores. When first applied, topical capsaicin causes a burning sensation. This sensation lessens within a few minutes, and also over time with repeated applications. Don’t get carried away with this idea, and try smearing yourself directly with chili peppers—that’s a higher potency than most skin will tolerate.
Doses of ginger and turmeric also also been shown to provide relief from pain and swelling, thanks to anti-inflammatory effects. Recent studies have shown some support for curcumin (500 mg, three times daily) as a treatment for osteoarthritis.
Bee venom contains anti-inflammatory peptides that act against the pain and inflammation of your arthritis. If you’re allergic to bees, do not use this remedy without the supervision of a doctor. Even if you aren’t allergic, buy a bee sting kit from your pharmacy and keep it handy.
Increase the amount of oily fish in your diet. Studies show that increased consumption of non-fried fish suppresses arthritis joint inflammation. The reason? Like aspirin, the omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish boost the production of a recently discovered class of anti-inflammatory fats called resolvins.
Pineapple has shown some ability to prevent inflammation because of bromelain, a chemical in pineapple. If you like pineapple, eat it as a snack in between meals, not with your meal; it must be fresh or frozen, not canned pineapple or pineapple juice.
5 Everyday Management Tips for Arthritis
Stretch for 18 to 20 minutes a day. Warm up first! Focus your stretching where it hurts the most, but increase flexibility all over.
Practice your posture each day. When you stare at a computer, are your eyes looking straightforward, or is your head titled downward? Do you slouch? Look up exercises on proper posture exercises. Avoid staying in the same position and take frequent breaks. See tips on proper posture.
Exercise is good (not bad!) for arthritis and one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and maintain joint health. Look into swimming, which avoids putting strain on your joints. Avoid running, which can put excessive load on joints. Try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (such as swimming, cycling, or fast walking) every week. The Arthritis Foundation offers in-person exercise programs and an interactive tool for exercise solutions. You also might enjoy this exercise video.
Ice your affected joints right after doing an activity. Don’t allow them to become inflamed. You could even wrap some frozen vegetables in a towel and hold them to your painful joints. Find out more about how heat and cold can help inflammation.
You should certainly see a doctor or health professional if you have persistent symptoms of osteoarthritis so they can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe any necessary treatment.
What to Eat and Not Eat
What to Avoid if You Have Arthritis
These are all well-known triggers of inflammation and are problematic for arthritis sufferers. Cut out or cut back each week:
Red meat
French fries and other fried foods
Sugar and processed foods such as packaged cookies and crackers.
White bread and pasta
Fruit juice
High-fat dairy products
Salt
Corn oil
What to Eat if You Have Arthritis
Put these foods on your next shopping list!
Omega-3 fatty acids from cold-water fish, such as salmon and tuna
Brazil nuts (Bertholettia excelsa) and Sunflower Seeds (Helianthus annus) have S-adenosyl-methionine, a chemical shown to have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties
Dark green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, and spinach, are high in vitamin K, which helps with body inflammation, and antioxidants.
Vegetables rich in glutathione including broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes and purslane. Fruits with healthy amounts include avocados, grapefruit, oranges, peaches and watermelon.
Canola and olive oil. Similar to fish, olive oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Pure olive oil also contains oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Garlic and onions help keep inflammation at bay.
Red kidney beans and pinto beans are excellent sources of fiber and phytonutrients, which may help reduce inflammation.
Celery, which has two dozen anti-inflammatory compounds
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has antioxidants that help prevent aging in cells
Do you have any tips or tricks that help your arthritis? Let us know below!
Does cracking your joints cause arthritis? Find out here.
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Flag Day is Friday, June 14, 2024. What is Flag Day all about? Who really designed the first flag, and what do the red, white, and blue colors symbolize? See how much you know about the U.S. flag’s history and meaning, plus find five fun trivia questions to test your knowledge.
What is Flag Day?
Flag Day is a celebration of the American flag that occurs each year on the anniversary of the flag’s official adoption, June 14.
What we know fondly as the “Stars and Stripes” was adopted by the Continental Congress as the official American flag on June 14, 1777, in the midst of the Revolutionary War. Colonial troops fought under many different flags with various symbols—rattlesnakes, pine trees, and eagles—and slogans—”Don’t Tread on Me,” “Liberty or Death,” and “Conquer or Die,” to name a few.
The Declaration of Independence made the adoption of an American flag necessary. Previously, each colony or special interest had its own flag.
On that 14th of June, Congress made the Flag Resolution of 1777, stating: “The flag of the United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, with a union of thirteen stars of white on a blue field …” Official announcement of the new flag was not made until Sept. 3, 1777.
”Flag Day” was celebrated as a patriotic occasion for many decades, but it was President Woodrow Wilson who made the observance official by a presidential proclamation on May 30, 1916.
Who Made the First American Flag?
The origins of the Stars and Stripes have become part of American folklore. Although many people believe that Betsy Ross designed and sewed the first flag, there is no true proof of this.
However, records do indicate that Betsy Ross most definitely made ensigns and pennants for the Philadelphia Navy during the war, and she certainly inspired the design of the current flag.
Based on colonial folklore, it has also been stated that the American flag was first flown in battle during the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge in 1777. This may also be the stuff of legend.
However, what we do know is this:
The original 1777 flag was designed to represent the 13 original colonies. It had 13 white stars on a blue field and 13 alternating red and white stripes.
One of the first flag designs had the stars arranged in a circle, based on the idea that all colonies were equal.
In 1818, after a few design changes, the United States Congress decided to retain the flag’s original 13 stripes and add new stars to reflect each new state that entered the union.
Each time a state was added to the union, a star was added. Today, there are 50 stars, one for each state in the union, but the 13 stripes remain.
Interestingly, the current American flag was designed by a high school student from Lancaster, Ohio, named Bob G. Heft! Even though Bob’s history teacher gave him a “B-” for not knowing how many states the Union had, Bob submitted his design to the White House (unprompted) in anticipation of Hawaii and Alaska joining the Union. To his surprise, President Eisenhower called him! Today, it’s Bob Heft’s 1958 design—which shows 50 stars in a field that included five rows of six stars and four rows of five stars—which is now our 50-star American flag (and history teacher changed his grade to an “A”!).
When Is Flag Day?
Flag Day, celebrated annually on June 14, is not an official federal holiday, but the president of the United States traditionally proclaims its observance each year. On Flag Day, many towns and cities hold parades and events to celebrate the flag, and the colors are to be flown at all government buildings.
Flag Day Dates
Year
Flag Day
2024
Friday, June 14
2025
Saturday, June 14
2026
Sunday, June 14
2027
Monday, June 14
Historical Facts About the U.S. Flag
January 1, 1776: The first United States flag, the “Grand Union,” was displayed by George Washington. It became the unofficial national flag, preceding the 13-star, 13-stripe version.
June 14, 1777: The Stars and Stripes were adopted by the Continental Congress as the Flag of the United States.
June 14, 1877: Flag Day was observed nationally for the first time on the 100th anniversary of the Stars and Stripes—and continues today.
June 14, 1937: Pennsylvania became the first state in the United States to celebrate Flag Day officially as a state holiday.
July 4, 1960: The new 50-star flag was flown for the first time—the flag that still flies today.
Why is the American Flag Red, White, and Blue?
The Continental Congress left no record as to why it chose these colors. However, in 1782, the Congress of the Articles of Confederation chose the colors for the Great Seal of the United States with these meanings:
white for purity and innocence
red for valor and hardiness
blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice
According to the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, the colors originated with the British flag, which is called the Union Jack and was a combination of the Scottish cross of St. Andrew (white on blue) and the English cross of St. George (red on white) at the time. (The modern British flag also incorporates the Irish cross of St. Patrick into its design.)
American Flag Etiquette
Did you know that there are special rules for taking care of our flag? The U.S. Flag Code is an official set of guidelines (not laws) that dictates how a flag should be flown in order to show it the respect and honor that it deserves. Learn all about American Flag Etiquette here and hoist the flag this Flag Day!
Where May the American Flag be Flown 24 Hours a Day?
The flag is usually taken indoors at night out of respect, but there are some places where flying the flag around the clock is permissible. Do you think you can guess them?
The Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia
The White House
The U.S. Capitol
The Iwo Jima Memorial to U.S. Marines in Arlington, Virginia
The Revolutionary War battleground in Lexington, Massachusetts
The site of George Washington’s winter encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland
The Jenny Wade House in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (Jenny Wade was the only civilian killed in the Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War)
The USSArizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
All customs points of entry into the United States
Any US Navy ship that is underway
In truth, the flag may be flown at night anywhere that it may be flown during the day, provided that it is properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.
5 Flag Trivia Questions
Quiz your friends and family with these five flag questions and answers:
Is it ever appropriate to fly the flag upside down? Answer: Yes, but only in an emergency. It means “Help Me! It’s an emergency! Call the police! I am in dire trouble and need immediate help!”
How many versions of the American flag have been designed? There have been 27 versions of the American Flag. However, the current flag—designed by a high school boy—has lasted the longest as no states have been added since 1959.
Can the flag touch the ground? Despite the myths, the flag can touch the ground and still be washed and used. However, if the flag is torn or damaged beyond repair, the tradition is to burn it with dignity. Most U.S. localities offer this service at no fee.
How many U.S. flags made it to the Moon? The U.S. flag has been placed on the Moon by an astronaut during six Apollo missions (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17).
Why must Old Glory be folded in such a specific way? The U.S. flag is folded into a small triangle made of 13 folds. Each fold has a special meaning and symbolism. For example, the first fold represents life, while the third honors the veteran who has departed, and the fifth is a tribute to our country. See the correct way to fold the American flag.
Next time you gaze upon the symbol of the nation’s freedom, pause and reflect on the flag’s origins, symbolism, and history—and what the American flag means in your life.
More Patriotic Holidays
Flag Day is just one of many patriotic celebrations in the United States. Learn about George Washington’s birthday in our article on Presidents’ Day, and don’t forget to catch up on your Independence Day history before July 4!
Do you celebrate Flag Day? Do you hang the American flag? Tell us in the comments below!
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Father’s Day did not become a national holiday until 1972. Why did it take so long to pass into law (unlike Mother’s Day, which was quickly embraced)? Why was it controversial at one time? Find out.
With America’s history, you might think that a holiday recognizing men would be perfectly acceptable. After all, men dominated American society in the early 20th century. In addition, a “Father’s Day” or day that recognizes the role of fathers in the family is an ancient tradition. In history books, there is mention of a Southern European tradition dating back to 1508.
Certainly, in modern days, we do not give Father’s Day a second thought. It’s been almost 50 years since President Richard Nixon’s administration declared the third Sunday in June a day to recognize and honor the role of fathers in society (that occurred in 1972).
Father’s Day Controversy
Interestingly, Father’s Day was not immediately accepted when it was proposed. Why not?
Mother’s Day came first (it was officially recognized in 1914), so men in the early 1900s associated such a tribute to women and found the idea too effeminate to their liking. To be fair, Mother’s Day was couched in terms of femininity. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson called Mother’s Day a way to recognize “that tender, gentle army—the mothers of America.”
Men viewed the idea of Father’s Day as similar to Mother’s Day, which was popular with florists; for fathers, it didn’t have the same sentimental appeal. As one historian writes, they “scoffed at the holiday’s sentimental attempts to domesticate manliness with flowers and gift-giving, or they derided the proliferation of such holidays as a commercial gimmick to sell more products—often paid for by the father himself.”
Also, according to Lawrence R. Samuel, the author of American Fatherhood: A Cultural History, men had a different role in the family during the first half of that century. It was patriarchal, so they felt that a special day to exalt fatherhood was a rather silly idea, when it was mothers who were underappreciated.
However, that sentiment changed over time for several reasons.
The Women Behind Father’s Day
Grace Golden Clayton
The first known Father’s Day service occurred in Fairmont, West Virginia, on July 5, 1908, after hundreds of men died in the worst mining accident in U.S. history.
Grace Golden Clayton, the daughter of a dedicated minister, proposed a service to honor all fathers, especially those who had died. However, the observance did not become an annual event, and it was not promoted; very few people outside of the local area knew about it. Meanwhile, across the entire country, another woman was inspired to honor fathers …
Sonora Smart Dodd
In 1909, Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, was inspired by Anna Jarvis and the idea of Mother’s Day. Her father, William Jackson Smart, a farmer and Civil War veteran, was also a single parent who raised Sonora and her five brothers by himself, after his wife Ellen died giving birth to their youngest child in 1898. While attending a Mother’s Day church service in 1909, Sonora, then 27 years old, came up with the idea.
Within a few months, Sonora had convinced the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA to set aside a Sunday in June to celebrate fathers. She proposed June 5, her father’s birthday, but the ministers chose the third Sunday in June so that they would have more time after Mother’s Day (the second Sunday in May) to prepare their sermons. Thus, on June 19, 1910, the first Father’s Day events commenced: Sonora delivered presents to handicapped fathers, boys from the YMCA decorated their lapels with fresh-cut roses (red for living fathers, white for the deceased), and the city’s ministers devoted their homilies to fatherhood.
Becoming a National Holiday
The widely publicized events in Spokane struck a chord that reached all the way to Washington, D.C., and Sonora’s celebration put the idea on the path to becoming a national holiday. However, the holiday did not catch on right away, perhaps due to the perceived parallels with Mother’s Day.
The first bill was introduced in Congress in 1913, but in spite of encouragement from President Woodrow Wilson, it did not pass.
Eight years later, President Calvin Coolidge signed a resolution in favor of Father’s Day “to establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations.”
In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed an executive order that the holiday be celebrated on the third Sunday in June.
Under President Richard Nixon, in 1972, Congress passed an act officially making Father’s Day a national holiday. (Six years later, Sonora died at age 96.)
Commercialism and the Economy
Two economic events pushed Father’s Day forward:
The Great Depression. With so many people pinching their pennies, the economy needed reasons for people to spend money. Father’s Day was promoted by struggling stores as an occasion to get fathers some of the clothing and material goods they needed. It was a way to invite people to get Dad the necktie or pair of socks that he probably would not buy for himself.
World War II. Men were on the front lines. The desire to support American troops and the war effort provided another reason to support and show appreciation for dads.
The Changing Role of Fathers
The idea of fatherhood changed as well. It’s not usually a big fleural day, but it has become more of a day that celebrates what Dad likes to do, whether it’s going fishing or flying or go-carting! It focuses on the larger roles that dads play with their children.
This change is partly due to the way society has evolved. There are no longer huge armies of workers toiling away in industrial factories, while women spend hours hand-stitching and handwashing the family’s clothes. The modern role of the father has changed so that mothers and fathers are partners, each taking more responsibility within family life.
Fathers are now seen as significant influences on children; we know from many studies what happens when a father figure is lacking. In a sense, today, Father’s Day, helps to demonstrate the importance and value of fatherhood—and the gifts beyond material goods that a father bestows on his children and family. See 5 important ways fathers impact child development.
Different Days for Different Dads
North America is not the only place where Father’s Day is celebrated, of course:
In traditionally Catholic countries such as Spain and Portugal, Father’s Day is observed on March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph.
The Taiwanese celebrate Father’s Day on August 8—the eighth day of the eighth month—because the Mandarin Chinese word for eight sounds like the word for “Papa.”
In Thailand, Father’s Day is celebrated on former King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday, December 5.
Father’s Day Fun
What will you do to honor your father? It’s usually a great time to be outdoors, whether camping, fishing, grilling, or stargazing! We have lots of ideas as well as quotes for your Father’s Day card.
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The month of June brings beauty in all forms, from flowers to sunlight. See 8 events to mark on your calendar—plus gardening tips, astronomy highlights, seasonal recipes, folklore, and more!
The Month of June
Juno is the ancient Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. And the month of June is still a popular month for weddings today! As a natural extension of marriage, Juno was also the goddess of childbirth. Another interpretation of the origins of “June” says that the name came from the Latin juvenis, “young people,” who were celebrated at this time.
Juno, in Roman religion, was the chief goddess and female counterpart of Jupiter, similar to the relationship between the Greek Hera and Zeus. Perhaps not surprisingly, given her role of protector of women and children, this powerful queen of the gods was also considered the fierce protector and special counselor of the state and a guardian angel warning those in times of danger.
June 1 marks the beginning of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month.
June 5 is World Environment Day—a day meant to raise environmental awareness across the globe.
June 14 is Flag Day (U.S.). Be sure to raise the flag! Learn about the U.S. Flag Code, which provides guidelines for displaying the American flag properly.
June 16 is Father’s Day this year. Find activity ideas and learn about the history of Father’s Day.
June 19 is Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day). On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation aloud in Galveston, Texas, effectively liberating enslaved people in the state, which had thus far been beyond control of the Union Army.
June 20 is the summer solstice, whichheralds the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s the day with the most hours of daylight. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter begins at this time.
In Canada, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada), recognizing the contributions of the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.
June 24 brings Midsummer Day, also St. John the Baptist’s Feast Day. Traditionally, this was the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvesting. It is celebrated in many cultures on the night of June 23, as Midsummer Eve! Learn all about Midsummer traditions.
June 28 is the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots—a watershed moment for LGBT rights in the United States.
Cut your thistles before St. John [June 24], You will have two instead of one.
“Just for Fun” Days
Here are more fun things to celebrate this June:
June 1: Say Something Nice Day June 3: Chimborazo Day June 6: National Yo-Yo Day June 8: Upsy Daisy Day June 21: Go Skateboarding Day June 30: Asteroid Day
June Astronomy
The Full Strawberry Moon
June’s full Moon, the full Strawberry Moon, occurs on Friday, June 21. It reaches peak illumination at 9:08 P.M. (EDT) that evening. See your local Moon Phase Calendar.
Bright Plants of June
On June 1, after sunset, a gorgeous three-way conjunction of Saturn, Mars, and the crescent Moon occurs. See Bob’s June Sky Watch.
June’s Quiz
Which of the following is a traditional gift to give on a 19th wedding anniversary?
A. aquamarine B. china C. coral D. lace
(To see the answer, scroll to the bottom of the page!)
Recipes for the Season
Summer brings juicy fruit ripened by the Sun and many garden treats to the table! Try:
June’s birth flowers are the rose and the honeysuckle.
A rose,in general, indicates love or desire. Specific roses may relay other messages. For example, a white rose may mean “silence” or “new beginnings,” while a yellow rose signifies “jealousy.”
The honeysuckle denotes the bonds of love, or generous and devoted affection.
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Bicarbonate of soda—commonly known as “baking soda”—is a wonderful household product that can be used for much more than baking! If you’ve ever wondered how to use baking soda outside of cooking, you have come to the right place. From removing stains to cleaning teeth to even getting rid of your sweet tooth, see some of the best uses for baking soda.
Growing up, I remember we always had baking soda on hand for leavening biscuits, dumplings, and various quick breads. Mom set an open box into the fridge to absorb odors and had us drink a bit of it in water to ease upset stomachs.
In recent years, I’ve found more uses for it. Like many of you, during the COVID-19 quarantine, I learned to get by with fewer household items in general, discovering new uses for ordinary things that were readily available and never in short supply.
Keep an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb any escaping smells so other foods won’t. Exchange for a new box whenever you clean the fridge. Use the contents of the old box for scrubbing jobs.
One rule of thumb: Baking soda is excellent at removing grease, grime, scum, and stinky smells just about everywhere.
Best Uses for Baking Soda
In the Bathroom
Clean toilet bowls: Add a quarter cup of baking soda and half a cup of white vinegar to an empty bowl. Bubbles will form! Scrub with a stiff brush and flush. Repeat if necessary. A damp cloth sprinkled with baking soda will also clean the outside surfaces of the toilet, tank, and cover.
Clean faucets and door handles: Make a thick paste of baking soda and a bit of water, apply to grimy areas, and scrub with a stiff brush (For the tightest spots, I use an old toothbrush. I save all my toothbrushes for tasks like this). Rinse off immediately, or let it dry and rinse later.
Clean toothbrushes: Soak toothbrushes in baking soda and warm water overnight to clean bristles.
Clean rubber gloves: Keep your rubber gloves dry and smelling good by sprinkling baking soda inside them. They’ll slip on more easily, too!
Unclog drains: Pour a cup of baking soda into the opening of your clogged drain, and then add a cup of hot vinegar. After a few minutes, flush the drain with a quart of boiling water.
In the Kitchen
Scrub coffee mugs, tea cups, and carafes: Sprinkle the inside of the mug or container with baking soda and gently scrub with a moist cloth to remove the stains. Then, give the mug or container a thorough rinse.
Remove burned-on foods from stainless steel cookware: Add plenty of baking soda to the pot/pan with enough water to form a thick slurry, let sit (minutes, hours, or overnight), and go to it with a fresh scrubbing pad. Repeat as necessary.
Clean your refrigerator: Scrub with a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda to 1 quart of warm water.
Clean your toaster oven: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of baking soda on the bottom of your toaster oven to eliminate the burned smell from drippings and crumbs.
Clean fresh produce: To remove pesticides, dirt, and wax from fresh fruits and vegetables, wash them in a large bowl of cool water to which you’ve added two to three tablespoons of baking soda.
Get red sauce stains out: A paste of baking soda removes red sauce stains from plastic.
Unclog drains: Pour a cup of baking soda into the opening of your clogged drain, and then add a cup of hot vinegar. After a few minutes, flush the drain with a quart of boiling water.
Cooking and Baking
Make fluffier omelets: A pinch (¼ teaspoon or less) in your morning eggs as you whip them up will make your omelets or scrambled eggs fluffier.
Make the best cookies: In a project intended to find the best leavening agent for chocolate-chip cookies, the folks at BuzzFeed baked 400 cookies comparing various agents and discovered that baking-soda-only cookies won hands down. Prove them wrong!
Prevent syrup from crystallizing: Add a pinch of baking soda to boiled syrup to prevent it from crystallizing.
For Health
Clean teeth: The antibacterial properties of baking powder help reduce bacterial plaques that cause tooth decay and gum disease, while its mild abrasive quality helps remove light staining. Mix a little baking soda with a few drops of water to make a thick paste, wet brush, coat teeth with paste, cover with paste, brush gently, and rinse well.
Ease an insect bite: Make a paste of baking soda and water, and apply it to a burn or an insect bite for relief.
Stop the craving: If you crave sweets, rinse your mouth with 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in a glass of warm water. Don’t swallow the mixture; spit it out. Your craving should disappear instantly.
Freshen breath: For freshening breath, add a spoonful of baking soda to a glass of warm water (or peppermint tea), and swoosh the mixture around in your mouth for 30 seconds or more before spitting it out.
Ease occasional heartburn/indigestion: The standard dose for this old-fashioned remedy is 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in half a cup of water. If you have frequent heartburn or other digestive problems, see a doctor.
On Clothing
Remove sweat stains: To remove perspiration stains, make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Rub paste into the stain, let it sit for an hour, and then launder as usual. Find out how to remove other common stains.
Get rid of odors: Gasoline and oil odors can be removed by putting clothes in a trash bag with baking soda for a few days before washing them.
Remove odors from smelly shoes: Liberally sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes (and under the inserts, too). Place shoes in a large paper bag and leave overnight. When you’re ready to go again, shake out the soda.
Remove stains on hat bands: Mix up a few tablespoons of white vinegar with a squirt of spray around the inside of a baseball or athletic cap. Mix a quarter cup of white vinegar with a tablespoon of liquid detergent. Then sprinkle baking soda liberally around the brim. Apply to the brim, and let the hat sit for up to an hour. Spray with distilled white vinegar and give the stain another short scrub. Rinse clean in cold water. Pat dry with a towel and allow the hat to air dry completely.
Clean a steam iron: When the ironing surface (soleplate) gets grubby, scrub it gently with a paste of baking soda and water. Let it dry before brushing it off with a soft brush. If that doesn’t quite do the trick, soak a small towel or washcloth in white vinegar, lay it on newspapers on the ironing board, and sprinkle baking soda. Then, “iron” the towel back and forth without plugging the iron in.
For Your Dog
Freshen up your smelly dog: Liberally sprinkle your smelly dog (outdoors, if possible) all over with baking soda, avoiding the face. Massage it in well so it coats the skin, and leave it for a few minutes to absorb the offending odors. Then, give your dog a good brushing.
Additional advantages of a baking soda bath: It imparts luster to the coat, soothes doggie’s skin, and kills fleas and other parasites.
In the Car
Deodorize your car (or trunk): Freshen your car by sprinkling baking soda on the upholstery and floor mats. Let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming, removing any extra baking soda with a damp cloth. Some people keep their ashtrays filled with baking soda.
Remove bugs and tar: A light baking soda paste on a damp cloth will remove bugs and tar from cars without damaging the paint. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before wiping and rinsing clean.
Miscellaneous Uses
Deodorize stinky hands: After cutting fish or handling other smelly items, dust your hands well with baking soda and scrub them under running warm water for a few seconds.
Freshen trash bins: Just sprinkle the inside of your kitchen and bathroom trash cans, or inside the trash bags themselves. Once a year, I take mine outside and scrub with a little liquid detergent and a strong spray of the garden hose.
Stop the bad bugs: Lay down a barrier of baking soda under sink-pipe openings and along basement windows to keep carpenter ants, silverfish, and roaches from invading. Roaches eat the baking soda, dehydrate, and die.
Melt ice: Sprinkling baking soda on your front steps will provide traction and melt the ice. Unlike rock salt, kitty litter, or sand, it won’t damage outdoor or indoor surfaces or shoes.
NOTE: Don’t use baking soda to clean glass surfaces, silverware, stone countertops, wooden floors, or furniture. Dermatologists also warn against using baking soda routinely as dry shampoo or underarm deodorant because its alkalinity will disrupt the natural acidity of the skin and scalp.
Please post your own favorite baking soda uses below, and then check out our tips for using other common household items:
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Here are 20 remedies forsunburn relief and treatment. If you have a minor sunburn (where the skin is red or sore but not blistered or broken), try one of these sunburn remedies to help soothe your pain!
Sunburn relief is an important part of summer life. Sunburns can be itchy, painful, and irritating. The good news is that treating sunburns is actually much easier than you might think when using these natural remedies.
As the days begin to shorten, So the heat begins to scorch ‘em.
Sunburn Remedies: How to Get Rid of a Sunburn
“If you get a sunburn, restore your energy with salt tablets or hot tea, which will pep you up and cool you off as well as or better than a cold drink.” –The Old Farmer’s Almanac, 1945
“A simple and harmless remedy for sunburn is to bathe the face in buttermilk.” –The Old Farmer’s Almanac, 1898
Make an ointment or salve with the essential oil of Saint John’s wort to promote the healing of burns that haven’t broken the skin. It is not only anti-inflammatory but also antiviral and antibacterial.
Apply plain yogurt with live cultures or coconut oil to your sunburn.
Dissolve Epsom salts or baking soda in water, apply to a clean cloth, and drape the cloth over the affected skin. Explore more unexpected household uses for baking soda.
Take a cool bath, adding lavender or bergamot oil to the bath water.
Add some black or green tea to your bathwater to soothe sunburned skin. Or pat sunburned skin with wet tea bags.
Mix 1 cup water and 20 to 25 drops of lavender oil and use to bathe the sunburned area. You can also apply the solution with a spray bottle.
Apply diluted peppermint oil to sunburned skin, as long as the skin isn’t blistered. Use a peppermint infusion as a milder wash to help cool a sunburn.
Or/and make an infusion of cooling peppermint or spearmint tea. Drink it and use it to bathe the affected area
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Here are some valuable home remedies for dogs and cats that can keep your pet happy and healthy. From getting rid of fleas to caring for dry skin, let’s get those dog tails wagging and cats purring.
Home Remedies for Fleas
Use these home remedies to get rid of fleas on pets and in the home.
Remember: He that lieth down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.
Place a flea collar in your vacuum cleaner bag. Any fleas you suck up will stay put in there.
If you don’t want to use a flea collar with insecticides, active ingredients such as lemongrass, rosemary, and marigold won’t exterminate fleas but will deter them.
Give your dog a flea bath with a flea shampoo and flea-comb him down thoroughly while he’s in the water so the fleas drown.
As a flea deterrent, try adding a teaspoon of vinegar to each quart of the animal’s drinking water. It helps keep pets free of fleas and ticks but is not harmful to the pet itself. Learn about the other helpful household uses for vinegar.
Sprinkle borate powder into crevices of couches and chairs.
Stock your yard with off-leaf larvae-eating nematodes (available at pet and garden stores). Nematodes will also help to bring down your Japanese beetle population.
Proper nutrition for pets is the best flea prevention. Add brewer’s yeast to your pet’s food, as well as essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6. Check out these tips for proper pet nutrition.
Spray the windows and door screens with distilled water containing several drops of bitter orange essential oil (Fleas hate the citrus scent and will avoid crawling in through the screens).
Oatmeal Bath: Put uncooked oatmeal or rolled oats into a sock or nylon stocking and run a tubful of warm water over it. Soak your dog (cats will rarely let you do this) in the water for 5 to 10 minutes. Oatmeal-based shampoos are also available at pet stores. Find out more about oatmeal’s soothing benefits.
Aggravated skin sores, also known as hot spots, can make your pet miserable. If you see a hot spot developing, clip about one-half to one inch around the sore to prevent hair and other dirt from further aggravating it. Clean the sore with warm water, and after it dries, spray the area with cortisone cream. Do this twice a day until the sore starts to dry out or a scab begins to form.
Home Treatment for Cuts, Scrapes, Abrasions
Mix together 1 pint of water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon calendula tincture.
Soak an injured paw in the solution. If the wound is on the body, put the solution in a squirt bottle or large syringe and gently apply it to the injured area.
Repeat the soaking or application every 4 to 6 hours for the first 24 hours.
Home Treatment for Bites and Scratches
For serious bites and scratches, take your pet to the vet.
For smaller wounds:
Rinse out the fresh wounds and punctures with large amounts of this solution: 1 pint water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon Echinacea/goldenseal tincture.
Cat wounds are notorious for forming abscesses. If the abscess is draining, clean it with Echinacea/goldenseal solution. Always wear latex gloves while handling an abscess.
What to Do if a Pet Is Choking
You can perform the Heimlich maneuver on animals.
Lift a small pet, or reach over the back of a large one and raise the back legs so the rear end is elevated over the head.
Place your hands around the lowest part of the chest and give a quick, gentle thrust inward and upward.
Remember to scale the force of your thrust to the size of your pet. For small pets, imagine you are performing this on an infant or toddler.
Pet Indigestion or Loose Stool
When your dog scavenges something from the compost pile, it irritates the bowel, creating nerve impulses that signal the gut to speed up. When food moves too quickly through the gut, the result is loose stools. In dogs and cats with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the gut responds as if irritated at the slightest stress or change of diet.
The herb slippery elm, available as powder or capsules, coats the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, counteracting the irritation and allowing stools to firm up. Put 1 tablespoon of the powder (break open capsules) into 1 pint of water and bring to a boil to thicken. Let it cool, and administer by mouth. Give a teaspoon or less to small pets and several tablespoons to large dogs every 2 to 4 hours until the gut settles down (usually 8 to 24 hours).
For dogs, comb the burrs in their fur with a metal comb immediately. If burrs are badly tangled, rub vegetable oil on your fingers and work the lubrication slowly through the fur until you can pull the burrs out.
Cats typically will want to take care of their own grooming, but you can help by gently working through the mess with a wire brush. Most cats won’t let you cut the fur or lubricate it the way a dog will. (We suggest wearing long sleeves… Maybe even two layers.)
Remedies for Itchy Ears
The contents of a vitamin E capsule can soothe red or inflamed areas of the ear.
A gentle cleaning with a cotton swab or gauze dipped into vegetable oil can help to remove a buildup of wax and dirt.
Remember that dog and cat ear canals take a right-angle turn at the base of the ear, and be careful not to jam anything deep into the ear canal.
Home Remedies for Sore or Runny Eyes
A simple rinse of saline solution can help mild eye irritation. Continue using eye drops every four hours until clear.
If symptoms persist, consult with your vet.
How to Ease Pet Arthritis
Massage helps to relieve muscle tension that contributes to pain. Be gentle. Start from the center of the body and work your way outward. If feet are too sensitive, leave them alone.
Nutritional research suggests that supplements containing chondroitin sulfate and glucosaminoglycans can help inflamed or damaged joints. Check with your vet or health-food store.
Egg-crate foam and other creature comforts can bring relief to older and arthritic pets. Buy enough foam for two or three beds, cover the foam with washable covers (easy to make from old towels), and put them in the places your pet likes to sleep.
Bathe your dog in a mixture of 1 quart hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1 teaspoon liquid soap. Work the solution into the fur (avoiding eyes), then rinse.
To rid the stench from your pet, douse him with tomato juice, leaving it on for several minutes before rinsing it off. For a large dog, a single washing can require several cans of tomato juice. You may have to repeat the procedure, but the odor will eventually work itself out of your pet’s coat.
Note:The Old Farmer’s Almanac does not have professional vets on staff, so please do not inquire about serious pet health issues on this page. Contact a vet immediately if your pet develops serious symptoms, such as trouble breathing, urinating, or moving, or if s/he shows signs of shaking or weakness, seizures, confusion, fever, vomiting (unless it’s a hairball), swelling, deep wounds, bleeding in urine or poop, or other ailments that may indicate that the pet requires prompt attention. If your vet office is not open during an emergency, there are 24-hour veterinary hospitals you can call for advice; check with your vet beforehand to get the number of one, or search online. If your financial resources are limited, your vet may be able to work with you to develop a payment plan. There are also other options for financial assistance, including pet insurance (for future ailments); for advice, consult a local animal shelter or local branch of an animal welfare association, such as The Humane Society.
What are some of your favorite home remedies for your pets?