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.”

   You may become both excited and afraid when you are going to a senior high school for the first time. 【小题1】 You are afraid that you can't be used to the new environment. Knowing what to do in senior high school can help you a lot.

★ Set goals early in senior high school.

It is important for you to set goals in life，whether you are young or old. You can have both small dreams and life dreams. If you are not sure what you want to do in the future，don't be afraid to ask for help. 【小题2】

★ Make friends with people you get along well with.

You can make friends with those who have the same interests as you. 【小题3】 If a friend makes you feel uncomfortable，he/she is not your true friend.

★ 【小题4】

When you ask questions, you are thinking about your life and your study. The more questions you ask, the more knowledge you' ll get. Knowledge is power. With more knowledge, you can become more confident in your life.

★ Try one club or sport every term.

【小题5】 In your spare time you can join a club or a sport team according to your interest. You shouldn't join too many clubs or sport teams, or you will have no time to learn subjects well.

   Some people don't wish to waste even a second at work. Looking at a computer screen for a long time can cause stress on one's eyes. Sitting and looking at a television screen for hours can also make the eyes tired.

Bookworms love reading and they will make sure they read much more than their bodies can deal with. The strong wish to finish a book may result in fast reading，without taking breaks, which can lead to tired eyes. Reading for a long time in weak light can also cause tired eyes.

More salt-based junk food like burgers，pizzas, etc. and less water also play a role in causing tired eyes. The junk food is a reason for tired eyes for it hasn't enough vitamins（维生素）.

Less sleep causes the eyes to become heavy. Dark circles also develop if one doesn't get enough sleep over a period of time.

If not treated in time，the condition can become worse. Here are some ways to relieve（减轻）a tired eye condition.

Every hour during your day at work, spend a minute relaxing your eyes. Look away from your computer screen and roll your eyes in all directions. Try and blink（眨眼）more often. Look around the room or close your eyes for a minute if you want and then work again. Following these every hour will help relieve the stress on your eyes，and you won't feel so tired after work.

Tea helps relieve tired eyes. Make a cup of hot black tea and pour it into a glass. Hold the glass close to your eyes，so that the vapors from the tea reach your eyes. This will also make you feel fresh.

If your eyes feel very tired at work, go to the washroom and wash your face with cool tap water. The cold water will help relieve the tired feeling. Do this every hour during work and your eyes will feel good.

   Most people use the weekends to relax. 【小题1】 Because you’re on duty, you have to focus on your work seven days a week.

While you don’t have to be at your desk every minute of every day, weekends make you free to create your lifestyle so that you can get the most out of your busy schedule. Here are a few ways to make you more efficient both at work and in life during the weekends.

Don’t work 24/7. Though it’s important to think about your business on the weekend, you shouldn’t be working in the way you are during the week. 【小题2】 Instead, work on projects you enjoy or use the time to think about your business in a broader way. Ask yourself, “What do I want to accomplish this week, month or year?” Judge how your day-to-day activities are taking you closer to your long-term goals.

Check your e-mail once or twice a day. 【小题3】 Read all your messages, arrange activities, and then put your phone away. If you know you will be checking e-mail at a specific（特定的）time, you’ll be less likely to check it throughout the day.

【小题4】 You could go somewhere quiet to relax, or spend time with friends and family members. Since all your previous five days have been spent on your work, you deserve your own time to relax, and to strengthen your relationship with others. However, make sure you’re prepared to start your work on Monday while enjoying yourself. Don’t oversleep. Though some people enjoy sleeping until noon on the weekend, it’s not beneficial to your health. 【小题5】 So try not to sleep more than two or three extra hours on the weekend.