Four Ways to Make Your Shoes Feel Better

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, the vast majority of people experience foot pain at some point in their lives. The reason for most foot pain is that shoes fit poorly or force the feet into unnatural shapes. 【小题1】 Aside from carefully selecting the right shoes, there are some easy measures you can take to keep your feet from being painful.

1. Stretching Your Shoes

If your feet are rubbing against your shoes this could indicate that you need more width, length or both. However, sometimes going to the next larger size is not a choice, as the next size may be too large. 【小题2】.

2. Using Shoe Inserts (插入物)

Both doctors and those in the shoe repair industry often recommend inserts to increase shoe comfort. 【小题3】.

3. 【小题4】

The way you lace (由带子系紧) your shoes can make a world of difference in their comfort. Lacing them too tightly or incorrectly can make your feet hurt. Cramped toes, rubbing on the top of the foot, and pressure on the big toe can likely be relieved if you lace your shoes different.

4. Wearing Socks

【小题5】.They are usually made of cotton or nylon. Not only do they add an extra layer of cushion to your shoes but they also keep your feet from sweating. This prevents moisture (水汽) from forming in the shoe. Moisture in your shoes can cause blisters and calluses on your feet.

Habits to Be a Highly Effective Student

Some students are able to get straight A’s and at the same time serve as the president of three clubs. However, some students struggle to keep their GPA (Grade-Point Average) above a 3.0. 【小题1】Although it’s true that everyone’s IQ is different, good study habits are very important. Here  are several habits you should adopt to get good grades.

【小题2】 If you haven’t had a planner (规划薄), get one. Many people use their computers and smartphones to make a schedule. The problem with that approach is that they are major distractions. Instead, get an old-fashioned paper and pen planner.

Create a weekly schedule. 【小题3】 Include time that will be spent eating, sleeping and doing anything not related to school work. That way you know exactly how much you can accomplish each day.

Take frequent, short breaks. Taking a break from studying for 15 minutes every hour will help keep you refreshed. 【小题4】 If you don’t take a break, you may find yourself daydreaming or even falling asleep. Take some time for some water, a snack or a quick chat with a friend.

Take care of yourself. During final exam week, it is common for students to fall behind on sleep and meals. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep and have regular meals. Studying while hungry or sleepy is ineffective and will slow you down in the long run. Also try to make time for friends and family. 【小题5】

   Proper pressure can be a good thing: It can push you toward accomplishing tasks. 【小题1】. But sometimes the stress can be too much. Psychologist Travis explains that there is a best level of stress. With less than that, you may lack interest or motivation. 【小题2】 If you can reduce the stress and stay calm, you’ll have a better chance of succeeding.

Breathe out

Psychotherapist Tom suggests an effective yet simple relaxation technique: Slowly expel (排出) all the air from your lungs until there is nothing left and then count to 3 before taking the next breath normally. 【小题3】. The act of letting go of all the air lowers your shoulders and relaxes your muscles. When you are physically more relaxed, you will function better under pressure.

Keep healthy daily habits

Ensure that you are eating healthy foods. 【小题4】. Proper diet and rest may be all you need to reset your biological stress reactions to more manageable levels. In addition, regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress.

【小题5】

Regardless of how much pressure the other person is applying, or how much stress you feel, avoid reacting before you have had a chance to calmly consider what you think about the issue. Leave the room and go for a walk, make some coffee or sit alone in a quiet spot to allow yourself to decide what is the best for you.

   Researchers are placing robotic dogs in the homes of lonely old people to determine whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. Alan Beck, an expert in the human-animal relationship, and Nancy Edwards, a professor of nursing, are leading the animal-assisted study concerning the influence of robotic dogs on old people’s depression, physical activity, and life satisfaction. “No one will argue that an older person is better off being more active, challenged, or stimulated (刺激), ”Edwards points out. “The problem is how we promote that, especially for those without friends or help. A robotic dog could be a solution.”

In the study, the robotic dogs, called AIBO, are placed for six weeks in the houses of some old people who live alone. Before placing AIBO in the home, researchers will collect data for six weeks. These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activities before and after AIBO being placed. Then, the researchers will study the data to determine if it has inspired any changes in the life of its owner.

“I talk to it all the time, and it responds (回应) to my voice,” says a seventy-year-old lady. “When I’m watching TV, it’ll stay in my arms until it wants to go down. It has a mind of its own.”

The AIBOs respond to certain orders. The researchers say they have some advantages over live dogs, especially for old people. Often the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it. A robotic dog removes exercise and feeding concerns.

“At the beginning, it was believed that no one would relate to the robotic dog because it is metal and not furry,” Beck says. “But it’s amazing how quickly we have given up that belief.”

“Hopefully, down the road, these robotic pets could become a more valuable health helper. They will record their masters’ blood pressure, oxygen levels, or heart rhythms. AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate older people’s minds.”