How to Pass Final Exams

If you’re a student, exams are an important part not only of any class, but also your final grade. Preparing throughout the semester is the most effective way to do well on your final exams. Ultimately, there’s just no shortcut for knowing the material. However, even if it’s the night before your final exam and you’re feeling unprepared, don’t panic. There are things you can do to help you pass your exams.

EditSteps

EditPreparing Throughout the Semester

1. Read the syllabus. At the beginning of any term, teachers or professors will usually hand out a syllabus with the assignments and expectations for a class. Make sure you read the syllabus carefully to know exactly what you need to do to pass the course.^[1]
   
   • Make sure to pay attention to the breakdown of how assignments, attendance, and exams factor in to your grade. This will help you prioritize how much you need to study, and where to focus your attention.
   • If you have any questions on the syllabus, ask the professor. It’s much better to ask a question at the beginning than plow on with no idea of what you’re doing.
2. Attend class regularly. You cannot successfully pass a class or exams if you do not attend the class. This will allow you to hear vital lectures and take notes, as well as help you understand your readings and assignments.^[2]
   
   • Most exams are based on what happens in class, so skipping class is never advisable. Some teachers will penalize absences, meaning you might not even pass the class if you skip.
   • Teachers and professors usually discuss what is on an exam during classes, so if you aren’t in class you can’t get this crucial information.
   • If you cannot attend class, let your professor know in advance. Ask her what you will miss in class and if there is anything you can do to make up for the absence and get the information.
   • Don’t ask your teacher or professor questions like “Did I miss anything in class yesterday?” The assumption is that all days give you valuable information, and questions like this come across as disrespectful of your teacher.
   • Don’t “zone out.” Sometimes, it’s tempting to play solitaire or check your phone during class instead of listening, especially if you’re in a class you feel you understand pretty well. However, you might miss something important if you do this. Stay attentive for the whole class period.^[3]
3. Take notes. Lectures and discussions are a key component to a class and contain information you will need to pass the exams. By paying attention and taking notes throughout the term, you will have a built in study aid that will help you effectively study without scrambling for additional information.^[4]
   
   • Come prepared. Use a binder or notebook, and bring pens or pencils to class. If you will be discussing things from a book, bring a highlighter too. Teachers will often say things like, “This passage is very significant for understanding ____ in general” or “Make sure you understand the information in this sidebar.” If your teacher notes something specific in class, mark it immediately.^[5]
   • Taking notes is a delicate balancing act between getting too little and too much information. You don’t want to write down everything a professor says, just the important information. For example, it’s less important to know what type of planes bombed Dresden in February of 1945 than why the bombing was significant for World War II.
   • Try using keywords instead of trying to copy out full sentences. Trying to take dictation from your professor could mean you don’t get the essence of what’s really important. Try using key phrases and words instead of full sentences.
   • Take notes by hand. Studies have shown that people learn more by writing notes instead of typing them in to a computer or recording them on a device.^[6]
   • Check out some note-taking systems. There are a bunch of systems for learning how to take notes. Cal Poly has information on several types, along with their pros and cons.^[7]
4. Do all reading assignments. Most professors and teachers will assign reading during the semester and then draw upon this as they write the exam. By doing the reading assignments, you will not only be able to participate in class discussions, but will also have the information you need to pass the exam.
   
   • Make sure to take notes on the reading assignment as you read. Just like taking notes from lectures, you only need to write down the most important information.^[8]
   • Skim back over your reading assignments every few weeks. You don’t have to go through everything in-depth, but going back over the main points will help them “gel” in your memory, so you can access them later on the exam.
5. Do papers and other class assignments. Since class assignments are usually meant to help you learn a subject more thoroughly, it’s important that you do them. They may even serve as practice for an exam question.
   
   • The material you use and produce for any type of assignment may show up on an exam. Everything from math or scientific problems to short essays will help you be prepared and pass an exam.
   • Participating in class discussions will also help you pass an exam because it gives you a chance to verbalize and work out your thoughts with other students and the professor.

EditPrepping for Each Exam

1. Know where you stand in the class. It’s important throughout a term to know what your grade is. If you keep this information in mind, it will help you know how much time you need to devote to studying for an exam.
   
   • If you aren’t sure what your grade is, check your syllabus. Most teachers give “weights” to assignments and other course elements (participation, etc.). You should be able to get a rough idea of how you’re doing from this.
   • If you’re still unsure about your performance, talk with your teacher.
2. Find out what material the exam is going to cover and what format it is. Teachers and professors have different methods and formats for final exams. Some will make an exam comprehensive, while others will only test on a certain section of the material covered in class. Some exams are essays while others are multiple choice. Finding out what information the exam will cover and its format can help you more effectively study.^[9]
   
   • Check the syllabus to see if this information is on there. Paying attention in class will also help, since most teachers and professors will announce what material the exam will cover.
   • If you are not sure or missed a day of class, you can ask your teacher or professor, but it’s important to not annoy them with repeated or overly detailed requests. Simply asking “could you please tell me what material I need to know for the exam” is enough to direct your study time.^[10]
3. Understand how you study best. Every individual learns differently. Knowing the conditions under which you study best will help you most effectively learn and retain information that you need for your exam.^[11]
   
   • For example, if you know that you need absolute silence to concentrate on the material you need to learn, you can either study in a library or in a quiet room at home. You may also be someone who needs a little noise or commotion to help you focus.^[12]
   • ”Multitasking” is a myth. While you might think you’re able to watch TV, text your friends, and study for exams at the same time, your brain simply can’t handle that many competing streams of information. Give yourself some quiet, dedicated study time, and leave the other stuff for your leisure time.^[13][14]
4. Prioritize your study time. Figure out which exams are the most important and devote the most study time to them. By doing this you will optimize your study time and help ensure that you pass your exams.^[15]
   
   • If you are in college and have an exam in one of your major or minor fields, you’ll want to give the most time to studying for these exams over general education courses, for instance.
   • If you are doing poorly in any class, devote enough time to studying for this class to make sure that you pass it and don’t have to repeat it.
5. Start studying early. It is never too early to start studying for a final exam, but a month before the test date is a good time to begin your preparations. This will ensure that you’re not cramming information too close to the exam and then forgetting it on test day.^[16]
   
   • You can study simply by reviewing your notes for 20-30 minutes a day. If you have questions, ask the professor.
6. Study. No matter in which class you have an exam, from the easiest subject to the most difficult, you need to study. Even if it’s only reviewing class notes for 30 minutes, studying the material from your class will benefit you on the final exam.
   
   • Study by reviewing class notes, thinking of discussions, or going to a study group will often remind you of information you forgot over the course of the term.
   • It’s important to have confidence that you will pass. But beware of overconfidence, which can sabotage your ability to think clearly about an exam.
   • Consider making free associations between information you learn and what you know. You can also make up things to help you out.^[17]
   • It may also help you to write index cards with information you need to know.
7. Join a study group or class study session. Taking part in a study group or attending a class study session can be very useful in understanding course material for an exam. Just make sure that you’re actually studying and not socializing.^[18]
   
   • Study groups with friends or classmates can be very helpful study tools. Every person has different strengths with learning and material you may not understand someone else likely will.^[19]
   • Teachers and professors will sometimes offer study sessions for their classes. These are an excellent opportunity to learn material that will likely be on an exam as well as ask any lingering questions you may have.
8. Switch up your study spots. Studies suggest that changing your environment after spending a long time studying in one place can help improve your brain’s retention.^[20] Having a couple of different study spots -- your room, a quiet coffee shop, the library -- may help boost your brainpower.^[21]
   
9. Do a practice exam. Practice exams are an excellent, highly effective way to study for tests. They will help you relax and point out any weak areas you may have going in to the final exam date. In fact, some studies suggest that practice-testing is a more effective way to study than highlighting, re-reading, or summarizing material.^[22]
   
   • You can take any essay or problem and use it as your mock exam.^[23]
   • Make sure you do the mock exam in the same allotted time as the actual exam.^[24]
   • If you test yourself just twice, you will remember 75-80% of the material two weeks later. With no practice tests, that figure is just 20%.^[25]
10. Stop studying. At some point, you cannot study any longer without stressing yourself out or confusing yourself. Within a day of the exam, set aside your study material and be confident in the fact that you’ve done the work.^[26]
    
    • You will not learn a lot of new content within 24 hours of an exam.^[27]

EditCaring for Your Body and Mind

1. Get enough rest. It may sound like a good idea to stay up all night cramming, but without sleep, your brain just won’t function. Almost all students pull all-nighters at some point, but they can have damaging effects on your brain for up to four days.^[28]
   
   • Stick to your regular sleep cycle as much as possible. Disrupting your sleep schedule by staying up too late or waking up before your body has fully rested messes with your REM (rapid-eye movement) sleep, which will leave you feeling sluggish and can hinder your memory.^[29]
   • Set aside a specific time to study for an exam and use that time wisely. Then, go to bed!^[30]
   • Take off at least one full day a week to give your brain and body a chance to rest and recover from studying.
2. Eat well. If you’re not eating properly, your brain won’t be able to function at its best. Getting enough nutrients will allow your body and brain to function optimally on exam day and while you study. Make sure that you eat at regular intervals and don’t mindlessly snack on junk.^[31]
   
   • Try starting your day off with complex carbohydrates, such as oatmeal and whole grains. Complex carbohydrates help your body produce energy that your brain needs to perform.^[32] Because they digest slowly over a longer period of time, you’re less likely to get nasty blood sugar spikes and crashes, too.
   • You might also want to incorporate some eggs into your diet. Eggs contain choline, which is linked to memory and cognitive performance.^[33]
   • Oily fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, are also tied to brain function. A salmon croquette isn’t going to ace your test for you, but the protein and nutrients will definitely help boost your brainpower.^[34]
   • Avoid simple carbohydrates and processed sugar. These may give you a temporary energy bump, but they cause crashes and fatigue later. If you crave something sweet, go for fruits -- especially those that contain vitamin C, which may help improve your mental functioning.^[35] Salty snackers may prefer pumpkin seeds or nuts, which have vitamin E and zinc.
3. Stay hydrated. It’s tempting to load up on caffeinated beverages when you’re studying for final exams, but be careful. Caffeine is a diuretic, meaning it will dehydrate you. It can also give you a wicked case of the caffeine jitters. Dehydration can cause fatigue, so drink plenty of plain, clear water.^[36]
   
   • Adolescents (under 18) should limit caffeine intake to about 100mg a day.^[37] Depending on the variety, that can be as little as a single cup of coffee, or two 12-ounce cans of cola.^[38] Adults should keep caffeine intake between 200mg-400mg a day.^[39]
   • Men need, on average, 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day. Women need about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of water per day.^[40]
   • Get yourself a refillable water bottle. You may be more likely to drink water from a bottle than a glass, especially if you often drink bottled soft drinks.
   • Avoid alcohol, especially the night before a big exam. In addition to the hangovers and other nasty side effects, alcohol dehydrates you, which can cause fatigue on test day.
4. Use visualization. There are several ways that visualization can help you feel more prepared for a final exam. You can use “outcome and process visualization” to help you imagine achieving your goal, and relaxation visualization to help you destress.^[41]
   
   • Use outcome and process visualization to imagine yourself achieving your goal. Imagine what it looks like for you to pass your final exam. Imagine this success in as much detail as possible. Then, imagine the steps you need to take to achieve your goal. In this case, things like “taking notes,” “going to class,” and “studying” are obvious steps you could envision.^[42]
   • Use the “palming method” of visualization to help you relax. Close your eyes and cover them with the palms of your hands. Don’t touch your eyeballs. Imagine a scene that’s very relaxing to you, such as a day at the beach or curled up in bed with a good book. Picture as many details as possible to make it realistic, and spend 1-2 minutes enjoying the relaxing scene. Open your eyes and wait 1-2 minutes, then repeat the visualization scene. This process will give you a “safe place” to help you feel calm and relaxed before you sit down to your exam.
5. Reduce your anxiety. This probably sounds counterintuitive: you wouldn’t have anxiety if you weren’t worried about passing your final exam, right? However, research shows that anxiety blocks your ability to focus, which can really put a damper on your studying and test performance.^[43] Try some relaxation techniques when you’re feeling freaked out.
   
   • A few minutes of deep breathing will oxygenate your brain and help you feel relaxed and ready to perform. Inhale deeply through your nose for a 4-count. Hold the breath for 1-2 seconds, then slowly release the breath through your mouth for a 4-count. Repeat this 6-8 times per minute for 5 minutes or so.^[44]
   • Try yoga. The deep breathing and meditation in yoga have been scientifically shown to reduce test anxiety.^[45]
   • Try the “tensing and differential relaxation method.” This involves tensing and relaxing your muscles all at once. Put your feet flat on the floor while sitting in a chair. Grab the seat. Push down with your feet, and pull up on the chair at the same time for 5 seconds. Relax for 5 seconds, then repeat 2-3 times.
6. Get some exercise. Physical exercise has been proven to reduce stress. It also helps you get better sleep, improves your alertness and concentration, and can even enhance how your brain functions.^[46] Regular aerobic exercise can even boost your learning and memory!^[47]
   
   • Get at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity, such as jogging or brisk walking, per week.^[48]
   • Try things that get your heart rate pumping, like swimming, jogging, martial arts, or even dancing.
   • A little is better than none. Even 20 minutes a day of cardio can boost your memory.^[49]
7. Take regular breaks. Study breaks are important for several reasons. There’s a limit to what your brain can handle in any one study session. Trying to push past that without giving your body any time to recover will just leave you tired.
   
   • Your brain consumes glucose when you’re studying. Give yourself a mini-break (5 minutes or so) every hour. Stretch, take a short walk, or grab a brain-boosting snack such as fruit or almonds. This gives your body time to replenish your glucose stores.^[50]

EditPerforming on Exam Day

1. Cram for the exam. If you didn’t have time to prepare for your exam in advance, you may need to cram, or learn as much as possible in a short period of time, for the exam. It’s not a very effective way to study, but cramming is better than not preparing at all.
   
   • Read over your course notes the morning of the exam. Figure out if there were any subjects the professor highlighted in lectures and focus on these.
   • If you haven’t done any reading, read the introductions and conclusions of any article and books. This will help you figure out the most important arguments and facts about a subject.
   • Have a study group with friends the night before the exam if you can. Talk through any points that you may not understand.
   • Review the hardest stuff right before you go to bed the night before the exam. This may help you recall it more easily during test-time.^[51]
2. Stay calm. You will likely be a bit nervous on the day of the exam, and it’s important to stay as calm as possible so that you can effectively take the test. There are different ways to help calm yourself, including have a good breakfast and taking a walk.^[52]
   
   • A good meal will give your body and brain energy to perform their best during the exam.
3. Eat and drink to stay alert. You want to make sure that your body and brain are as alert as possible before and during an exam. Eating and drinking the right foods and beverages will help ensure that that you not only are awake but also attentive to your exam.
   
   • Don’t eat heavy meals before an exam, which will divert blood from your brain for digestion. Soup or a salad with some protein are good, light choices that will give you energy without weighing you down.
   • Make sure that you’re hydrated before an exam. One of the symptoms of dehydration is fatigue, so bring a bottle of water with you.
   • You can have a cup of coffee or tea if you like. One or two cups may temporarily increase feelings of alertness.^[53] The effect wears off fairly quickly, however, and more than two cups could actually cause impairment, so use moderation.^[54]
   • Chewing mints or mint gum will also help you stay alert. Studies have shown that mints or mint gum increased alertness, accelerated reaction time, and increased how people process information.^[55]
   • Don’t load up on sugar just before a test. If you’re craving something sweet, try dark fruits (plums, blueberries, etc.) or a small square of dark chocolate.^[56]
4. Be confident. If you’ve attended class, taken notes, done the assignments, and studied, you can be confident that you’re ready to take the exam. Having this confidence and visualizing yourself passing the exam will help you be successful.
   
   • If you attended class, did your work, and studied, you can be confident that you will pass the exam.
   • If you took the time to go to a study session or discuss the exam and your standing in class with your professor, you can have confidence in your ability to pass the exam.
   • Knowing that you have formulated a plan to complete each section of the exam will also instill confidence in you.
5. Arrive before the exam starts. In order to help yourself remain calm, make sure to arrive at the exam room before the exam starts. This will not only relax you but also ensure that you can get settled in to take the test.
   
   • Make sure to find out where your exam is ahead of time, and note the location in a place you can easily find it later.
   • Set an alarm so you arrive on time. In fact, setting more than one alarm may help you feel more at ease.
6. Pace yourself. You only have a certain amount of time to complete an exam, so pace yourself as you work. This will ensure that you get through every section of the exam.^[57]
   
   • Before you start, read over the entire exam and identify the easiest, most difficult, and most time consuming sections of the exam.^[58]
   • Break the time of the exam down by section. For example, if you have two hours to finish two essays, you can take one hour to compose each. Or if there is one essay and eight identification and short essays, you can break this up based on time as well as your strengths and weaknesses.^[59]
   • Decide on the best strategy for you. After you’ve read the exam, figure out the best strategy to finish the exam based on your strengths and weaknesses.^[60]
7. Attack the exam strategically. After you’ve given the exam a once-over, approach it strategically. This will help you maximize your knowledge and avoid getting “stuck” on things you don’t know.^[61]
   
   • Answer easy questions first. Not only will this get them out of the way, it can help boost your confidence for the harder stuff.
   • Eliminate any obviously wrong answers. If you can, cross out any answers that are obviously wrong. Even if you don’t know the right answer, you increase your chances of guessing correctly.
   • For essay questions, write an outline before writing the essay. Note down your main “argument” or thesis plus the main points you want to hit. This will help you stay on track as you write your response.
   • Review your answers before you submit your exam. Look for any incomplete or missing answers, errors, etc.^[62]
8. Don’t cheat. Whatever you do to pass an exam, never cheat. Looking at your notes, writing information on your hands, and copying off of another person’s exams are all forms of cheating.
   
   • Cheating will guarantee not only that you fail a class, but also could have other significant consequences such as expulsion.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Feel Confident Before an Exam
• Cope With Exam Stress
• Offer Encouragement to Someone Who Has Failed an Exam or Test
• Relax Before Final Exams

EditSources and Citations

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How to Fix a Dislocated Shoulder

Dislocated joints, particularly of the shoulder, are painful injuries that cause immediate short-term disability — movement of the joint is essentially impossible until it's relocated or reset. The shoulder is especially vulnerable to dislocation because it's the most mobile joint in the body and people tend to fall with an outstretched arm, which puts the joint in an awkward position.^[1] It's always best to have a dislocated shoulder fixed or reset by a trained health professional, although there may be unusual (emergency) circumstances that warrant trying to do it yourself. Not resetting a dislocated shoulder in a timely fashion may eventually necessitate surgery to properly fix it.

EditSteps

EditDealing with a Dislocated Shoulder

1. Recognize the symptoms. A dislocated shoulder is usually caused by either falling onto an outstretched arm or the shoulder being impacted from behind. The injury causes sudden and severe pain, preceded by a popping feeling and/or sound. The shoulder will look visibly deformed or out-of-place, and swelling and bruising appear quickly.^[2] Moving the shoulder is not possible until it is relocated.
   
   • A dislocated shoulder hangs lower than the uninjured side and you can usually see a depression or groove in the lateral (deltoid) muscle of the shoulder.
   • A shoulder dislocation may also cause numbness, tingling and/or weakness down the arm and into the hand. If blood vessels are damaged, the lower arm and hand on the injured side will feel cold and turn a bluish color.
   • About 25% of first-time shoulder dislocations involve fractures of the upper arm (humerus) or shoulder girdle.^[3]
2. Immobilize your arm. While you're waiting to get medical attention, it's important to not move (or attempt to move) a dislocated shoulder because you may make the injury worse. A bone fracture, damaged nerve or ripped blood vessel may be involved, so any movement could have dire consequences. Instead, bend your elbow, wrap your forearm around your stomach area and hold it in position with a sling.^[4]
   
   • If you don't have access to a ready-made sling, then make one from a pillow case or article of clothing. Put the sling under your elbow/forearm and tie the ends around your neck. Slings immobilize and protect the shoulder from further injury, and often greatly reduce the degree of pain.
   • About 95% of shoulder dislocations are in the anterior direction, which means the upper arm bone (humerus) is pushed forward out of its socket.^[5]
3. Ice your shoulder. Getting ice or something cold onto a dislocated shoulder joint as soon as possible is important in order to inhibit inflammation, which usually translates into less pain.^[6] Ice causes small blood vessels to constrict (narrow), which limits the amount of blood and inflammation that can flow into and around the injured area. Apply the crushed ice to the shoulder for about 15 – 20 minutes at a time (or until the area feels numb) every hour or so.
   
   • Always wrap ice in a thin cloth, towel or plastic bag before applying it to bare skin — it'll help prevent frostbite or skin irritation.
   • If you don't have access to crushed ice or ice cubes, then use some frozen veggies from the freezer or a frozen gel pack.
4. Take pain medications. Once the dislocated shoulder is immobilized and covered in a bag of ice, consider taking some over-the-counter medication to further combat the inflammation and pain. The pain from a dislocated shoulder is often described as almost unbearable due to all the stretched and/or torn ligaments, tendons and muscles that occur, in addition to potential bone fractures and cracked cartilage. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn) are likely the best choices because they are strong anti-inflammatories, although acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be helpful for pain control also.^[7]
   
   • For a dislocated shoulder that also involves significant internal bleeding (you'll see lots of bruising), avoid ibuprofen and naproxen because they tend to "thin" the blood and reduce its clotting ability.
   • A muscle relaxant medication might also be indicated if the muscles around the dislocated joint are spasming. However, never mix different types of drugs concurrently — pick one or the other.

EditRelocating in Emergency Situations

1. Relocate your shoulder only in emergency situations. Under most situations, waiting for professional medical help is the best idea and certainly the safest way to go, but sometimes that's not possible. If you're in an isolated situation far from medical attention (camping, mountain climbing, traveling abroad), the potential risks of fixing your own shoulder — or that of a friend or family member — may not outweigh the benefits of experiencing immediate pain relief and increased arm/shoulder mobility.
   
   • As a general rule of thumb, if you can get medical assistance within 12 hours, then wait patiently and try to reduce the discomfort with ice, painkillers and a sling. If a much longer waiting time is apparent, particularly if you need some mobility in your shoulder to get to a hospital, then relocating your shoulder might be considered.
   • The main complications related to trying to relocate your own shoulder are: further tearing muscles, ligaments and tendons; damaging nerves and blood vessels; life-threatening bleeding; severe pain that results in loss of consciousness.^[8]
2. Ask for help in an emergency situation. If you're forced to consider relocating your own shoulder in an emergency situation, then realize that putting it back in without assistance is nearly impossible. As such, ask for help or offer to help someone else if in an emergency situation. People may be reluctant to help you because they don't want to cause you more pain or risk injuring your shoulder more, so try to reassure them and release them from any liability.
   
   • If you're needed to help someone else relocate his shoulder, make sure to get his consent and tell him clearly about your lack of medical training (if applicable). You don't want to face any litigation for trying to be helpful if things go wrong.^[9]
   • If you have a phone and can make a call, try contacting emergency services for advice and support. Even if they can't send medical personnel to you right away, they may be able to offer helpful instructions.
3. Lay on your back and abduct your arm. Probably the easiest way for non-professionals to relocate your shoulder joint is if you lay flat on your back with your injured arm away from your body at a 90 degree angle. Then get your friend or a bystander to firmly grab your hand or wrist and slowly (but firmly) pull on your arm, which will create traction. The person may have to position her feet against your torso for additional leverage. Pulling the arm at that angle allows the head of the humerus to slide under the bone of your shoulder blade and back into its socket with relative ease.^[10]
   
   • Remember to use a slow, steady pull (without any fast or jerky movements) directly away from the body until the shoulder re-articulates. If it successful, you will hear a "clunk" and feel the shoulder get back into position.
   • As soon as the shoulder relocates, the level of pain associated with the injury will reduce significantly. However, the shoulder will still be unstable, so make a sling and immobilize the arm if possible.

EditGetting Medical Attention

1. See a doctor as soon as you can. Getting to a doctor (or an appropriately trained medical professional) quickly is important when dealing with a dislocated shoulder because when the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the injury tighten up, the head of the humerus becomes very difficult to relocate without surgical intervention. Most doctors will likely want to x-ray your shoulder area before doing anything else in order to rule out a fracture.^[11]
   
   • If nothing is broken or badly torn, then the doctor can perform a closed reduction maneuver on the shoulder joint, although you may need a sedative, strong muscle relaxant or general anesthetic before the physical manipulation can be done due to the severe pain.
   • A common reduction method for the shoulder joint is called the Hennepin maneuver, which utilizes external rotation of the shoulder.^[12] While laying flat, the doctor will flex your elbow to 90 degrees and gradually rotate your shoulder outward (external rotation). Some gentle pushing while in this position is usually enough for the joint to relocate.
   • There are a handful of other reduction techniques that doctors use — it depends on what they feel comfortable with.
2. Prepare yourself for the possibility of surgery. If your shoulder is regularly dislocating (due to a bone deformity or ligament laxity), or if any bones are fractured or nerves and/or blood vessels ripped, then you'll need surgery to repair the damage and have the shoulder joint reduced openly.^[13] Surgery is sometimes the best option because it can fix internal damage and stabilize the joint, which greatly reduces the risk of dislocation in the future.
   
   • There are many different surgical procedures that are performed, so it depends on the extent of the damage and the patient's lifestyle/activity level as to which technique is used.
   • Some studies suggest that surgical "open" reduction may be the best course of action for active adults younger than 30 years due to lower recurrence rates and better quality of life outcomes.^[14]
3. Rehabilitate your shoulder. Regardless if you get a closed manual reduction or an open surgical reduction, you should get a referral for physiotherapy and strengthen your shoulder joint.^[15] Physical therapists, chiropractors and/or athletic therapists can show you specific stretches to regain full mobility and range of motion in your shoulder, as well as exercises that strengthen and tighten the joint so that it's unlikely to dislocate in the future.
   
   • It often takes two to four weeks of recovery before a referral to physical therapy is appropriate. Wearing a sling, applying ice and taking over-the-counter medications is all part of the recovery phase.^[16]
   • The total time to rehabilitate and recover from a shoulder dislocation ranges from three to six months, depending on the severity of injury and if the patient is an athlete or not.^[17][18]

EditVideo

EditTips

• After a few days when the pain / inflammation have ceded, applying some moist heat to your shoulder might help relax the tight and sore muscles. Microwavable herbal bags work well. However, limit heat applications to 15 – 20 minutes at a time.
• Once you've dislocated your shoulder joint once, you become more at risk of future dislocations, especially if you participate in contact sports.
• Relocate your shoulder as soon after the accident as you are able, as difficulty relocating it increases with time.
• A dislocated shoulder is different than a separated shoulder. The latter is a ligament sprain to the joint that holds the collarbone (clavicle) to the front part of the shoulder girdle — the glenohumeral joint is not dislocated.

EditWarning

• After relocating a dislocated shoulder, you should always check the pulse in the affected limb below the site of the dislocation. It should be the same as the other arm (unaffected limb). If there is a slower pulse or no pulse, then it's a medical emergency and requires immediate assistance, as cell death begins quickly and could result in loss of the arm.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Heal a Broken Toe
• Recover from Repetitive Stress Injury Due to Computer Use
• Heal a Bruise
• Survive a Car Accident as a Pedestrian
• Identify and Adjust a Crooked Shoulder
• Deal With a Dislocated Knee

EditSources and Citations

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How to Organize a White Elephant Gift Exchange

Edit Article

Two Parts:Basic GameplayVariationsCommunity Q&A

A white elephant gift exchange is a lighthearted way to have fun with your work colleagues, or at family gatherings. "White elephants" are traditionally presents that are undesireable but one cannot turn down: extremely tacky, nearly useless, silly or weird. In white elephant gift exchanges the goal is really to have fun. Most is to give everyone a chance to rid themselves of these tacky gifts—and invariably gain a new one!

White elephant gift exchanges can be run different ways. Some set rules that the item must be previously owned, which means that you are re-gifting an unwanted item or trinket. Others purchase a new, (generally inexpensive), item just for the party. The goal is to choose wacky, funny or entertaining gifts. Some encourage a mix of wacky gifts, and sensible if generic ones--after all, one person's trash is another person's treasure!

Steps

Part 1

Basic Gameplay

1. 1

   Set the rules for your group. Is this a re-gift party or are folks supposed to buy something new? How much can they spend? Make sure everyone understands the rules like whether they have to buy new things or not, and up to how much can they spend on the gift. You don't want one person to get a brand new video game console and another person to get a used pen protector.

2. 2

   Find that perfect white elephant gift.

   Get it gift wrapped or

   wrap

   the gift yourself, and bring it to the party stealthily. And feel free to have some fun with this.

   • Feel free to do a really silly wrapping job. Use plain brown paper, or even just stick it in a plain mailing envelope.
   • Do something silly. Feel free to wrap it with a different holidy theme than expected.
   • If you enjoy wrapping, feel free to do an excellent job. Go overboard, do every elaborate flourish.

3. 3

   Some great "White Elephant Gift" Ideas.

   If you're having trouble coming up with a gift that is both off-the-wall and appropriate, consider these gift ideas:

   • • Hideous jewelry
     • Perfume or lotion with an unpleasant scent.
     • Cheap, ugly statues or other decorative knick-knacks.
     • An obnoxious T-shirt, sweater, tie, or bow-tie.
     • Workout videos, particularly those with Richard Simmons.
     • A framed picture of your boss, (perhaps autographed) but only if the boss has a good sense of humor.

4. 4

   Be secretive about your gift. The idea is for people to not know who the gift is coming from. Once you get to work, place the gift into a gift box along with all the other gifts.

5. 5

   Write out consecutive numbers on small pieces of paper. Make numbers for however many people are participating in the gift exchange. For example, if there are 15 people participating, write out the numbers 1 through 15 on small pieces of paper, fold them once or twice, and throw them into a small bowl or bag.

6. 6

   Have everyone draw a number. The number will signify the order in which they choose a gift.

7. 7

   Begin with the person who draws #1. The first person chooses any wrapped gift in the gift box and opens it. Their turn ends. The first player will be given the option to exchange gifts with another player at the very end.

8. 8

   Have the next person choose whether they want to steal a previously-opened gift or choose an unopened gift from the gift box.

   • A person who has his/her gift stolen from them gets to either steal a gift from someone else or choose a replacement gift from the gift box.
   • You cannot immediately steal back the gift that was stolen from you. You must wait at least one round before stealing back a gift that was once in your possession.
   • A gift cannot be stolen more than once a turn.

9. 9

   Repeat in order of number. The person with the next-highest number either chooses a gift from the gift box or steals a gift from someone else. People who have gifts stolen can choose a gift out of the gift box or steal items that have not yet been stolen that round.

Part 2

Variations

1. 1

   Agree on and implement as many variations to the game as desired.

   There are lots of variation to the white elephant gift exchange. Look through a couple and decide which ones you want to implement

   before

   the game begins.

   • Mark gifts as gender-appropriate, where possible. Label a gift male-appropriate, female-appropriate, or unisex.
   • Cards containing instructions can be wrapped up to look like presents and placed into the gift box. The instructions contain rules such as "Recipient of this card chooses two presents, opens them both, and places one back into the gift box," or "Recipient of this card chooses a gift and cannot have their gift stolen." If you choose to work with these cards, be mindful of two things:
     • People who make cards with instructions have to bring both a card and a gift. There won't be enough gifts to go around if people who write cards fail to bring gifts.
     • Cards with instructions are tougher to implement if you choose to open the gifts at the very end. Obviously, it's impossible to "open two gifts and choose one" if you don't open the presents until the end.
   • The first player may be given the option to exchange gifts with another player at the very end. Because the first player doesn't have the option of stealing, they might be given it at the very end. This option works best when presents remain unopened until the very end; otherwise, the first player has a distinct advantage.

2. 2

   Experiment with stealing.

   There are many different variations on stealing in a white elephant gift exchange. Play around with a couple different variants.

   • An item that is stolen three times becomes frozen. After an item changes hands three times, it can no longer be stolen, and stays with the third person who stole it. Be sure to keep track of how many times an item is stolen on a notepad to avoid confusion.
   • Alternately, a limit can be placed on the number of times a person is stolen from (instead of the number of times an item is stolen). If you set the limit at three, for example, an item can be stolen however many times, so long as it's stolen from someone who hasn't reached his or her limit of three.
   • Place a limit on the number of steals per turn. If, for example, you limit the stealing to three gifts per turn, after the third gift is stolen, the player whose gift was just stolen must choose a gift from the gift box.

Community Q&A

Add New Question

• Can I get my own gift back?

  wikiHow Contributor

  It depends on the rules you set up ahead of time. Many groups decide to make this against the rules, but it is totally up to you.

• Should I put who the gift is from on a white elephant gift?

  wikiHow Contributor

  No, it's more fun if you don't know who the gift is from until the game ends.

• Are the gifts unwrapped so everybody knows what they are switching for?

  wikiHow Contributor

  No, the reason for a white elephant exchange is that they don't know what they're switching for, so their present can either be bad or good.

Unanswered Questions

• What is the story line to reading for the white elephant? I understand buying gift and so forth but isn't there a story you read out loud and it brings up numbers?

Show more unanswered questions

Ask a Question

If this question (or a similar one) is answered twice in this section, please click here to let us know.

Tips

• If you are hosting a white elephant party, you may want to choose a particular theme such as "home décor you no longer use" or "unusual tools." If your group is used to white elephant parties, this will make a fun new challenge.

Article Info

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,174,936 times.

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How to Have a Relaxing Spa Day at Home

Having a spa day at home can be just as relaxing and beautifying as a day spent somewhere expensive. Pick a day when you won’t have any interruptions, turn off your cell, and light some candles to set the scene. Then take a long, hot bath, give yourself a facial and complete the day with a mani/pedi.

EditSteps

EditTaking a Restorative Bath

1. Draw a hot bath. Fill your tub with water at just the right temperature, whether you like it piping hot or just this side of warm. While the tub is filling, dim the lights and light some candles. Beyond that, you can help yourself relax even further by doing a few of your favorite things. For example,
   
   • Pour yourself a glass of wine or make a cup of tea to enjoy while you soak. If you are a kid, you can pour yourself a glass of hot chocolate, apple juice,grape juice, fruit punch or just some water!
   • Put on your favorite music.
   • Light some incense.
   • Set out a fluffy towel or bathrobe.
2. Add bath salts, essential oils and other ingredients to the water. This is a great way to enhance your bath and give you the benefits of aromatherapy as well. You don’t have to limit yourself to bath salts. Feel free to add bubble bath, bath oils, bath beads, bath bombs, and anything else that helps you relax.
   
   
   • If you want, you could add milk and oatmeal to your bath, since these have a moisturizing effect and are great for dry skin.
   • Or try adding almond oil, jojoba oil or even a spoonful of coconut oil. You’ll come out of the bath with baby-soft skin.
3. Try a skin mask. At a spa you might be offered a choice between a seaweed mask and a mud mask. The former isn’t easy to do at home, but you can easily make yourself a “mud” mask using cosmetic clay. After it sits on your skin for a few minutes, you rinse it off. It leaves your skin feeling refreshed and smooth.
   
   
   • Mix up ½ cup of cosmetic clay and of water to make a thick paste.
   • Rub it over your arms, legs and torso.
   • Allow it to dry while your bath is running.
   • Rinse it off in the bath.
4. Massage your sore muscles as you soak. With all the hard work you do between spa days, you might have a sore back, legs, arms or neck. Take time to knead your muscles with your fingers to loosen yourself up in the warm water.
   
   
5. Exfoliate your skin. Use a loofah or a body scrub to completely exfoliate your arms, legs, and torso. Your skin will feel soft, smooth and healthy when you get out of the tub.
   
   • Use gentle circular motions to slough off the dead skin.
   • If you’d like, shave your legs and other body parts after you exfoliate.
6. Dry your skin and apply a nourishing lotion. Use a towel to pat your skin dry, then seal in the moisture by applying a lotion or body cream to your arms, legs, and torso. After your body is covered in lotion, put on your bathrobe to give it time to absorb into your skin before you get dressed.
   
   

EditGiving Yourself a Facial

1. Gently exfoliate your face. Wet it with warm water and use a washcloth or a facial brush to scrub away the dead skin. Be sure to use a gentle circular motion instead of applying pressure, since your facial skin is sensitive and could stretch and wrinkle if you handle it roughly.
   
   
   • Facial scrubs also work well. Buy one at the store or make your own by mixing up the following ingredients: olive oil, 1 tablespoon ground almonds or ground oatmeal, and 1 teaspoon water. Use it to scrub your face, then rinse it off with warm water.
2. Give yourself a steam treatment. Fill a small pot with water and heat it on the stove until it begins to steam. Drape a towel over the back of your head and hold your head over the pot to allow the steam to caress your face. Hold it there for two to three minutes to get the full benefits of the steam.
   
   
   • Be sure not to hold your face so close that it feels extremely hot. Your face should feel very warm, but not uncomfortably hot.
   • Increase the pleasure of a facial steam by adding a few drops of essential oil to the pot. Lavender, tea tree oil and rose oil all have a relaxing effect.
3. Do a face mask. Doing masks at home is a lot of fun, and they leave your face as soft as a baby’s skin. Use a facial mask from the store or mix up a recipe using household ingredients. Apply it to your face for fifteen minutes, then wash it away. Here are a few popular mask options:
   
   
   • For dry skin: Mix 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon olive oil and
   • For regular skin: Mix 1 teaspoon honey and 1 smashed banana
   • For oily skin: Mix 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon cosmetic clay
4. Moisturize your face. Trap in the moisture from your facial treatments using a good cream on your face to end the process. You can use either a storebought cream or a little facial oil, like jojoba, argan, or almond oil. These oils balance your skin without causing acne.
   
   
   • If your skin is very dry, use coconut oil. However, if you’re prone to getting clogged pores, coconut oil might lead to pimples.

EditDoing a Mani and Pedi

1. Remove your old polish. Start with a clean slate by removing the old nail polish from your fingernails and toenails. Use acetone-free nail polish remover if possible, since acetone dries out your nails.
   
   
2. Soak your fingers. Prepare a bowl of warm water and soak them for five minutes with your nails completely submerged. This will soften the nails and cuticles to make them easier to shape.
   
   • Don’t use oils or soaps in the bowl of warm water. It’s better to use plain water so there won’t be residue on your fingers when you paint them.
3. Trim and file your nails. Use fingernail clippers or scissors to shape each of your nails into crescent shapes, rounding off the edges. Use a nail file to smooth rough spots and even out the shapes, so that all of your nails look professionally trimmed.
   
   
4. Push back your cuticles. Take a cuticle pusher or orange stick and gently push back your cuticles so they’re no longer visible on your nails. Be very gentle, and do not rip or trim the cuticles, since you need them in place to protect your fingers from infection.
   
5. Apply your polish. A good manicure has at least three coats: a base coat, a color, and a topcoat. Some people like to apply more than one color coat to ensure maximum coverage. Let your nails dry completely between coats to prevent smudging.
   
   
   • The best method for painting your nails neatly is to paint one stroke on either side, then fill in the middle.
   • If you want to paint a design on your nails, do it after the color coat, then add the top coat last to seal it in.
6. Soak and exfoliate your feet. Feet often get neglected in daily care, but this is your spa day, so take the time to do it right! Soak your feet in the tub or in a bowl filled with warm water. If your feet are dry or callused, use a pumice stone to remove the rough spots.
   
   • Some tough calluses need extra help coming off. Try a callus shaver or another instrument designed to remove dry skin.
7. Trim and polish your toenails. Shape your toenails with clippers, making sure to round off the edges to prevent ingrown toenails. Either go all out and do a three-coat pedicure, or simply apply a coat of clear polish to protect and enhance your toenails.
   

EditVideo

EditWarnings

• Be careful when applying the facial mask; don't get it too close to your eyes.
• Read the warning labels on the body scrub. Some are not okay for children.
• Never use peppermint essential oils. It makes you very, very cold.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Have a Relaxing Spa Day at Home

EditSources and Citations

• Videos provided by Jennifer Chiu

How to Get a Blood Test

Expert Reviewed

Three Parts:Getting a Blood Work OrderHaving Your Blood DrawnKnowing Why You Should Get a Blood TestCommunity Q&A

Doctors order blood tests for a variety of reasons. This is because there is almost no better indicator of overall health than the number of levels and other factors that can be measured through a blood test. Unfortunately, for many people taking a blood test is a very nerve racking and uncomfortable thing to do. Not only is someone sticking a needle into your veins and causing you pain, but they’re extracting blood (sometimes in large quantities) from you before your eyes. Thankfully, having your blood taken is a relatively short event. It’ll be over quickly, and afterwards you’ll be able to rest assured knowing that your doctor will have important information about your health.

Steps

Part 1

Getting a Blood Work Order

1. 1

   Talk to your doctor.

   The best person to determine if your signs or symptoms demand a blood test is your doctor. If you need one, she will prescribe it and provide you with a blood work order.

   • If your doctor orders blood work, make sure you have it done as soon as possible.
   • If you’re afraid or anxious about the blood work itself or the potential results of the blood test, talk to your doctor. She can reassure you — the best way to treat what is causing you heath issues is to identify the problem. The results of your blood test can help you begin proper treatment.
   • Make sure to listen to and talk to your doctor about any special instructions and things you may need to do before the blood is taken.

2. 2

   Discuss blood work with a nutritionist.

   You might need your blood work ordered for non-medical purposes. One of these purposes is to ascertain if your diet and nutrition is what it should be to support your overall health. In this instance, consult a nutritionist and see if he wants to order blood work to determine your vitamin and mineral levels and to find out if you have any deficiencies that should be addressed. You might consult a nutritionist in the case of:

   ^[1]

   • Pregnancy
   • The advice of a medical professional
   • You have diabetes, absorption abnormalities, and/or food sensitivities/allergies
   • If you are a vegetarian, vegan, or subscribe to any other non-traditional diet

3. 3

   Talk about potential blood work with a sports medicine doctor.

   If you're an athlete, suffer from certain muscular problems, or have suffered some sort of muscular injury, your sports medicine doctor might also order blood work. Blood work can tell your sports medicine doctor a lot of information about muscular health and potential problems like arthritis and similar afflictions. Ultimately, your sports medicine doctor will be the best person to decide if you need blood work related to skeletal and muscular health.

   ^[2]

4. 4

   Consult with your naturopathic specialist about blood work.

   Naturopathic specialists or doctors combine natural remedies and medical science to treat an array of afflictions. Depending on the reason you are consulting a naturopathic specialist, he or she might order blood work to help them determine how to treat you. Naturopathic doctors might order blood work in order to help them determine:

   ^[3]

   • Gluten intolerance
   • The treatment of headaches
   • Hormonal imbalance
   • An array of other problems

5. 5

   Have your blood tested without a medical professional.

   Today, many labs are increasingly allowing individuals to have their blood drawn and tested without an order or prescription from a medical professional. If you for some reason want to have your blood tested, you may be able to find a lab that will test your blood without any blood work order. For more information, contact local blood testing labs in your area. Just because you have this option, however, does not mean you should do it; getting your blood tested without the help of a medical professional is not recommended. Consider the following:

   • If you order your own blood work, you won't have the ability to have a doctor interpret it for you and then prescribe a treatment, if needed. Many tests need to be interpreted by a medical professional.
   • Information on the internet is not always credible. You may want to get your blood drawn and use information you found online to interpret the results but, this is not a reliable way to read test results.
   • Even if you read the test results correctly, you may be unable to get the treatment necessary without a doctor to write a prescription.
   • Some labs only offer a handful of blood tests without a doctor-prescribed blood work order.
   • This service might not be available in your area.^[4]

Part 2

Having Your Blood Drawn

1. 1

   Prepare for your blood test.

   Depending on the type of blood work your doctor or other medical professional has ordered, there are a number of things you need to do to prepare for the test. This is necessary to make sure that the diagnostics performed on your blood provide accurate data. Some preparations could include:

   • Not eating or drinking for up to 12 hours.
   • Discontinue use of certain medications.
   • Other preparations as ordered by your doctor.^[5]

2. 2

   Take your prescription to a hospital or lab.

   After your doctor has evaluated whether you need blood work or not, take your prescription to a hospital or lab. You’ll likely wind up at a specific lab that specializes in collecting blood work and other specimens from people. The lab will either run the blood there or send it off to a central location for testing.

   ^[6]

3. 3

   Provide the phlebotomists with information.

   When you are called in at the lab or hospital, a phlebotomist (a person trained to extract blood from patients) will sit you down and may ask you questions. Cooperate with the phlebotomist. She is not there to cause you trouble or to harass you. The phlebotomist is just doing her job. Questions she might ask you could be for a variety of reasons, including:

   ^[7]

   • To verify your identity
   • To find out if you have allergies to latex
   • To calm you down or relax you

4. 4

   Relax your arm.

   When the phlebotomist goes to take your blood, you need to relax your arm. Try to stay relaxed, otherwise the phlebotomist will have a tougher time finding your vein and taking your blood. Staying rigid and not relaxing could cause unneeded pain to yourself and exacerbate an already uncomfortable situation.

   • Do not clench your muscles.
   • Your palm should be facing up.

5. 5

   Let the phlebotomist draw your blood.

   After you relax your arm, the phlebotomist will then draw your blood. Ultimately, this is the moment you've been waiting for. The actual blood being drawn won't take too long, so relax.

   • The phlebotomist will locate a vein from which to take blood, then clean the area with an alcohol swab.
   • The phlebotomist will create and tie a tourniquet on the arm to help blood collect.
   • The phlebotomist will position the needle at a 15 degree angle and stick it into your skin.
   • You'll feel a slight stinging, but nothing significant.
   • The blood being drawn will take from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on how much blood and how many samples (tubes) the phlebotomist needs to take.^[8]

6. 6

   Avoid making yourself anxious.

   As the phlebotomist is drawing your blood, try to avoid doing things that might cause you anxiety, and push negative thoughts aside. If the sight of blood makes you feel faint, don’t look at the blood being drawn out of your arm. If you’re fascinated by it, feel free to look. Just remember, this is a normal and necessary procedure that needs to be done to determine your health. The blood drawing procedure itself won’t hurt you.

   ^[9]

   • Close your eyes and hum if that helps.
   • Think about something else if you get anxious.
   • Joke with the phlebotomist or talk about anything but the fact that blood is being drawn out of your arm.

Part 3

Knowing Why You Should Get a Blood Test

1. 1

   Get a blood test for routine monitoring.

   It is recommended that most people have blood work run every year or two to monitor their blood levels and other vitals. As a result, blood work is often ordered as a part of routine annual physical exams. Ultimately, blood work is one of the only ways to determine if a person’s health is stable or failing. Some important levels that bloodwork monitor include:

   • Blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels can indicate the onset of diabetes or other metabolic disorders and diseases.
   • Cholesterol levels. Cholesterol levels are indicative of cardiovascular system health.
   • Red and white blood cell levels. These are indicative of your overall immune system’s health.^[10]

2. 2

   Have a blood test if you have an unidentifiable illness or pain.

   Often times doctors will order blood work if you have been ill and they have been unable to identify the cause of your illness or if you have been experiencing pain and the source cannot be identified. In this case, blood work will help your doctor figure out what is causing your sickness or pain and then prescribe the appropriate medication or treatment to treat you.

   ^[11]

3. 3

   Run your bloodwork if you’ve been exposed to dangerous contagions.

   One reason why you might need blood work is if you’ve somehow been exposed to a viral or bacterial contagion. In this event, your doctor will order blood work in order to determine if you’ve contracted an illness and what type of illness you have contracted. Some examples of contagions that a doctor might order blood work for include:

   • Hepatitis
   • Mononucleosis
   • Bacterial infections — A blood test might be able to help your doctor determine what bacteria is causing your sickness.
   • Other rare viral infections

4. 4

   Check your blood for other potentially life-threatening ailments.

   Sometimes people exhibit signs or symptoms of life-threatening diseases or other ailments. One of the only ways to determine if you’ve contracted one of these diseases is to have blood work done. Such ailments include:

   ^[12]

   • Cancer
   • Diabetes
   • Thyroid disease
   • Kidney disease
   • Liver disease
   • Pancreatic malfunction
   • Gall bladder dysfunction

5. 5

   Submit to a blood test for drugs or other controlled substances.

   Sometimes doctors or employers will have blood work ordered in order to determine if employees have taken illicit drugs or other controlled substances in the recent past (though a urine-based DNA gas analysis test is usually more accurate and commonly used). In the case that an employer orders a test, he will refer the employee to a doctor who will order the blood work. Blood tests can detect many types of controlled substances, including:

   ^[13]

   • Amphetamines
   • PCP
   • Marijuana
   • Cocaine
   • Opiates

6. 6

   Test your blood for various non-life threatening reasons.

   Doctors will order blood work for a variety of non-life threatening reasons. Ultimately, there are a large variety of reasons a doctor will want to order blood work. As the best indicator of overall health and genetic makeup, blood tests are invaluable for such monitoring. Some reasons include:

   • Testing for pregnancy
   • Testing for vitamin or mineral deficiencies
   • Genetic testing
   • Thyroid level testing
   • Amino acid level testing

Community Q&A

Add New Question

• When can I have a blood test? Can I just ask for one?

  wikiHow Contributor

  Go to your doctor and ask him or her to order a blood test for you. Then make an appointment at a nearby lab.

• Why do the phlebotomists sometimes take more than one tube of blood?

  wikiHow Contributor

  Whoever has requested the blood test (your doctor, most likely) asked for more than one vial. Extra vials are needed for testing for more than one condition, like diabetes or hepatitis.

Ask a Question

If this question (or a similar one) is answered twice in this section, please click here to let us know.

Warnings

• Any time the skin is pierced allows for risk of infection, as our skin is the first layer of defense against infections. Piercing the skin breaks the barrier. Keeping the site clean and and dry will help avoid infection. Signs of infection can be redness, swelling, pus/drainage from the insertion site, fever and general weakness and/or fatigue.

Article Info

Featured Article

Categories: Featured Articles | Health

In other languages:

Português: Fazer um Exame de Sangue, Español: obtener un análisis de sangre

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 44,927 times.

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How to Make Fairies in a Jar

Ever wanted to capture some fairies? This article will show you several ways on how to make your very own fairy jar using ordinary materials that, with a little bit of imagination, can look just like tiny fairies!

EditSteps

EditMaking a Basic Fairy Jar

1. Plan to make the project in the evening. This project will require glow sticks. Unfortunately, glow sticks only glow for a certain amount of time, so it would be best to do this project in the evening when it is already dark. This way, you will not be wasting any of your glow sticks' "glow" time.
   
2. Find a suitable jar for the fairies. You can use any size jar you want, but keep in mind that the smaller the jar is, the more glow you will get. A larger jar will have a less intense glow, and may require more glow sticks. You can also use a bulb-shaped glass bottle with a cork stopper.
   
   • Consider using a tinted mason jar. You can also tint the jar yourself by mixing a glossy decoupage glue with a few drops of food coloring, and then painting the jar with it.
3. Purchase some glow sticks. Any sort of glow stick will work, but the 6-inch (15.24 centimeters) glow sticks will have better results than the bracelets or necklaces, which do not glow for very long. The size of your jar will determine how many glow sticks you will need to buy. The larger the jar is, the more glow sticks you will need.
   
   • You will need two to three glow sticks, depending on the size of the jar. For example, a 16-ounce (473.18 milliliters) jar will need two to three 6-inch (15.24 centimeters) glow sticks.^[1]
   • Consider purchasing a long-lasting glow stick. Most glow sticks only shine for only shine for 2 to 3 hours, while others will shine for 4 to 6 hours. Some glow sticks, however, will shine for up to 12 hours. The package will tell you how many hours the glow stick will shine for. The longer the glow stick shines, the longer you will be able to enjoy your fairy jar.
   • Consider purchasing multiple colors of glow sticks. Most glow sticks come in basic colors, such as: red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and white. You can create new and exciting colors by combining existing ones. For example, if you mix blue and green together, you will get teal.
4. Activate the glow stick. Hold the glow stick with two hands, and bend it in half until you hear a "snap." This will shatter the glass tube inside the glow stick and release the chemicals that cause it to glow.
   
   
5. Hold the glow stick over the jar and cut one of the ends off. You can use a craft knife or a pair of scissors. Glow sticks are no-toxic, but the chemicals can burn and irritate your skin. Protect yourself by wearing some rubber gloves for this step.
   
   • Adult supervision is required for this step.
   • Consider placing a small, tightly-woven strainer over the mouth of the jar. The strainer will catch any bits of glass that might fall out of the glow stick. Do not use this strainer for cooking or baking after this project.
6. Pour the contents into the jar. Turn the glow stick upside down and pour the liquid into the jar. You may have to shake the tube a little bit to get all of the liquid out.
   
   
   • If there are any large pieces of glass inside the jar, you can scoop them out using a plastic fork or spoon. Discard the fork or spoon after using it; do not use it again for eating.
7. Sprinkle in some glitter. You can use any type of glitter you want, but iridescent glitter will give you the best results because it will allow the glow to shine through. How much glitter you use will depend on the size of your jar as well a your preferences. For example, for an extra glittery 16-ounce jar (473.18 milliliters), you will need ¼ cup (32 grams) of super-fine glitter.
   
   
   • Consider using shaped pieces of glitter, such as flowers, hearts, and stars.^[2]
   • Consider mixing super-fine glitter and chunky crafting glitter in different colors for an interesting effect.^[3]
8. Consider adding some filler. The glow stick fluid will cause the glitter to stick to the sides of the jar, but you can make the glitter appear as though it is suspended inside the jar by adding filler, such white tulle or organza.^[4] You can also use clear, iridescent cellophane. Simply cut a piece of your chosen filler, and scrunch it inside the jar. You want it to be big enough so that fits loosely into the jar, but not so big that it completely stuffs the jar.
   
9. Close the jar tightly and shake it. Be sure the glow stick material and glitter coats the inside walls of the jar.
   
   
10. Decorate the jar. You can make your jar extra special by painting the lid or even covering it with some glitter or pretty fabric. Read the section in this article on decorating your jar for more ideas.
    
11. Take the jar into a dark room. The glow stick fluid will shine during daylight, but it will be even brighter and more effective in a dark room.
    

EditMaking a Reusable Fairy Jar

1. Purchase some battery-operated LED string lights. The best lights for this project are the miniature LED string lights with a small battery pack. They are often used to decorate miniature villages and houses. You can also use ordinary-sized LED string lights, but make sure that they are battery operated and that the wire is not too long. Look for something with a silver or white-colored cable. You are using LED lights because they do not produce as much heat as regular lights.
   
   • If you are planning on filling your jar with moss, then consider getting some lights with a green cable instead.
2. Find a suitable jar for the fairies. You can use any sort of jar you want, but make sure that the battery pack to your lights can fit inside the mouth of the jar.
   
   • Consider using a tinted jar. You can also make your own tinted jar by mixing a few drops of food coloring with a glossy decoupage glue and painting the jar with it.
   • For a softer effect, paint the jar with a matte decoupage glue. This will soften the glow of the jar, so that you will see the lights, but not the wire.
3. Attach the battery pack to the inside of the lid. Tape your battery pack to the bottom of the jar lid. The battery pack will go inside the jar, and won't be visible once you finish decorating it. Make sure that you can still reach the switch. You could try taping the battery pack, so it will be easier to take the pack out and change/charge the batteries.
   
   • If the battery pack does not fit inside the jar or the lid, purchase a canning mason jar with a two-part lid. Get rid of the flat disk portion of the lid and keep the ring. Tape the battery pack to the top of the lid, and cover it with a piece of fabric. You will wrap a piece of ribbon or twine around the fabric after you put the lid on the jar to secure the fabric. The string of lights will go through the hole in the lid and into the jar.^[5]
4. Tuck the lights inside the jar. Spread them out so that they fill the entire jar.
   
5. Consider adding some filler. By adding some filler, such as white tulle, organza, or clear, iridescent cellophane, you can diffuse the light and make it appear softer. The filler will also help conceal the wires. Simply cut a piece of filler that is slightly larger than your jar and tuck it inside. You want the filler to be large enough so that it can be scrunched up loosely in the jar, but not so large that you have to stuff it in tightly.
   
   • You can also use some moss instead of tulle, organza, or cellophane. This will create a more forest-y effect.
6. Turn the lights on and place the lid on the jar. Flick the switch on the battery pack into the "on" position and place the lid on top of the jar. Screw the lid on tightly.
   
7. Decorate the jar. You may still see a bit of the battery pack. You can conceal it by wrapping a ribbon around the neck of the jar and tying it in a bow. For more decorating ideas, refer to the section in this article on decorating your fairy jar.
   
8. Enjoy the jar in a dark room. The lights will still be visible during daylight, but they will be even brighter and more effective in a completely dark room (especially if you made the jar look frosted).
   

EditMaking a Rechargeable Fairy Jar^[6]

1. Choose a clear jar. You can use any size jar, but make sure that the mouth is wide enough for you to be able to stick a paint brush into. You can use a glass jar or a plastic jar. A lid is not needed for this project. Whatever jar you decide to use, make sure that it is clear, as you will be painting the inside of it.
   
2. Clean your jar. Wipe the inside and outside of your jar with some rubbing alcohol. Any oil or residue left on the jar will prevent the paint from sticking to it.
   
3. Purchase some glow-in-the-dark paint. You can use fabric paint or acrylic paint, but make sure that the label says "glow-in-the-dark." Unlike glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark paint can be reactivated once the glow fades. This means that you can use this jar again and again just by leaving it in the sunlight so that it can "recharge."
   
4. Select your painting tools. You will be making little dots and speckles inside the jar with the paint. You can use a thin paintbrush to do this, or a long wooden skewer. You can even use different sized brushes and wooden skewers to create different sized dots for a more interesting effect.
   
5. Prepare your paint. Shake the bottle of paint to mix up the glow particles inside.^[7] Pour out about a teaspoon of paint onto a dish. Acrylic paint and fabric paint dry quickly, so you do not want to pour out too much paint at once, or it will dry before you finish using it. You can always pour more paint onto your dish if you run out.
   
6. Make little dots inside the jar. Dip your paintbrush or skewer into the paint and start making little dots and speckles inside the jar. If you are using multiple colors, work with one color at a time.
   
7. Let the paint dry before putting the lid back on. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, but refer to the instructions on the paint bottle for more specific drying times. Consider drying your jar in the sun or under a bright light; this will allow the paint to "charge."^[8]
   
8. Activate the paint. Leave your jar in a brightly-lit room or in some sunlight for 10 to 15 minutes.
   
9. Consider decorating the jar. You can paint the lid a different color, or over it with glitter or fabric. You can even place some filler, such as tulle, organza, or clear, iridescent cellophane inside the jar, For more decorating ideas, refer to the section on decorating your fairy jar.
   
10. Use the jar. Once the paint has been activated, take your jar into a dark room. The paint will glow and look like little fairies. When the glow starts to fade, simply leave the jar in some like for a few minutes before taking it back into the room.
    

EditDecorating Your Fairy Jar

1. Add a filler. Adding items, such as tulle, organza, cellophane, stuffing, or even moss can help diffuse the light and make the jar look more magical. When choosing tulle or organza, go for a very soft, pale color, or white. When choosing cellophane, go for something iridescent, as it will reflect the light better. You can also use teddy bear stuffing and pieces of moss instead.
   
2. Add a fairy inside the jar. Purchase a small fairy figurine, and glue her to the inside of the jar lid using hot glue or super glue. Screw the lid back onto the jar, and turn the jar upside down. The lid will now be the bottom of the jar, making it a sort of snow globe.
   
   • Consider gluing gown bits of moss, stones, and tiny flowers to the lid around the fairy. This will hide the bottom of the lid, and give the fairy a pretty home to live in.
   • If you cannot find a fairy figurine, you can make your own by purchasing a person-shaped figurine, and gluing craft butterfly wings to the back.
3. Paint the lid. You can make your fairy jar more colorful by painting the lid. Lightly buff the lid with fine-grit sandpaper, and wipe it clean with a damp cloth to get rid of any dust. Paint the lid with some acrylic paint using a paintbrush or a foam brush. You can also use spray paint instead.
   
   • If you are using spray paint, shake the can for a few moments until you can hear it rattle. Hold the can 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 centimeters) away from the surface and apply the paint in a light, even layer. Wait until the paint dries before applying a second layer. Make sure to spray paint in a well-ventilated area to avoid any light-headedness.
4. Add glitter to the lid. For a more sparkly lid, brush on a layer of glue onto the top of the lid. Don't paint the sides with glue just yet. Pour some glitter onto the lid. Gently lift the lid off your work surface and tap the glitter off. Wait for the glue and glitter to dry before applying glue and glitter to the sides.
   
   • Consider working over a sheet of paper. When you are done, fold the paper in half, and use it to funnel the excess glitter back into its container.
   • Consider sealing the glitter so that it doesn't shed. Wait for the glue and glitter to dry, then apply a thin, even coat of clear, glossy spray paint. Wait for the coat to dry completely before applying a second one.
5. Cover the lid with some fabric. Place the lid on top of some pretty fabric. Trace a circle around the lid—make the circle about 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) larger than the lid. Cut the circle out of the fabric and screw the lid onto the jar. Place the fabric circle on top of the lid and push the edges down around the sides of the lid. Wrap a piece of ribbon or twine around the neck of the jar, holding the fabric in place. Tie the ribbon or twine into a pretty bow.
   
6. Embellish the lid. Take a few colorful gemstones or rhinestones, and glue them onto the lid using hot glue or tacky glue. You can also glue beads, buttons, pretty rocks, or even a figurine to the top of the jar.
   
7. Tie a ribbon around the neck of the jar. You can also decorate the ribbon by gluing a flower or rhinestone in the middle of the bow.
   
8. Use a colored jar. Tinted mason jars come in different colors, including blue, green, and purple. They can help lend a more unique look to your fairy jar. If you cannot find a tinted mason jar, you can make your own by mixing a few drops of food coloring with a glossy decoupage glue. Paint the outside of the jar with the mixture using a paintbrush or a foam brush.
   
   • You can also paint the jar with a matte decoupage glue or matte spray-on sealer. This will give the glass a frosted look, and will work best with the battery-operated string lights.
9. Add fairy-shaped silhouettes. You can print out silhouettes of fairies and cut them out using a craft knife. Tape or glue the fairies to the outside of the jar.
   

EditVideo

EditTips

• Consider using fairy colors, such as white, pink, and purple.
• Because these jars glow, they will be more effective during the evening, when it is dark.
• While fabric adds a beautiful effect, be cautious if you use LED lights. Don't let them overheat.
• Decorate your jar to make it more interesting.
• Add bits of tulle or cellophane inside your jar to help diffuse the light.

EditWarnings

• Be careful when cutting the glow stick open. Glow sticks contain tiny pieces of broken glass.
• Avoid swallowing or touching the glow stick liquid. Although the packaging may say "non-toxic," the chemicals inside can still be harmful if swallowed or touched. The chemicals can burn and irritate the skin.^[9]

EditThings You'll Need

• Jar with a lid
• Glow sticks (method 1)
• Rubber gloves (method 1, recommended)
• Scissors (method 1)
• Glitter (method 1)
• Glow-in-the-dark paint (method 2)
• Battery operated LED string lights (method 3)
• Ribbons, fabric, rhinestones, glitter, and paint (optional)

EditRelated wikiHows

• Make Glow Jars
• Make a Fairy House
• Make a Glowstick
• Make a Glow in the Dark Fluid
• Make Mason Jar Glow Stick Lanterns

EditSources and Citations

• Videos provided by BunnieClaire

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