Health FAQ - Part 1242

How Long Do Results From Pre Employment Drug Tests Take?

Why Drug Test?

Drug testing has become an important safety issue in the workplace for Human Resources and Safety professionals. The majority of Fortune 500 companies do drug testing. They test simply to limit the amount of drug abuse in the workplace. Drug abuse affects company profits with absenteeism, tardiness, employee turnover, moral, theft, lessened productivity, violence and crime as well.
Drug abuse costs employers between $75 and $100 billion dollars annually, according to the US Department of Labor estimates. These losses are seen in missed time, accidents, health care and workers compensation costs. Close to sixty-five percent of all accidents that occur on the job are related to drugs and/or alcohol. These substance abusers also utilize 16 times as many health related benefits and are six times more likely to file compensation claims then the normal worker.
When did companies take notice of the problem? You have to go back to 1987, where SmithKline Beecham ran a national testing laboratory and noted that just over 18% of all workers tested positive for drugs and/or alcohol. In 1997, these numbers were down to just over 5%. Although it is argued as to why the numbers are down so much over a ten-year period, for human resource departments and safety managers, drug testing is a necessary tool for keeping employee related expenses down. Some have cited the decline in numbers to people doing less drugs others say that drug abusers just don’t apply at companies that test for drugs.

What do they test for and how long do drugs stay in the system?

The labs offer a variety of drug tests. The most commonly used one is five-panel test for street drugs. This test is for Marijuana, Cocaine, PCP, Opiates, and Amphetamines. Some opt for a ten-panel test that will include prescription drugs as well as the street drugs. Still some may even chose to test for alcohol.
It is typical for drugs to stay in the system anywhere from two to four days, although it is not uncommon to have chronic users of certain drugs like marijuana to stay in the system for as long as fourteen days. Valium, a sedative, can remain in the body for up to thirty days. A costlier test using hair can detect drugs up to ninety days in the system.
Also employers determine the time frame a urine sample will be given. This is to keep abusers for waiting a few days to get the drugs out of their system. Labs and drug test collection sites also take measures to keep testers from altering their test sample.

How does it work?

A person will get sent to a lab or a collection site where she will give a urine sample on site. The sample is sent to an accredited lab for analysis. If results are negative you will find out within twenty-four hours. Some employers use instant test kits. These are similar to home pregnancy tests, but the employers must handle the samples themselves. These tests results are good for immediate screening and only good for that particular time. The costs of the tests are not much cheaper the lab tests, and labs can hold on to samples for a longer period of time for retesting if necessary.

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How to Reduce Swelling After Rhinoplasty

Everyone who has rhinoplasty, also referred to as a nose job, should expect swelling to some extent. There is no away to completely avoid swelling in the area of your eyes, nose and facial area in general. In some people, this condition can last for several months. However, there are some steps you can take both before and after surgery to reduce the amount of swelling you experience after a rhinoplasty.

Things You’ll Need

Cold compresses
Pillows
Reclining chair

Pain relievers
Arnica

Avoid taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen (commonly called NSAIDs) for the week before you are scheduled for rhinoplasty surgery. The Las Vegas Nevada Resource for Rhinoplasty Surgery explains that abstaining from these medications, as well as alcoholic beverages in the time before your cosmetic procedure, helps your body heal more quickly postsurgery (see Resources).
Get up and around as soon as your can following your rhinoplasty. Walking promotes better circulation throughout your body and can help reduce swelling in your facial area.
Reduce the swelling around your eyes by applying cold compresses several times a day. Your doctor will have specific instructions for you, but generally a cold compress can be used up to 20 minutes at a time, three times a day. Keep the compress off your nose.
Keep your head elevated as much as possible both during waking and sleeping hours. Prop yourself up on a pile of bed pillows or sleep in a reclining chair to achieve maximum elevation. Bend over as little as possible.
Consult with your doctor to determine what type of pain reliever is safe for you to take during your recovery period. He may prescribe a pain reliever or an anti-inflammatory medication that can help decrease your swelling.
Go the homeopathic route and apply arnica gel to the swollen areas of your face. Arnica is a natural treatment for pain, bruising and swelling. Use arnica only with the permission of your doctor.
Follow all postoperative instructions issued by your physician to avoid increased swelling, bleeding and other complications from your rhinoplasty. Keep your bandages on for the specified time, and do not begin vigorous exercise until you get the green light from your doctor.

Tips & Warnings

Reduce the likelihood of additional swelling by limiting the amount of sodium you eat. A high-sodium diet can lead to increased edema in some people, regardless of whether they have recently had surgery.

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Advantages & Disadvantages of Cosmetic Surgery

There is nothing wrong with wanting to make yourself beautiful or wanting to feel better about yourself. In a society where image is everything, feeling and looking good is important. The question to ask yourself is how far would you go to look perfect? Before you consider something as drastic as cosmetic surgery, make sure you are happy with who you are on the inside, because the outside can change at a moment’s notice.

Various Procedures

Cosmetic surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures. Each procedure has its own advantages and disadvantages, too. One of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures is lipoplasty, or liposuction. The obvious advantage of this procedure is that people can lose a large amount of body fat in a matter of hours. As such, they may feel better about themselves after the procedure and maintain a healthier lifestyle. However, if you gain weight after undergoing liposuction, you risk the chance of dimpling your skin and requiring fat injections to fix the problem. Your body may also take a long time to get accustomed to the new weight and some people suffer chills and other problems in the weeks and months following the procedure.

Face lifts are also popular cosmetic procedures. Doctors can take 10 or 20 years off your appearance with a proper face lift. However, face lifts require four or more weeks of recovery time. During that time, your face will typically look swollen and bruised. Some face lift procedures are also obvious and they can make your face and skin look unnatural and even plastic.

Even breast implants have their disadvantages. They may make a woman feel more confident in herself and her body, but the implants have a risk of leaking or even bursting and requiring another surgery to fix the problem.

Costs

One of the prohibitive disadvantages of cosmetic surgery is the cost. A simple Botox injection can cost as much as $400 and even more in some parts of the country where it is more popular. Breast reductions can range between $3,500 and $6,000 depending on if you are a man or a woman. Facelifts average about $6,500 and even liposuction costs more than $3,000. A nose job is usually more than $4,000 and eyelid surgery is at least $3,000. These are just a few of the high costs of some of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures.

Even though the costs of these procedures are typically expensive, there are some ways to save money on them. Most plastic surgeons offer financing options either through their own office or by working with a lender or financing company. Many people are able to afford these procedures by working out low monthly payments. Some cosmetic surgery schools may also offer discounted procedures for people who are willing. These procedures are controlled and observed by trained professionals so adverse risks are at a minimum.

Risks

One of the most common mistakes people make when getting cosmetic surgery is using the wrong doctor. If you choose the wrong doctor or a doctor that is not certified, you could be risking your health and your life in some cases. At the very least, a bad doctor could make you worse than you were before you went in for the surgery. The doctor may not use sterile equipment, which could result in infection or hematoma. Other doctors may perform a procedure that results in irregularities, asymmetries, puckers, divots and dimples.

Another disadvantage of cosmetic surgery is the anesthesia used during the procedure. Anesthetic complications are more common than many people realize and they can be fatal in rare cases. However, less serious complications resulting from anesthesia include blood clots, temporary paralysis, abnormal heart rhythm and more.

A small percentage of people also get addicted to cosmetic surgery. They may find a celebrity in Hollywood that they want to look like and undergo several procedures in order to look like that person. Some have gone through so many procedures that they simply look like plastic clones of themselves.

Safety

Generally, cosmetic surgery procedures are safe. The overwhelming majority of clients who undergo liposuction, face lifts, breast augmentations or other procedures are happy with the change and suffer few (if any) negative side effects.

There are, however, some statistics that pose a disadvantage to those considering cosmetic surgery. According to CosmeticSurgery.com, about four percent of cosmetic surgery procedures have some type of complication after they are completed. Procedures done in Mexico and other countries where they are much cheaper account for many of the surgeries that “go bad,” but it is still something to consider.

Requirements

In order to be an eligible candidate for cosmetic surgery, you must follow certain criteria. There are several health conditions that will likely disqualify you from being a candidate for cosmetic surgery, including lung disease, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, malnourishment, severe depression obesity. These and other problems make the risks of cosmetic surgery more likely. However, if you are a fairly health person, cosmetic surgery can be a tremendous advantage.

Smokers are also not good candidates for cosmetic procedures. In fact, they must quit smoking for two entire weeks before the procedure is scheduled and they must also be smoke-free for two weeks following the surgery. For some smokers, this may be a tremendous disadvantage to cosmetic surgery. For others, it could be the push they need to become smoke-free for life.

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Long Term Effects of Cosmetic Surgery

In addition to the normal risks associated with surgery, including problems with anesthesia, infection and doctor error, there are some physical and psychological long-term effects associated with cosmetic surgery. One of the biggest threats to maintaining the efficacy of a cosmetic procedure is time. Most cosmetic procedures that involve the skin, such as face lifts, eye lifts and liposuction begin to lose their value after about 10 years. Additional surgeries are most often required to maintain a cosmetic procedure as the patient ages.

Lifestyle

While time and aging affect a face lift or tummy tuck eventually, other lifestyle factors can cause more immediate negative results. Smoking will offset many of the benefits of a cosmetic procedure. Direct exposure to nicotine can adversely affect the benefits created by periodontal cosmetic surgery by increasing the chance of gum disease and receding gums. Smoking in general impacts the body’s healing process and full nerve restoration is sometimes never achieved in cosmetic surgery patients who smoke. Poor diet and lack of sleep will shape the long-term effect of cosmetic surgery.

Psychological Effects

When patients go into a cosmetic procedure with realistic expectations, they typically have favorable psychological after effects, say researchers at the American Psychological Association. Patients who expect the surgery to bring dramatic results in their love life or who expect an instant self-esteem boost, may undergo periods of depression or anxiety. Those with a history of neurosis are more prone to negative psychological reactions following a cosmetic procedure. Dissatisfied patients may return for more surgery or become self-destructive. While little research has been performed on the long-term effects of cosmetic surgery on the psyche, studies are being performed that include training for cosmetic surgery providers on how to counsel patients prior to surgery.

Scars

Most cosmetic surgeons take great pains to hide and minimize the scars left from invasive procedures. The initial swelling and dark scars following cosmetic surgery typically fade within the first couple months. Follow the doctor’s recommendations when caring for the incision to avoid developing a big scar. Avoid heavy lifting or other strenuous activity for the first few months to allow the incision to heal properly and almost disappear in the hairline or bathing suit line.

Marks

Burst blood vessels are an uncommon but possible side effect from plastic surgery that can become permanent. They usually appear around the site of the surgery, on the nose or around the site of the incision. Though small, the small red dots often are permanent.

Breast Implants

Ongoing research continues in an effort to find out the long-term effects of breast implants and the various methods by which they are performed. After years of testing and research, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) finally approved the use of silicone gel implants in 2006. The long-term effects continue to be studied. Common side effects of improper implantation or from continued use include continual pain and sensitivity, leakage and patient dissatisfaction with how their breasts looked following the procedure. Read the FDA tips on long-term effects of breast implants to become fully informed of the risks prior to surgery.

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About Mole Removal

A mole is a raised area of the skin that is often discolored and in some cases–unsightly. Often referred to as Nevi, a mole to some is considered to be a beauty mark. Famous figures are also known for a mole on their face, such as Cindy Crawford and Marilyn Monroe. For many, a mole is not always accentuated–it takes away from natural beauty–especially if it is on the nose or near the eyes. Having the mole removed will improve appearance and test for skin disorders and cancer.

Melanoma

One of the most deadly forms of skin cancer is melanoma. This type of cancer can strike any one at any age, but is more prevalent in those with increased sun exposure, fair skinned individuals and those who have a family history of skin cancer. Melanoma often takes its shape as a mole or Nevi in disguise. The mole slowly begins to change shape, color and size. Easily recognized by its dark color and irregular appearance–melanoma can also create a bloody discharge. Any sore that doesn’t heal on the skin could also be a sign of skin cancer. Although melanoma is a dangerous form of cancer, it can easily be treated if caught early. A questionable mole or skin discoloration should always be removed or biopsied to rule out skin cancer. Melanoma that is left untreated can result in the cancer spreading from the skin to other vital organs–often quite quickly if it is not caught in time.

Function

A mole should never be removed at home or by someone who is not a licensed professional. A family practitioner should be the first contact to examine a questionable mole. Even if the mole does not meet the visible criteria for melanoma, it should still be examined by a physician who can then make a referral to cosmetic surgeon if needed. While some physicians will easily remove a mole in a doctor’s office, others will send patients to a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. Many insurances will not pay for mole removal based on cosmetic reasons–the physician’s referral will assist in having a claim successfully processed as opposed to denied.

Types of Moles

Many moles are actually abnormal blood vessels that show up through the skin. Hemangiomas show up as bright red raised skin bumps on the body of fair skinned people. Although a harmless condition, many wish to remove these bumps as they are unsightly. Keratoses are benign spots on the skin that are commonly called age spots. Keratoses appears as people age and is usually first recognized on the hands. Freckles are often mistaken for moles and are typically found in clusters on the skin. Some freckles can actually turn into moles and develop a raised bump appearance. Some dysplastic moles can grow hairs in the center making them very unsightly and as the skin ages the mole may double in size.

How a Mole Is Removed

A mole can be removed in the safe and sterile environment of a physician’s office. Whether the physician is a dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon or general practitioner, he should be board certified and knowledgeable in skin care. First, the physician will examine the mole and determine if it needs to be shaved off or cut out. A mild anesthetic is used for the shaving method. A shot of lidocaine or another topical anesthetic is administered and the mole is shaved right at skin level. For a skin mole or questionable skin area, a scalpel is used to dig and cut out the area. In both cases, the mole and surrounding tissue will be sent to the lab for biopsy and further testing. A band-aid is placed over the shaved area or stitches are used to close the skin after scalpel mole removal.

Recovery Process

The recovery process for mole removal is fairly short. For a shaved method, three to five days should be enough time for the skin to heal. A band-aid may have to be worn for the first 24 hours as bleeding can occur. A scab will eventually form and should not be picked at–this will assure a smooth skin surface. For a scalpel method, following up with the physician as to when to have the stitches removed will assure in a successful recovery. Generally, one to two weeks is a typical recover time frame for scalpel mole removal recovery.

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Liposuction Side Effects

Liposuction is a common, generally safe surgical procedure. However, as with any invasive surgical procedure, there are a number of unwanted, usually temporary side effects that are associated with it. To make an informed decision on whether to undergo the surgery, you should be aware of liposuction side effects and discuss them with your doctor.

Bruising

You may experience noticeable bruising that usually goes away within 2 to 3 weeks. Bruising will vary from one person to another.

Swelling

There will be swelling in the surgically treated areas, which gradually settles over the next one to three months. You may also have swollen ankles following the surgery.

Dimpling

Depending on the amount of fat that is removed, there will be some dimpling of the skin at the surgically treated area. If a lot of fat is removed, the skin may have an unsightly, lumpy appearance.

Scars

There may be noticeable scars that are about 1 to 2 inches long that gradually become finer after a few weeks.

Thrombophlebitis

You may experience thrombophlebitis–or inflammation of the veins–if the liposuction surgery is performed in the upper thigh area. This usually settles after a few weeks.

Discomfort

You may experience some discomfort and temporary numbness in the surgically treated areas.

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Dealing With Lack of Motivation

When your to-do list keeps growing, it could be a sign that lack of motivation is preventing you from getting things done. Problems with motivation are best handled by reversing inertia and identifying rewards that inspire you — as well as ruling out physical and psychological barriers.

Find Intrinsic Motivation

Motivation can be derived either internally — through your passions — or externally — through rewards or punishment — writes counseling psychologist Will Meek, in the article "Mastering Motivation" on his website. Internal motivation usually comes easily, because it is fueled by your natural passion. You don’t have to force yourself to attend your weekly bowling league because it is something that you genuinely find enjoyable. However, problems can arise when something that was once internally motivated becomes "work." For example, if you turned your love of the piano into a job teaching others in exchange for being paid, you may start to lose your intrinsic joy. If you find yourself in this situation, try reconnecting with aspects of your intrinsic motivation, such as having a desire to share your knowledge with others.

Manage External Rewards

Sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do, in exchange for some external reward or to avoid punishment. For example, you might not enjoy your sociology class, but you need the credit to graduate. Most motivation problems are related to external rewards, writes Meek, because there is no natural desire fueling your behavior. Overcome this type of motivation issue by setting desirable goals for yourself, planning rewards after you complete work and pairing something pleasurable with something you do not enjoy. For example, remind yourself of the goal of graduating from college, plan an indulgence — such as a night out with friends — after your final exam and try meeting a friend for a study session.

Get Started

Sometimes the key to becoming motivated is to simply get started, asserts Susan Biali, M.D., in the "Psychology Today" online article "Lacking Motivation and Inspiration? 5 Secrets to Get Unstuck." If inertia is standing between you and a college diploma or a promotion at work, taking the first step toward your goals will give you momentum towards achieving them. Biali notes that simply showing up for your work every day increases the odds that you will succeed, through what she calls "divine inspiration." In real world terms, this might mean sitting down to write a page of your novel each day, going to the gym each afternoon or signing up for that art class you’ve always wanted to take. When you simply get started, good things will start to happen.

Rule Out Obstacles

If your problems with motivation are long-standing, it is important to also rule out any potential physical or psychological issues, according to the Brown University Counseling and Psychological Services article "Motivation: Lost or Just Misplaced?" Physical health problems can easily interfere with motivation, if you are feeling run-down or tired all the time. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthful food and get regular exercise. Psychological issues such as depression can also interfere with motivation. If your lack of motivation is accompanied by feeling down, having no zest for life or changes in eating or sleeping habits, it may be helpful to visit a mental health professional to rule out underlying psychological problems.

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How to Think Positive Thoughts

What we think affects our lives in many ways. We are told that negative thoughts and feelings bring about negative results, and positive thoughts can bring positive change. Intuitively, we know this is true, but for some, learning to create and maintain positive thoughts is a difficult task wrought with obstacles that have been ingrained from years of negative thinking. Whether you think positive thoughts or negative thoughts about the world around you is within your control, but it does require some effort and attention to your own thought process.

Things You’ll Need

Notebook and pen

Accept the fact that you are in control of your own thoughts. Until you realize and accept this, you will be powerless to change your own thought process and make positive changes. Do not be misled into thinking that if you change your thoughts for a day or week that your life circumstances will suddenly change. Although you may see a gradual change in your circumstances, the important thing is refocusing how you view them.
Learn to recognize negative thoughts and stop them in their tracks. This applies to your thoughts about others as well as your thoughts about yourself. Keep a journal and write down each negative thought you have during the day. Make a note of the circumstances and what triggered the thought. Don’t worry that your list fills up quickly; this is normal for most of us. Just keep jotting down those negative thoughts. This will give you a good indication of just how many negative thoughts pass through your mind every day.
Make a decision to stop negative thoughts at the moment they begin. Do not allow yourself the luxury of completing the thought. Replace a negative thought immediately with a positive one. Change “I can’t do this” to “Hey I’m learning, and I’ll get the hang of this in no time.” You will be surprised how easy it is to replace a negative thought with a positive one once you have practiced for a few days.
Surround yourself with positive and inspiring quotes. Post them in places where you will see them throughout the day. Add a quote of the day to your bathroom mirror to remind yourself to think positive thoughts. Select posters, screen savers or notepads that have positive verses that inspire you.
Don’t give up. It may take a while to get into the habit of thinking positive thoughts. Avoid the temptation to revert to old habits when things aren’t going well. Keep working at changing your thoughts, and even if the circumstances of your life do not change, how you look at them will, paving the way for you to seize new opportunities and make positive changes to your life.

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How to Get Rid of Copperhead Snakes

Copperheads are venomous snakes of the pit viper family, and are commonly found throughout the eastern United States and into eastern Mexico. In many areas, copperheads are the most common venomous species of snake. Thus, it is not uncommon for people to come into contact with them. Though they are both common and venomous, human fatalities from copperhead bites are extremely rare. Most copperhead bites occur when the snakes are being harassed in some way. But they can become a hazard around homes and gardens, and removal and exclusion is recommended.

Things You’ll Need

Caulking gun
Sealant
2 burlap bags
Hightop boots

Thick gloves
Broom
Plastic bucket
Long heavy stick or garden hoe

Remove debris from around your home or garden. This includes rock piles, brush piles and tall grass, essentially anything that may provide shelter to copperheads and their rodent prey.
Store firewood and lumber away from the home, and keep it elevated at least 18 inches from the ground.
Reduce the rodent population around your home by keeping garbage covered and by feeding pets indoors, or cleaning up outdoor pets’ food immediately after feeding.
Check for any openings or cracks in your home’s foundation, walls, floors or chimneys, and use a caulking gun to tightly seal these potential entrance points. In cases of larger openings, cover with a sheet of hardware cloth.
Trap copperheads by leaving rumpled, damp burlap bags where the snakes have been spotted. Snakes will be attracted to the cool, dark, damp hiding place. Wear heavy gloves and thick hightop boots when checking for snakes in the trap. If you find a copperhead, use a broom to sweep the entire trap into a plastic bucket, and release the snake away from your home or take it to animal control.
Kill copperheads only as a last resort, striking one with a long stick, rod or garden hoe. Never attempt to kill a copperhead with any instrument that places you near it, and never pick up a copperhead if it may still be barely alive, as it may still potentially bite.

Tips & Warnings

If you do not feel comfortable removing a copperhead by yourself, isolate the snake in a small area and call animal control.
As of 2009, there were no legal methods of chemical control for copperheads.

Always exercise extreme caution around copperheads, as the temperament of individual snakes can vary.
Never attempt to handle or touch a copperhead.
If you are bitten, do not panic, and see a doctor immediately.

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How to Make a Homemade Natural Fly Repellent

There are many reasons to make your own homemade fly repellent. For one, it is economical and you will know exactly what ingredients go into it. Also, you can avoid DEET, an ingredient in many commercial repellents that is suspected by some to cause cancer. Once you find a formula that works for you, you may never have to buy repellent again.

Things You’ll Need

Plastic spray bottles
Measuring cup
Vinegar

Essential oils (citronella, peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, cedarwood, tea tree)
Jojoba oil

Recipe 1

Clean the plastic spray bottle with warm soapy water and let it dry thoroughly.
Mix 1 cup mineral oil, 2 cups vinegar, 1 tablespoon eucalyptus oil and a few tablespoons of citronella oil (optional) in a measuring cup.
Pour the mixture into the bottle and replace the top, shaking the mixture well before application.
Apply by spraying onto the skin. Avoid spraying near your face or eyes.

Recipe 2

Thoroughly clean the plastic spray bottle with warm water and soap. Let it dry completely before filling.
Combine 20 drops each of eucalyptus and cedarwood oil, 10 drops of tea tree and geranium oil and 2 ounces of jojoba oil.
Pour into the plastic bottle and cover, shaking well before any application.
Apply liberally to exposed areas of skin outdoors. Avoid spraying directly near your face.
Experiment with different formulas, substituting different essential oils, but always use a carrier oil (jojoba, olive, almond, etc.) to dilute the mixture.

Tips & Warnings

Create homemade flypaper strips by mixing 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 tablespoon white sugar and dipping strips from a brown paper bag into the mixture. Let the strips dry overnight and then hang them with a loop of string or twist tie pulled through the top.

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Homemade Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is a great weapon of self-defense to use when faced with a dangerous situation. Pepper spray is made out of the juice extracted from chili peppers. If sprayed on the face of a would-be attacker it can temporarily incapacitate him by causing extreme pain, particularly the eyes. While the attacker is rolling around in pain, you will have the chance to run and call for help. Pepper spray is made from natural ingredients and can be made right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Homemade Pepper Spray

Homemade pepper spray is made from ingredients found around the kitchen. You will need chili peppers or any other kind of pepper that you think is the hottest kind. You will also need black pepper to add a coughing effect to your pepper spray.

The materials that you will need are a mortar and pestle, a pot, strainer and a funnel. You will also need safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands. The chili juice can cause an intense burning sensation, which is exactly what you want in your pepper spray but you don’t want it in your eyes, so take extra care when working with chili. Lastly, you will need a spray bottle to put the finished pepper spray in.

Making the Pepperspray

Place the chili pepper with a little water in a pestle and crush with the mortar until the seeds come out. Then you can add the black pepper and continue crushing until you get an even consistency in the mixture. Boil the mixture in a pot until the water and the pepper mixture are thoroughly incorporated, which will take about 10 to 15 minutes. You may also add hot chili sauce to give it more spice.

After the finished pepper spray has cooled down, pass it through a strainer to remove all the floating pieces of pepper and seeds. Pour the final product into the spray bottle with the help of a funnel to avoid spills. Now, your pepper spray is ready to use. Since it is made out of fresh chili, it will have a maximum shelf life of about two weeks. It is very simple to make so you can just make it again after it has spoiled.

Know When to Use Pepperspray

Before you use pepper spray on anybody, make sure that there are no regulations against the use of pepper spray in your area. Even if it may not cause permanent harm, it should still be used with care. It is not right to use pepper spray on anybody with just a little provocation.

You must assess each situation, be sure that the person you are about to spray with pepper spray is really posing a threat to your life. It is right to be suspicious with unseemly persons in the streets but one must not be trigger happy with a pepper spray. If the person is really threatening your life then it is time to take out your pepper spray to defend yourself. While he is screaming in pain, run and call for help.

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Does Ultrasonic Repellent Work?

Repellents, traps and other tools meant to eliminate or prevent pest attacks or invasions can sometimes have questionable health effects or be considered inhumane. Ultrasonic devices are meant to repel pests through a high-frequency sound that humans cannot hear. An examination of the scientific trial history of ultrasonic repellents can determine whether they really work.