The Learning Life

Get ready to LEARN

By Lowell Anderson

Throughout the new year, we’ll be looking at some specific skills you can improve to increase your ability to learn more effectively. Going along with the theme of a new year, one of the first things we’ll focus on is getting organized and preparing yourself to learn.

To make it simple, we’ll break it down into three steps:

Step 1: Decide what to learn. Although this may sound obvious, deciding precisely what you want to learn could be one of the most important actions you take.

All too often we set learning goals that are too ambitious, not specific enough or not customized to what is really important to us. This can lead to frustration, lack of progress and maybe even giving up.

Let’s say my goal for the year is to learn to play guitar better. Rather than just commiting to playing an hour a day, I may decide I want to learn 15 songs really well. In addition I may decide I need to learn all the basic scales, some specific chords, and a few new expressive techniques. Although these might not be the only things I practice, making them a priority will move me toward my goals a lot quicker. Then, I can decide on new priorities and goals and keep moving ahead.

The key is to not try to learn everything all at once and to be clear on precisely what it is you really want or need to learn first.

Step 2: Develop a learning plan. Now that you’ve clarified what you are going to learn, it’s time to decide how you will go about learning it. This could include when you will learn, how much time you will commit to learning, and even where you will do your learning. It will also include deciding on a learning method, which could include actual classes (in person or online), learning from books or web sites, or using a variety of sources to find whatever is needed at the time.

Step 3: Get supplies. What you need for supplies will vary with what you are learning, just make sure you have what you need before you get started. Depending on how you are learning, you may need books, a laptop, notebooks, pens and highlighters, and digital resources. Also, make sure you have whatever you need to stay organized and take notes, whether it’s a paper notebook or software on a computer.

Regardless of what you are learning, taking some time to get organized and prepared before you get started will go a long way toward ensuring that you meet your goals this year.

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What to do about dry skin in winter

Low temperatures, cold winds and dry indoor air can make skin lose moisture in winter. Here are some tips to help you keep your skin soft and hydrated this season.

TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS. Long, hot showers might be enjoyable, but they also remove your skin’s protective oils and dry it out even more. Spend less time in the shower or bath, and opt for lukewarm water instead.

USE THE RIGHT SOAPS. Gentle cleansers or creams that contain nut butters or oils, for example, will protect your skin against damage while also keeping it hydrated. You should also avoid using exfoliants.

MOISTURIZE REGULARLY. For deep-penetrating skincare, use fat-based body butters and moisturizers or thermal water. If your skin is particularly dry, choose a rich, soothing cream. For best results, apply the product immediately after showering or washing your hands while your skin is still damp.

STAY HYDRATED. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Additionally, you can maximize your skin’s health by eating foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

If your dry skin persists despite a rigorous care routine, consult a doctor or dermatologist. They may be able to recommend habits or products adapted to your specific needs.

WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO

Here are some other ways to combat dry skin that are effective if practiced consistently: Use a shaving cream or gel when shaving. Leave it on your skin for a few minutes before you begin. Don’t scratch! Moisturizers can help control itch, and cold compresses or packs can help with especially itchy spots. Stay away from perfumed or deodorant soaps, as well as alcohol products that can strip away natural oils. Use a humidifier at approximately 60 percent in the winter. Avoid making your skin worse by using washcloths, scrub brushes or bath sponges. If you need to use them, use a light touch. When drying, pat or blot your skin rather than rubbing. Do your laundry with fragrance-free detergents. Also avoid fabric softeners when possible. Wool and other fabrics that irritate the skin should be avoided.

Take care of your hair this winter

Let’s face it. Not only is cold winter air hard on your skin, it can create havoc with your hair. Dry indoor air creates static electricity and leaches moisture from your beautiful locks.

But you can protect your hair this winter if you treat it gently, according to the Cleveland Clinic, especially if you have damaged or fine hair. BRUSH GENTLY. In the winter, when your hair is already damaged, it’s important to brush it gently, especially when it’s wet. It’s best to wait until your hair is less damp before combing or brushing. If it’s at all possible, air dry your hair to keep from drying it out further.

AVOID COLORING OR BLEACHING.

Treating your hair with chemicals, especially going lighter with bleach or lighteners, breaks your hair down and can take your hair a long time to recover. If you do treat your hair, do your research to find out which are the least damaging to hair. Extending the time between treatments will also help minimize damage.

STAY AWAY FROM CERTAIN STYLES.

Avoid styles like braids or buns that pull your hair tightly, causing it to break. Do not use rubber-based bands which can put more stress on your hair. Instead, opt for natural fabric bands that won’t break hair.

FIGHT STATIC. Keep your hair moisturized as much as possible in the winter since the air is dry and static electricity builds up.

WASHING IN WINTER. How often you wash your hair in the winter depends on how much oil your scalp produces. You should also keep it moisturized with an oil or conditioner, depending on the type of hair you have. Conditioners will help bind hair fibers together.

DON’T SKIP TRIMS.

Make sure to keep up with your regular haircuts to remove damaged ends.

HEALTHY DIET, HEALTHY HAIR. Your diet affects your hair and a healthy diet contributes to healthy hair. Adding vitamins such as iron, vitamin D, vitamin C and vitamin A are important. Biotin, an H-vitamin, also seems to help hair.

AVOID STRESS. Believe it or not, stress can make your hair fall out, so reducing stress is not only good for your mental and physical health, it’s good for your hair, too.

Source: Cleveland Clinic health.clevelandclinic.org

Rediscover the joy of ice skating

If you’ve never experienced the joy of gliding across a frozen lake or simply haven’t ice skated in years, consider making time for this activity during the winter months.

Ice skating is a fun and affordable pastime, and since it’s a low-impact sport that’s gentle on the joints, it can be suitable for people of all ages. What’s more, most people can master the basics in less than an hour.

Furthermore, ice skating is great aerobic workout that can improve your balance and cardiovascular endurance, strengthen your abdominal and leg muscles and fine-tune your motor skills.

If you want to go ice skating this year, there are plenty of places you can lace up your skates, including indoor and outdoor rinks, forest trails and certain lakes, ponds and rivers.

DON’T SKATE? ENJOY A SNOW DAY!

Spending time at home on a cold, snowy day can be a great way to relax and unwind. Whether you feel like immersing yourself in a book, flipping through a magazine, watching a TV show, painting your nails or treating yourself to a movie marathon, here are a few winter-day essentials: Scented candles or essential oils Comfortable pillows and blankets Warm socks and slippers Soft clothes or pajamas Warm drinks like coffee, tea and hot chocolate Small treats like candies or chocolates Soothing treatments like bath bombs or face masks

In addition, be sure to turn off your phone and disconnect from social media.

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How to prevent slips and falls in the bathroom

Bathrooms can serve as sanctuaries, providing a warm tub to soak in after a long, weary day or a private place to retire for a few minutes of peace and quiet. Bathrooms also can be dangerous places, as research has noted that most slip and fall accidents that occur at home will happen in the bathroom.

The combination of hard surfaces and moisture from sinks and showers can create dangerous conditions. Furthermore, bathrooms tend to be small spaces, so should a fall occur, it’s more likely a person will hit various surfaces on the way down.

In honor of National Bath Safety Month, here are some tips for making your bathroom more safe:

Keep the bathtub clean. Soap residue or other grime can contribute to slippery conditions in the shower and tub. Cleaning these surfaces frequently can improve traction.

Declutter the space. Remove extraneous items from the bathroom that can pose as tripping hazards.

Choose the right bath mat. Bath mats can contribute to slips and falls. For those who cannot live without them, choose a mat with slip-resistant backings and add double-faced tape for added security.

Limit moisture. Use a weighted shower curtain or install shower doors to prevent water from getting on the floor. Mop up any water or additional condensation to help dry the bathroom. Install an exhaust fan to help vent moisture that can condense and accumulate on the floor and fixtures.

Improve bathroom lighting. Make sure lighting in the bathroom illuminates all areas.

Wear non-slip shoes. Wearing non-slip shoes when in the bathroom can reduce the chances of slipping on wet floors.

Install a walk-in shower or bathtub. These lipless fixtures can assist those who have difficulty entering a standard tub or shower. Grab bars also can help with maneuvering in and out of the shower area.

Use a raised toilet seat. A raised toilet, or one with a special seat that reduces the distance one has to go to reach a seated position, may help prevent falls.

How parents can keep kids safe at bath time

Bath time can be fun for young children and their parents. Many children love playing in the water, while their parents enjoy hearing their kids laugh and play with their rubber ducks and other bath toys.

It’s easy to focus on fun at bath time, but it’s important that safety remains the utmost priority when bathing children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents take the following steps to keep bath time as safe as possible.

Make the bathroom inac-

cessible. Children who love playing in the bathtub may try to access the bathroom even when it’s not bath time. The AAP notes that the simplest way to avoid bathroom injuries is to make the room inaccessible so curious kids cannot get in the room when parents aren’t keeping an eye on them.

Remain in the bathroom

at all times. Bath seats and bathing aids can be effective, but they won’t prevent drowning. Children can drown in a few inches of water, so parents must remain in the bathroom at all times while kids are in the tub.

Use a no-slip strip in

the tub. A no-slip strip or a non-slip bath mat can ensure kids don’t slip and fall while in the tub. That’s especially important as children reach the toddler stage and older, when many youngsters tend to stand up and move around in the tub.

Control water tempera-

ture. The AAP advises parents to adjust their water heaters so the hottest temperature at the faucet is no more than 120 F. Test the water temperature using your wrist or elbow. Water for youngsters’ baths should be warm, but not hot.

Unplug and store all

electric appliances. It may be convenient for adults to keep hair dryers, razors and other electric appliances in the bathroom, but doing so is dangerous. Unplug all electric appliances and store them in a locked cabinet when they are not in use. The AAP notes that using electric appliances in rooms where there is no water is preferable to using them in the bathroom.

Bath time is fun for both children and their parents, though it’s vital that parents take safety seriously when bathing their youngsters.

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