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It is a simple matter to repair minor damage to walls and ceilings and then to cover it up with a fresh coat of paint. With wall coverings, patching damage or curing paperhanging defects requires a different approach.

The most common form of damage to a wall covering is an impact that leaves a jagged tear. If the torn part is still attached, brush some paste on to its rear face and press it back into place. Use a seam roller to apply pressure to the flap and roll it flat.

If the torn part is missing it will be necessary to patch the damage. If there are some off cuts from the original papering job, cut a patch from them. If not, cut and dry strip a patch from an out-of-sight area behind a piece of furniture to use for the repair. Tear around the edges of the patch, holding it face-down, to create a thin ‘feathered’ edge, then paste it, place it over the damaged area and flatten it with a seam roller. If the paper is a thick two-layer duplex type, try to peel away the backing paper to reduce the thickness of the patch and make it less noticeable once it is in position. Feather the edge and paste in position.

Another common problem, blistering, is the result of in adequate pasting during paperhanging. It is a relatively simple task to slit blisters opens and soft dry seams to apply a little fresh paste and stick the covering firmly back to the wall. With fragile printed or flocked wall coverings, take care not to get paste on the surface.

If a carpet becomes damaged in one area and you cannot remove the mark, trim back the pile of the carpet with a razor blade. If this does not work, the answer is to patch the mark with a new piece of carpet. Use a spare off cut if you have one available, or cut the patch from an area in the room that will not be visible such as under a sofa.

If a seam has failed to stick flat, lift it with a filling knife (putty knik) and use a slip of abrasive paper to sand off the dried paste behind it. Use the filling knife to hold the edge of the wall covering away from the wall, and brush it little paste on to the back of the paper and also on to the wall surface. Leave to soak. Press the scam down flat with a seam roller, then use a sponge or damp cloth to remove any paste that has oozed on to the face of the wall covering before it dries.

Patching Damaged Wallpaper

1. Cut a repair patch from an off cut of the original wall covering or strip one from behind a piece of furniture. Check that the patch will cover the damage and match the pattern.

2. Carefully tear along the edges of the patch to reduce its thickness and create a thin feathered edge. Check that not backing paper is visible.

3. Some 2-layer duplex papers are too thick to use as a patch. Try to separate backing paper at a corner of the paper at a corner of the patch and peel it off.

4. Paste it back of the patch and place it over the damaged area, aligning the pattern carefully. ‘Iron’ it into place with the aid of a seam roller.

Curing a Dry Blister

1. If a dry blister appears after wallpapering, use a sharp knife to make 2 cuts through the blister at right-angles.

2. Peel back the triangular tongues formed and apply a little paste to the wall surface and to the back of the tongues. Leave to soak for a few minutes.

3. Press the triangles back into place and run a seam roller along the cuts to bond the paper firmly to the wall and leave an almost invisible repair.

PATCHING A CARPET

1. First remove as much of the dirt as you can by vacuuming, placing the nozzle down over the dirt rather than sweeping it back and forth to avoid rubbing in the mark.

2. If the mark is only fairly light, try carefully trimming back the carpet pile, using a razor blade.

3. If the mark is ingrained, lift the carpet and place a piece of hardboard on top of the underlay, beneath the damage. Cut a matching piece of carpet, slightly larger than the damaged area, and place over the damaged area with the pile running the same way. Cut right through both carpets, then replace the old patch with the new.

The kidneys produce urine and serve a number of important functions, including maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure and eliminating waste products. They are very complex and efficient filters of the blood, allowing unnecessary components to pass into the urine while returning 99 percent of the filtered fluid to the circulatory system.

The kidneys adjust to the body’s fluid needs. For example, a dehydrated individual will produce less urine, allowing the body to conserve water. The kidneys also adjust the salt and mineral composition of the blood. When a kidney is damaged, diseased, or receiving an inadequate supply of blood, it cannot carry out its filtering functions properly. When this occurs, certain components of blood such as protein, sugar, and red blood cells may leak into the urine.

Normally the clear yellow urine produced by each kidney flows continuously through a narrow, muscular tube called the ureter to the bladder, where it is stored until automatic or voluntary input from the nervous system causes it to be eliminated. This process involves simultaneous contraction of muscles within the bladder wall and relaxation of muscles (called the sphincter) at the bladder’s outlet.

Painful urination (dysuria)

Discomfort while passing urine can he caused by one of the following situations:

• Infection (see below)

• Irritation from something coming in direct

contact with the genital area, such as bubble bath

or other soapy material in the tub, new laundry

soap, creams, or lotions

• Trauma

• A foreign body in the vagina or urinary tract (see genital care and concerns)

Any time your child complains of painful urination or if you notice a distinctly abnormal color of the urine (especially a reddish tinge that could indicate that blood is present), contact your child’s physician as soon as possible. If a child is having difficulty urinating because of pain, you can help by placing her in a bathtub of warm water and allowing her to urinate there.

Kidney disease

Changes in the characteristics or amount of urine  may result from a disorder of the kidney itself or from a problem in the ureter or bladder. Decreased urine production may be caused specifically by dehydration or kidney disease, or obstruction to the flow of urine. There are  many types of kidney diseases, but they cause only a limited number of symptoms.

Decreased or (more rarely) increased urine production

Passage of blood, which may be visible to the naked eye or detected only by chemical tests or microscopic examination

Sugar (glucose) in the urine, which is virtually always associated with a high level of glucose in the blood (diabetes)

Increased amounts of protein in the urine, which can usually be detected by a simple chemical test in the physician’s office

Swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, scrotum, or eyelids (called edema)

Pain in the mid-back or flank area on one side of the body

Fever, which may be a sign of infection within or adjacent to a kidney

Inceased urine production (polyuria)

Inceased urine production can be a normal response if a child drinks a lot of fluid, or it can indicate are serious problem. Kidneys will produce an abnormal amount of urine for three basic reasons:

Kidney damage prevents the kidneys from concentrating urine.

The hormones that control the kidneys’ concentrating abilities are not being produced or are not functioning properly.

A disease such as diabetes causes a marked elevation of certain substances (especially glucose or blood sugar) in the bloodstream. When the concentration of glucose in blood exceeds a certain level, the kidney can no longer prevent some from spilling into the urine. This results in a higher volume of urine and can eventually lead to a substantial fluid loss in the urine (hematuria)

Seeing blood in the urine can be frightening for both parent and child. But not everything that looks red is blood. It is not uncommon to see a small amount of pinkish red, paste like material in a newborn’s diaper. This is usually caused by urate crystals that form in concentrated urine. If these are seen in a breastfed baby, it may be helpful to nurse more frequently. If you are bottle-feeding, consider giving a few ounces of water. Urate crystals will usually disappear by the second week of life.

Some foods such as beets and certain medications cause a child’s urine to change color. You should consult with your child’s physician if this occurs.

Blood in an infant’s diaper area may come from the urinary tract, from the vagina in little girls, or from the gastrointestinal tract. If you notice blood in the diaper, take the diaper with you to your physician.

Blood in the urine is sometimes clearly visible but at other times may be present in quantities so small that it can be detected only by a microscopic evaluation and/or a dipstick-a thin test strip that identifies a variety of substances in the urine. The following conditions cause red blood cells to be present in the urine, and it is important that the underlying cause be determined if at all possible:

•Urinary tract infection

•Trauma, including injuries to the kidneys or genitalia

•Kidney diseases, including hereditary kidney problems, that leak small amounts of blood into the urine

•Kidney stones

•Blood-clotting problems

•Abnormalities of immune function

•Exposure to toxic substances

•Tumor, which in children would nearly always involve the kidney rather than ureter, bladder, or external genitalia

•Vigorous exercise-running, jumping, etc.

Your physician will examine your child and ask questions to sort through these possibilities. A urine specimen will be evaluated. If a urinary tract infection does not appear to be the problem, the physician will probably do a careful evaluation of the genital area and order special blood and/or imaging tests (X-ray or ultrasound)to help determine the cause of the hematuria.

Obstruction: hydronephrosis

Malformations of any portion of the urinary system can occur during fetal development. The most common ofthese in both girls and boys is an obstruction that decreases or completely stops the flow of urine. The resulting increase in pressure causes swelling within the urinary tract. When one or both kidneys are involved, the condition is called hydronephrosis (literally, “water kidney”). Sometimes this type of obstruction can be diagnosed during pregnancy through an ultrasound. One of the first surgeries developed for preborn babies was the treatment of hydronephrosis by removing the obstruction while the kidneys still had time to grow.

Obstruction: persistent urethral valves

In boys, the urine flows through the urethra inside the penis. During fetal development, small flaps called valves stop the flow of urine. Before the baby is born, these valves normally disappear, allowing urine to pass freely. If the flaps of tissue remain after birth, they can obstruct the urine flow and cause bladder distention. One clue that a baby may have urethral valves is that the urine stream is weak and dribbling rather than forceful. (Most parents of boys have been sprayed during diaper changes, an indication that the flow of urine is not obstructed.)

Obstruction: meatal stenosis

The opening at the end of the penis through which urine passes is called the meatus. If the baby boy is circumcised at birth, the head of the penis (glands) is exposed to urine and stool in the diaper. The sensitive cells of the meatus may become irritated and heal with scar tissue, which can cause a narrowing known as meatal stenosis.If the boy’s urine stream appears narrowed – a thin, jet like stream as if coming from a nozzle – or if it deviates to one side so much that he must deliberately aim his penis to keep the urine stream within the toilet bowl, he should be examined by a physician. If meatal stenosisis severe, a urologist may perform minor surgery to dialate the meatal opening.

If the wall or ceiling to be given a new covering is painted or wallpapered, preparing the surface for its new finish is quite straightforward. However, if it was previously covered with materials such as texture paint, ceramic or polystyrene (plastic foam) riles or wall panelling, more work will he needed to remove the old finishes and return the surface to its original condition.

Textured finishes are tackled indifferent ways, depending on their type. Texture paints arc basically thick water-based (latex) paints, normally used to create relatively low-relief effects, and can be removed with specially formulated paint removers. Some textured effects formed with a powder or ready-mixed compound are best removed with a steam wallpaper stripper, which softens the compound so that it can he easily scraped away from the wall.

Never attempt to sand off a textured finish. There are two reasons. The first is that it will create huge quantities of very fine dust; the second is that older versions of this product contained asbestos fibres as a filler, and any action that might release these into the atmosphere as inhalable dust must be avoided at all costs.

For tiles and wall panelling, complete removal or a cover-up with plasterboard (gypsum board) are the two options available. The former will leave a surface in need of considerable renovation, while the latter will cause a slight loss of space within the room, as well as some complications at door and window openings.

Removing Textured Finishes

1. Strip texture paint by brushing on a generous coat of proprietary texture paint remover. When the paint has softened, scrape generous coat of a proprietary texture off with a broad-bladed scraper. Wear paint remover. Stipple it well into the paint and leave it to penetrate.

2. When the paint has softened, scrape it off with a broad bladed scraper. Wear gloves, and also safety goggles if working on a ceiling.

3. Once the bulk of the coating has been removed, use wire wool dipped in the paint remover to strip off any remaining fleck of paints

4. Remove powder-based or ready-mixed types using a steam stripper, which will soften the finish. Never try to sand off this type of finish.

Removing Ceramic Tiles

1. On a completely riled wall, use a hammer to crack a tile and create a starring point for the stripping. On partly tiled walls, always start at the tile edge.

2. Use a broad bolster (stonecutter’s)chisel and a club(Tailing) hammer to chip the old riles off the wall. Have the wall replastered afterwards rather than trying to patch the surface.

Removing Polysterene (Plastic Foam) Tiles

1. Lever the tiles away front the ceiling with a scraper. If they were fixed with a continuous coat of adhesive, consider temporarily covering the tiles with heavy lining paper. Fur the best finish, fit a new plasterboard(gypsum board)ceiling, nailing through to the ceiling joists.

2. If the tiles were fixed in place with blobs of adhesive, use a heat gun to soften the old adhesive so it can be removed with abroad-bladed scraper.

Removing Wall Paneling

1. The last board to be fixed will have been nailed to the fixing grounds through its face. Use a nail punch to drive the nails in and free the board.

2. The other boards will have been secret-nailed through their tongues. Use a crowbar (wrecking bar) to prise them away from their grounds.

3. Finally, prise the grounds off the wall, and use a claw hammer or crowbar with some protective packing to lever the fixing nails out of the wall

What is Osteomyelitis?

This is an infection of the bone. Acute symptoms occur mainly in growing children and cause pain, tenderness, swelling and reduction in the range of movement of affected part. In addition, there may fever, chills, feeling off-colour. It is most common in the active, growing years of childhood, when the bones are rapidly developing. They are mainly prone to infections with the staphylococcus or streptococcus germ. Often come from an infection in another the bones of the lower limb are the main ones to be involved. These are the femur (the single long bone of the. thigh), or the tibia (the large bone of lower part of the leg between the knee ankle).

Osteomyelitis Symptoms

In infants and children the onset is often rapid, and there may be signs of marked toxicity. Sometimes it comes on more silently and insidiously. Movement of the limbs may be limited, with tenderness and swelling of the involved part taking place.
In adults, the onset is generally less striking than in children. Vague pains and limitation of movement, particularly at the joints, may be the main feature, especially if the bones of the spine arc affected or if the lesions are near joints. Diagnosis is made from X-ray examinations, from growing the germs in blood cultures or examining any fluid that may suppurate from bony lesions. Today, it is much less common than in years past.

Osteomyeltis Treatment

It is important that acute attacks be treated as early as possible. Unless this happens, the condition may smolder on and lead to a chronic stage. It may also lead to serious complications. These include abscesses in the soft tissues, infections in adjacent joints leading to “septic arthritis,” probable fractures at the site of infection, and maybe the spread of infections to other organs via the bloodstream. Treatment is best carried out in a fully equipped hospital where the patient is under proper supervision with adequate medical care and attention. Antibiotics often help, but frequently do not cure the problem.
Surgery is often required to o pen and drain the bony abscesses that have occurred. Antibiotics may have to be continued for several weeks after tests have indicated the nature and sensitivity of the organism producing the disease. There is a 1 per cent mortality rate, and unless active treatment is started within 48 hours and successfully carried out, quite a few drift into a chronic state. Prompt treatment will bring recovery in about two-thirds of cases, according to one specialist.

Chronic Osteomyelitis.

This may lead on from an acute case that settles down, but is riot properly controlled. It is also characterised by pain, tenderness, swelling and redness of the overlying skin. There is the formation of “sinus tracts.” The disease is often slowly progressive, and there may be remissions followed by recurrences extending over months or even many years. Sometimes the symptoms are so mild that the condition is unnoticed, and there may be little if any disability. On the other hand, the smoldering nature of the lesions gives rise to recurrences of fever, pain and swelling. There may be a history of injury. Often the bone infection communicates to the outside through a tract called a sinus.
The persisting nature of the infection may cause a decline in general health and vitality, with weight loss, anaemia, general weakness and increasing debility. The germs may spread to other centers in the body and establish nests of infection there. If there is a spread to joints, it may establish a septic arthritis, The constant bony erosion may lead to weaknesses, with the risk of pathological fractures occurring.
Once more treatment is by surgery with adequate antibiotic cover governed by sensitivity tests. The results of ever vigorous medical and surgical treatment by the doctors arc frequently poor, with reinfections occurring. This may be due to the incomplete removal of debris, germs and infected tissue at the time of surgery. It presents a very difficult surgical problem. Fortunately, with antibiotics, osteomyelitis is today much less common than in the past.

Osteomyelitis

In my younger days we often heard about this condition. It was usually spoken about in hushed tones, as if something terrible had happened. In days gone by, especially the pre-antibiotic era, it was a very severe and at times life-threatening disease. Today, fortunately, with the wide use of chemotherapy, it is seen much more rarely. But if it gains a foothold, it is still dangerous.

What’s it all about?

It means that the bone has become infected. It may follow on from a severe blow to the bone. This weakens the surface resistance, and germs in the vicinity may gain access and set up infection. Symptoms include local pain, swelling and redness. Fevers and general constitutional symptoms may occur. In fact, the patient may be very ill. On the other hand, symptoms may be only minimal.
What about treatment? Is this necessary, and where?
Any obvious bone discomfort or swelling, especially if accompanied by general symptoms, needs prompt medical attention. It is essential that the infection does not gain a good foothold, for eliminating infections in the bone may be a long, tedious and difficult exercise. In the past, symptoms could go on for years, and discharging bones were a common sight.
Attending the doctor or a large hospital geared with the facilities for proper diagnosis and therapy is essential. Home remedies have no place until a treatment plan has been worked out for the particular needs of the patient. Giving the doctor as much backup support as possible is necessary and advisable.
Parents should be on the alert for persisting pain in legs and arms following what may, on the surface, appear to be fairly simple injuries.

Cushions add comfort and a stylish touch to most rooms. Newly covered cushions are also a relatively inexpensive way of livening up a monotone color scheme, as they require little fabric compared with curtains (drapes) or blinds (shades). Simple shapes such as squares and circles show off strong colors and patterns to the best advantage, and both shapes can be decorated with frills, piping or both combined.

Both types of cushion shown here have a zip (zipper) inserted in the hack seam -a neater method than making the opening in a side seam. A zip is the most convenient method of fastening a cushion cover, making it easy to remove for laundry. You can close the opening with a row of slip stitches, which you will need to remove and then replace whenever you launder the cover.

Frills and piping in matching or contrasting fabric add interest and a nice finishing touch to round and square cushion covers.

Choose sumptuous fabrics for cushion covers to complement curtains and wall coverings for a harmonious decorating scheme.

MAKING A SQUARE CUSHION COVER

1. Measure the cushion pad, and add 12 mm/1/2 in all around or ease plus 12 mm/1/2 in for seam allowances. Pin and stitch the centre-back seam 12 mm/1/2 in from the raw edges, making sure to leave an opening large enough to accommodate the zip (zipper).Press open the seam.

2. Pin and tack (haste) the zip in position at the opening, allowing the fabric to meet centrally over the zip teeth. Using a zip foot on the machine, carefully machine stitch the zip in place.

3. Press the seam allowances around the zip. Open the zip, making sure that the fabric does not catch in the teeth and that the ends are stitched securely. With the zip still open, place the front and back pieces together so that the right sides are facing.

4. Pin and machine stitch twice around the edge, 12mm/1/2 in from the raw edges. Carefully clip away the surplus fabric close to the stitching at the corners, in order to reduce the bulk. Press the seams and turn the cover to the right side through the zipped opening. Press the seams, insert the cushion pad and close the zip.

MAKING A ROUND CUSHION COVER

1. Measure the diameter of the cushion pad, and add 12in all around for ease plus 12 mm/1/2 in for seam allowances. Make a paper pattern to this size using dressmaker’s pattern paper. Pin this on to the fabric and cut out one piece for the front of the cover.

2. Rule a line across the paper pattern to mark the position of the back seam. The line should measure approximately 12.5 cm/5in longer than the zip (zipper).Cut the paper pattern  along this line.

3. Pin both pattern pieces on to the fabric and cut them out, remembering to allow an extra 12 mm/1/2 in for the seam allowance on the straight edge of each piece.

4. Pin and stitch the back seam, leaving an opening long enough to accommodate the zip. Finish off the cover in the same way as the square cover (see opposite page).

PIPING

1. Fold a piece of fabric in halt diagonally and press the fold. Open out the fabric and mark out strips parallel to the fold about 4-5 cm/11/2-2 in apart. Cut out the strips. Join the strips with a flat seam to make the required length. Place the piping cord along the centre of the strip, fold it over and pin. Tack (haste) and stitch close to the cord.

2. Lay the covered cord on the right side of the fabric, with raw edges aligning, and tack in place. Cover with a second piece of fabric, right-side downwards and with the raw edges marching. Stitch the layers together along the seat using a zip (zipper) foot on the machine. Remove the tacking stitches. Make up the cover in the usual way.

MAKING A FRILL

For this you will need a piece of fabric that is twice the depth of the finished trill plus 3 cm/1 in, and between 1 1/2 and 2 times the outside measurement of the cover (you may have to join several strips together).

1. Join the ends of the strips together with a flat seam. Fold the strip in halt length ways with the wrong sides facing. Make one or two rows of running stitches along the raw edges of the strip, taking the stitches through both layers and leaving a long end of thread at one end of each row.

2.Gather the frill by pulling up the long threads until the frill is the correct size to fit around the cushion front. Wind the long threads around a pin to secure them and then even out the gather with your fingers.

To add a trill to either a square or round cushion, align the raw edge of the frill with the raw edge of the front cover, right sides together. Tack (haste) and sew the frill in place, then make up the cover in the usual way.

Genesis 18:1-33

A short time later, Abraham had three visitors. Abraham knew that one of the men was really the Lord. He walked with the three to a hill. From there they could look down at the city of Sodom.

The Lord said, “I have heard how terribly evil the people are who live in Sodom. If it is true, then I will destroy that place.”

The two men who had traveled with the Lord were really angels in disguise. They set off for Sodom.

Abraham wanted very much to ask the Lord a question, but did he dare? He knew, though, that the Lord was his Friend, as well as his God. So he swallowed hard. “Lord, what if there are fifty good people in Sodom? What will happen to them?”

“I will not harm the city if there are still fifty good people.”

Then Abraham asked again and again, each time using smaller numbers, would God spare the city for forty-five good people, for forty, thirty, twenty, or for ten? Each time the Lord said yes.

There were not ten good people in Sodom, but four. The only bright spot in the evil city of Sodom was a man named Lot. Lot was Abraham’s nephew. He lived in Sodom with his wife and two daughters.

Lot met the angels, who were disguised as men. “Come to my house. There you will be safe from the mean people here.”

The people of Sodom tried to hurt the angels, though. The angels told Lot, “You must come with us. The Lord cannot stand this bad place. He’s going to destroy it!  We will help you run away, but you must not look back!”

Just a few hours later, the Lord rained fire onto Sodom. Lot and his family were safe, but Lot’s wife looked back to watch. Instantly she became at all stone!

God had kept his promise to Abraham. He took care of the good people in Sodom.

Daniel 2:1-13

Soon after Daniel became the king’s adviser, King Nebuchadnezzar kept having a terrible dream. He called all his wizards. “This dream upsets me, I want to know what it means.”

The wizards said. “Yes, Your Majesty tell us your dream and we’ll find out what it means.”

But the king answered “No. You must first tell me what I dreamt, then what it meant. If you can’t do this you and your homes will be torn to pieces. If you can do this thing I’ll give you rich gifts and great honor.”

The wizards thought maybe they had not heard right. So they said again. “Let the king tell us his dream, then we’ll be glad to tell him what it means.”

The king grew angry. “Oh no you don’t, you’re just trying to trick me. Now listen! You tell me my dream and then you can tell me what it means!”

“But no king has ever asked this of his magicians!”

The king became even angrier. He stood up and pointed at all the wizards whining and mumbling in front of him. “Enough! If you cannot follow this order, then I’ll have you killed!”

So the order went out to kill all the king’s wise men. The order included more than just the wizards; it meant all the king’s advisers. That meant Daniel and his friends would be killed too! Daniel and his friends prayed together. Late that night, Daniel had a vision. He thanked the Lord, then ran to see the king.

“Can you really tell me what I dreamt? Can you say what it means?” The king asked.

Daniel said. “No but there is a God in heaven who can; you saw a horrible statue. Its head was made of gold, its chest and arms were made of silver, its waist and hips of bronze, its legs of iron and its feet of both iron and clay.

“A great stone broke loose from a cliff and destroyed the statue, piece by piece. The stone grew to become a mountain which covered the whole earth. “That was the dream and the meaning is that each part of the statue is a different kingdom. You, as king of Babylon, are the head. After you will come another kingdom, and then another. Then finally a fourth kingdom, as strong as iron, will rule. But it will be a divided kingdom.”

God had shown the king how Babylon would fall to Persia, and later, Greece which would be followed by Rome. Rome was the divided empire. Then God would work the greatest miracle of all, using His own Son, Jesus. His would be a different kingdom, based on peace, not war. Daniel went on to talk about this time, so very far in the future.

“While the divided kingdom rules, God will set up another kingdom which can never be destroyed. It will last forever. That is the great stone, cut from the mountain by the same great God who has shown these things to the king.”

The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the greatest and wisest!”

Then, the king made Daniel the most powerful man in Babylon, next to the king himself.

Many years passed and King Nebuchadnezzar soon forgot what he had said about Daniel’s God being the only one. Instead he built a giant statue of gold and called this his god. He sent out an order.

“Whenever the royal music is played, everyone must fall to the ground and pray to this statue. Anyone who doesn’t, will be thrown into a blazing furnace to die.”

Before long the king’s men noticed that the three best friends of Daniel were not praying to the golden statue. If they had, they would have broken God’s law. This law said, “I am the Lord your God. I will be your only God. Do not make statues and worship them.”

When Nebuchadnezzar heard this he sent for Daniel’s friends. He called them by their Babylonian names.”Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, is it true you will not worship my statue?”

The three men stood firm. “We can never worship your god. Even if we are thrown into the blazing furnace, our God is able to save us from it.”

Nebuchadnezzar burned with anger. He ordered his soldiers to tie up the three men. “Take them away! And see that the fire is seven times hotter than usual!”

The soldiers threw Daniel’s friends into the furnace. However when they did it was so very hot and the soldiers were the ones who died! Then, the king saw something which was even more amazing. The three men were no longer tied up! They walked between the flames but they did not suffer at all. But, even more astounding, was that a fourth man was in furnace with them and He shone brighter than the fire itself. Could this have been Jesus Himself, sent by His Father to comfort the three men?

The king ordered the men to come out. When they walked out of the fire, the fourth man disappeared. Daniel’s friends were safe!

The king shook his head.”Incredible! Surely your God is the greatest. He protects those who trust Him. From now on no one is allowed to say anything bad about your God.”

Undescended Testes happens fairly frequently. Normally the testes descend from the body to the scrotum shortly before birth. But occasionally they seem to get lost. They may partially descend, then return to the body. This may keep on occurring. Alternatively, the testes may have developed in an abnormal manner, and are situated in some different place. This is termed an ectopic testis.

The testes belong in the scrotum from birth onwards. If they remain in the body, as age progresses, the sperm-producing capacity is adversely affected and infertility may take place in later life.

The other may be very hazardous. Testes remaining in the body have a high risk of turning cancerous. What’s more, it may be a very serious, rapidly growing and spreading type.

Undescended Testes Treatment

If a parent notices the testes are missing or come and go, referral to the doctor is essential, and the sooner the better.

What treatment is carried out? This will vary with the patient and the exact diagnosis. Some doctors prefer to give hormonal treatment a trial run first. They administer the hormone chorionic gonadotrophin, and this is occasionally successful in bringing the testes into the scrotum.

What if this fails?

And fail it often does. Then a surgical approach is taken. This is invariably successful. The testes are found and anchored securely into the scrotum. The operation is quite straightforward; the patient rapidly recovers, and usually the beneficial effect is lifelong. It is a highly successful procedure. But as you said earlier, the sooner a parent takes action, the better. Never neglect any disorder in this region. It’s often quite obvious, and a check is very simple.

There are 3 types of decorative cornice commonly used in today’s homes. The first type is roving, a relative of sheet plasterboard (gypsum hoard), which consists of a concave hollow-hacked plaster core sheathed in a strong paper envelope. It is fixed in place with adhesive. The second is molded cornice; this is made either from traditional fibrous plaster or from modern foamed plastics to imitate the ornate decorative cornices often found in older buildings, and comes in a range of profiles. Plaster types must generally be secured in place with screws because of their weight, but plastic types can simply be stuck in position with adhesive. The third type is a machined wooden trim with a similar profile to plasterboard cornice, and is either nailed direct to the wall framing or to a nailing strip or barren (furring strip) in the angle of the wall and ceiling.

Apart from its decorative appearance in framing the ceiling, a cornice can also help to conceal unsightly cracks. These often open up around the ceiling perimeter as the ceiling expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity, or as the building settles.

FITTING A CORNICE (CROWN MOLDING)

1. Hold a length of cornice squarely in the wall/ceiling angle and draw 2 guidelines on the wall and ceiling surfaces. Cut any mitred edges.
2. Remove any old wall coverings from between the guidelines by dry scraping them. Cross hatch painted or bare plaster to key the surface.
3. Either mix up powder adhesive or use already mixed type. Using a flat scraper ‘butter’ the adhesive on to both edges of the rear of the cornice.
4. Press the length into place between the guidelines, supporting it if necessary with partly driven masonry nails. Remove the nails (if used) once the adhesive has set.
5. Fit the adjacent corner piece next. Here, the next section also incorporates an external mitre; measure and cut this carefully before fitting the length.
6. Complete the external comer with a further length of cornice, hurting the cut ends closely together and ensuring that the length fits between the lines.
7. Fill any slight gaps at external and internal angles with a little cellulose filler(spackle), applied with a filling knife (putty knife) to leave a crisp, clean joint, sand the filler smooth once it has hardened.
8. Before the adhesive hardens, use a damp sponge to remove any excess from wall and ceiling surfaces and also to smooth over the filled joints.

CUTTING A CORNICE (CROWN MOLDING)

1. Make up a large mitre block big enough to hold the cornice, and use this and a tenon saw to make accurate 45° cuts for internal and external corners.
2. Some cornice manufacturers supply a paper template that enables cutting lines to be marked accurately for internal and external corners.
3. When using cut pieces to complete a wall, mark off the length required directly, square a line across the cornice with a pencil and cut it to length.

Abdominal pain

This can be caused by indigestion, colic or wind, and antacids or charcoal tablets will help to relieve the symptoms quickly. Anyone suffering from abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting or fever should be seen by a doctor.

Bad breath

Bad breath may simply be the result of smoking or eating spicy foods, but can also be caused by gum disease. Cleaning teeth regularly and using dental floss will ensure the health of gums and, with the use of antiseptic mouth washes, the problem should disappear. If gums are not the problem, there may be a digestive disorder and you should seek the advice of a doctor.

Chickenpox

In the first few days a slight fever may occur, which can be treated with paracetamol. Try to prevent a child from scratching the spots, as this may lead to infection. A daily bath or shower will prevent the spots from becoming infected, and calamine lotion applied afterwards will help to reduce and relieve the itching.

Colds

Resting as much as possible and taking plenty of fluids will help to clear up a cold quickly. Aspirin or paracetamol will help to reduce the discomfort and lower fever, and medicines containing decongestants will ease congestion.

The herbalists’ traditional standby is an infusion of equal amounts of peppermint (Memiku piperita),elderilower (Sumbucus nigra) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Taken hot just before going to bed, this will induce a sweat, and if the cold is caught early enough, may stop it altogether.

Cold sores

After the initial infection, the virus that causes cold sores lies dormant in nerve cells until, under the right conditions, it re-activates and causes the familiar blistering. The blisters are highly contagious, so avoid touching them as the virus can easily be transferred. Cold-sore creams are available from chemists (drugstores). They should be applied when the symptoms of prickling start, but before blisters appear.

Constipation

Lack of dietary fiber and exercise, and an insufficient fluid intake can cause constipation. Eat plenty of foods containing bran, whole meal (wholegrain) bread, vegetables, pulses and fruits. If the problem persists, it would be advisable to see a doctor.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

The main launches of alternative medicine are: acupuncture, the ancient Chinese practice of inserting needles into the body to restore the balance of vital energy, which can be used for a wide range of conditions, including headaches, sprains and even strokes. The others are osteopathy and chiropractic, which involve the manipulation of bones and joints; and homeopathy, which takes into account the patient as a whole rather than just the physical symptom and treats them accordingly. You may wish to try some of the homeopathic remedies, available at many chemists (drugstores) and health food shops, for nesting simple complaints at home, but for a full diagnosis of a serious complaint, it is essential to see a qualified homeopathic doctor.

If you do try alternative medicine for treating more serious conditions, let both your orthodox doctor and the alternative practitioner know about each other. Tell each of them what the other has prescribed and about any medicines or treatments you are already having. Make sure you see a fully qualified practitioner before embarking on any new treatment.

Convulsions

Convulsions usually affect small children and are often the result of a high fever. These are known as febrile convulsions, and will only last for a few minutes at a time. Reduce the child’s temperature by sponging with tepid water. Once the convulsion has passed, paracetamol elixir will help to reduce the fever. Always call a doctor even when the convulsion has stopped.

Coughs

Numerous cough remedies are available, depending on the type of cough, ask your pharmacist for advice. Whichever treatment you use, if a cough does not improve within a few days, seek professional help, especially for children. Breathing in steamy air can help to loosen phlegm, and inhaling a few drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water can have a cleansing effect.

This is an area where herbs are of special benefit; if in doubt get qualified treatment. Choose from one or a mixture of the following, taken as warm infusions. Coltsfoot (Tictsilagofatfara), one of the best cough remedies, particularly for irritating, spasmodic coughs, will soothe, loosen mucus and reduce the spasm. llyssop(1-1,tssopus officinalis) is a calming and relaxing expectorant for a cough that is associated with restlessness and irritation. For a harsh, dry and painful cough always include marshmallow (Althea ojicinalis) in a mixture, to ease the soreness. Thyme (Thymus valgaris) is powerfully antiseptic and relieves a dry cough linked with a respiratory infection. As an expectorate, white horehound (Manubiunt valgare) frees up thick, sticky mucus.

Aromatherapy oils used in a steam inhalation can help a cough do its job mote effectively; they can be chosen to soothe the lining of the air passages, fight infection if needed, and loosen mucus to make it easier to be removed. Soothing oils include benzoin and lavender; thyme and eucalyptus are antiseptic; and frankincense or marjoram increase expectoration. Choose a blend that you like the smell of. Essential oils have an ancient link with water and have been used since classical times.

Diarrhea

Loose, frequent bowel movements can happen as a short term reaction to infection, inflammation or food poisoning, and as such are quite a positive, cleansing action. A common experience is holiday diarrhea, and this is usually a response to exposure to unfamiliar bacteria.

As a herbal treatment if mild food poisoning or infection has upset the bowels, try eating garlic as a natural gut disinfectant. Agrimony (Aggiimontacapawria), astringent and healing to the inflamed and swollen membrane lining the gut, is helpful in mild gastro-enteritis. Chamomile, (Chamomillarecutiut), one of the first herbs for many digestive disorders, is calming and anti-inflammatory, and so reduces the impact of tension on the digestive tract. Meadowsweet (Filipenduio ulmaria) will help to settle an acidic stomach. Ribwort (Amigo lanceolaut) has excellent toning, soothing and healing properties for use in diarrhea from many causes where there is inflammation. Thyme (Thymuscalgaris) will fight infections and improve digestion generally, settling churning, loose bowels and killing harmful bacteria.

Massage of the abdomen with antiseptic and relaxing oils like chamomile, lavender and neroli can ease diarrhea caused by minor upsets and also by anxiety and nervousness. Eucalyptus can be used in the same way if an infection is definitely suspected as the cause. Add fennel or ginger if there are griping pains with the diarrhea. For all these oils, dilute to 3 per cent in a base oil.

Causes of diarrhea vary, some foods have a laxative effect naturally, for instance prunes or figs, so over indulgence will give temporary diarrhea. Stress and anxiety often increase peristalsis and hurry bowel contents through. Repeated diarrhea may indicate more complex digestive problems and should be treated professionally. Prolonged diarrhea, especially in young children, can be quite serious as it causes dehydration; ensure adequate fluid intake and seek professional advice.

A simple yet dramatically effective rehydration drink can be made by dissolving 5 ml/1 tsp salt and 15 ml/ 1 tbsp sugar in 600 m1/I pt/21/2 cups of boiled water. Keep in the refrigerator in a screw-topped bottle and give small amounts frequently, use for a short time only.

Earache

This can be the result of a heavy cold, or of an infection of the inner or outer ear causing pain and deafness. Aspirin or paracetamol will help the pain. See a doctor if fluid builds up behind the ear causing it to rupture and the fluid to seep out.

Hot compresses over the ear are the most effective home herbal treatment; chamomile (Chamontitla recutita) maybe used as an infusion for this purpose. Taking garlic internally will help to reduce any catarrh and fight infection. If on professional examination the eardrum is not perforated, then crush some garlic into 5 m1/1 tsp of olive oil; this is warmed to blood temperature and a few drops gently inserted into the ear for a local antibiotic.

Two very good essential oils to draw the inflammation outwards as hot compresses are chamomile and lavender; or try a combination of both. The pungency of garlic and other bulbs and fruits, speeds up the metabolism and acts as an antiseptic.

Ear ache in children

Ear aches, especially in children, need to be treated quickly as an infection within the middle ear can be both painful and damaging. Speedy home help can be very useful to avoid these problems, but get medical help if the ear ache worsens or persists.

Eye infections

Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection that results in sticky eyelids and sore, bloodshot eyes. Make up a dilute solution of 1 part bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) to 20 parts of boiled and then cooled water, and use cotton-wool (absorbent cotton) swabs to gently ease the sticky ‘glue’ from the eyelids. Always use a fresh swab on each eye.

Food poisoning

The sufferer should have plenty of rest and only be given fluids for 24 hours. With an adult, call a doctor if the condition does not improve within this period. Food poisoning can be more serious with children and the elderly, so they should be watched carefully. Call a doctor straight away if a baby or young child is suffering from sickness and diarrhea.

Hay fever

Hay fever symptoms can be similar to those of a common cold. Antihistamine medicines can be prescribed by your doctor, and air purifiers in the house can help to reduce airborne irritants.

Headaches

A doctor should be seen for long-lasting, acute and recurring headaches, as they could be caused by another ailment. However, a rest in a quiet, and possibly darkened, room, a cold compress on the forehead and an analgesic will be sufficient to deal with most headaches.

Indigestion

This can be caused by eating too large a meal or rich and spicy foods, or by eating in a hurry or just before going to bed. For immediate relief take antacids. Alternatively, 2.5 ml/1/2 tsp of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) dissolved in a glass of water will relieve indigestion.

Herbal teas may well sort out indigestion. Choose from the following. Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) relieves the effects of over-eating, and being in a stressed state. Lemon balm settles a churning stomach due to nervous indigestion, whether related to meals or not. Meadowsweet is good for acid indigestion, especially if accompanied by some looseness in the bowels. Peppermint (Meruha piperita) is good for indigestion coupled with flatulence and bloated abdomen, or even nausea. Also think of taking slippery elm (Minus fiduct) if indigestion pains are persistent, either 5 ml/1 tsp of the powder thoroughly blended in a cupful of water, or the pure tablets, with one or more meals, to soothe the stomach.
A warm compress of some essential oils, including chamomile or lavender, may give some relief. For mild indigestion, try gently massaging a 2 per cent dilution of either of these into the abdomen.

Influenza

The symptoms of influenza often include fever, aching muscles, nausea, headaches, a cough, a sore throat and a running nose. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent a secondary infection from causing additional problems. Otherwise, rest in bed, plenty of fluids and an analgesic: taken every 4 hours should help.

Note: the first symptoms of meningitis can be similar to those of influenza. If the symptoms shown are accompanied by vomiting, a stiff and sore neck and joints, a skin rash, bruising or some patchiness of the skin and an aversion to bright lights, call a doctor at once.

Insomnia

Irregular working hours, depression, stress or being in an unfamiliar room can lead to sleeplessness. A doctor can prescribe drugs to help, but try to restrict their use as it is easy to become dependent on them.

A milky drink before going to bed can be relaxing, avoid alcohol and stimulants, such as coffee and tea, as these will all only exacerbate the problem. A walk during the day in fresh air and a warm bath before going to bed may also help.

Measles

All children should be immunized against measles, but can suffer from the disease before then if they come into contact with an infected person. A blocked nose, fever and conjunctivitis are the first symptoms, followed a few days later by a red, blotchy rash spreading from the head down wards. Call your doctor to see whether the child should be examined. Otherwise, give plenty of fluids and paracetamol elixir to reduce the fever.

Mumps

This is a viral infection of the parotid glands, which are situated just in front of and below the ear. Discomfort and fever can be reduced by giving either paracetamol or aspirin, or paracetamol elixir to young children. The virus is usually infectious for up to 6 days before the swelling appears, and for 10 days after the onset of the swelling. Adult men can suffer from swollen testes and should visit a doctor.

Nausea and vomiting

The remedy of first choice is probably ginger (Zingher officinalis); either take frequent sips of a weak tea, or 10 drops of tincture in a little water, or chew a small piece of fresh ginger. Another possibility, say, for travel sickness, is to chew a little crystallized ginger, or drink flat ginger ale. Other potentially useful herbs to settle the stomach are chaitunnile (Chamomilla recurita), croon balm (Melissa officinalis) and peppermint (Mentha piperita); try weakish herb teas. All these herbs aid digestion and so can help to sort out the causes of nausea as well as the symptoms themselves.
Causes of nausea or vomiting can usually be linked to specific things, eating too much rich food, or drinking too much alcohol, anxiety or travel are common triggers. Continual feelings of nausea indicate greater disturbance; again this may be obvious as in 1110Minp, sickness of pregnancy. Where the cause is not obvious, and if symptoms are not quickly cleared up with self help, get medical advice as soon as possible. Children in particular can easily become dehydrated.

Occupational hazards

Many occupations involve excessive use of the voice, e.g. teaching, and sore throats are common place. The regular use of herbal gargles can ease this discomfort, and help you prevent loss of voice or an actual infection. Keep the throat moist by drinking liquids.

Parasites

At one time or another, most children and some adults suffer from parasites.
Fleas: are usually passed on to their host by cats, birds or other pets, or in infected bedding, carpets or upholstery. Treat animals with a veterinary insecticide. Where flea bites have occurred on your skin, use an antiseptic wash to prevent infection. Spray throughout the house with a flea killer and vacuum thoroughly.

Head lice: these are tiny brown insects with 6 legs. They feed on blood and lay eggs (known as nits) which are attached to the base of the hair shaft. They are usually found behind the ears and cause irritation. If head lice are detected, the whole family should be treated with insecticidal shampoo.

Tapeworm: eggs can be seen in feces. Consult your doctor, who will prescribe a suitable medicine.

Threadworms: live in the lower bowel and lay eggs around the anus, causing itchiness. The eggs are minute, but occasionally a fine, thread-like worm may be seen around the anus or on bedding. A doctor will prescribe a suitable medicine to eradicate them.

Ticks: these live in long grass and will latch on to humans and animals to suck blood. Remove with tweezers, using a rocking motion to release them then wipe the area with an antiseptic.

Sore throats

With increased airborne pollution, smoky, dry atmospheres in air-conditioned buildings and so on, sore throats are more and more common. The irritation can range from an annoying tickle to a rasping soreness, and may be linked to other infections. Where the throat inflammation, or pharyngitis, also extends down to the larynx, the voice may be affected.

If possible, use the following herbs as tinctures for gargling; if unavailable then use cooled infusions: agrimony (Agrimorda eupatoria), sage (Salviaofficinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) are all astringent, toning up the membranes, the latter two also being quite antiseptic. For a more powerful effect try using a tincture of myrrh (Cutraniphura mulmol), together with one or more of the others. If making infusions, add two liquorice sticks to give a more soothing effect, or else use marshmallow (Althea officinalis) leaf in equal amounts with the other herb(s).

With essential oils such as benzoin or thyme, use steam inhalations. One drop only of essential oil of lemon on2.5 ml(1/2, us!) of honey acts as a local antiseptic, as well as being soothing.