How to Overcome a Fear of 2012

For some, 2012 heralds fear. This is thanks to recent, often vivid, interpretations of a centuries earlier Mayan civilization set of beliefs. Some people believe the world will end or that there will be catastrophes on a large scale, all because the Mayan Long Count calendar is thought to be reaching the end of its cycle in 2012.If you've been worried by the hype and rumors of doom and gloom for 2012 that have been eagerly shared across websites, blogs and other sources, fear no longer. It's not the end of the world but it could be the start of your critical thinking circuitry getting a fine tune.

Steps

1. Remember that there have been many times throughout history when people thought the "end of the world" was nigh. Many myths about the end of the world precede the 2012 myth. There was July 1999 In Quatrain X-72 of Nostradamus; January 1st, 2000 (Y2K); June 6th, 2006 (supposed 6000 years A.D., also 6/6/06, the devil's birthday in some religions); any October 31st, and September 9, 2009 (999, again, a reference to the devil's day). There have been prophesies of worldly doom associated with the appearance of comets, the eruptions of volcanoes and the alignment of celestial bodies. There have been many predictions of the world being doomed according to gurus, prophets and know-it-alls, many seeking fame or recognition, some suffering from delusions and others just misinterpreted. It would take a long time to name them all. All of them have reasons, but no facts to back them up.
   • Look back at all the other prophecies of doom and see where they went and what happened to the people promoting these predictions. Not one of the prior soothsayers has successfully predicted the end of the world, nor even a huge disruption to daily events.
   • No prior planetary alignments have ever resulted in ills on Earth.
2. Read some well researched and backed up information on Mayan culture and their calendar. In a nutshell, the Classic Maya civilization thrived between 300 to 900 CE (AD). Highly advanced for its time, Mayan culture showed good understanding in such fields as mathematics, medicine and astronomy. The Mayan calendar was a complicated affair; indeed, it was a "system" rather than a single calendar as we understand a calendar to be today. It consisted of three calendars used simultaneously, showing different cycles (yearly, 50 yearly and long term). One of these calendars was known as the "Long Count", noting each day from a base date of 3114 BCE (BC). It is this calendar that some Mayan scholars believe is due to come to completion on the solstice of December 21, 2012. However, even here there is disagreement, with other scholars calculating different end dates, such as 4772.^[1][2]
   • We are upon the end of the fourth Great Cycle of a Long Count calendar. We've survived three other ones! All Mayan calendars would tell of a date when there would be a dramatic end, but the interpretation was that this was always a beginning to a new cycle or a "new age". Seen in this light, the ending of a calendar is a positive sign, not a negative one.
   • Uncertainty is rife in interpretation of Mayan hieroglyphics due to the fact that they were no longer used after the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 1500s. As such, clarification of exact meaning is difficult and subjective.
   • Most scholars believe that Mayan calendars were focused on keeping a track of time rather than predicting the future.
   • Just because there is nothing past the 2012 date on the "Long Count" calendar doesn't mean there will be the end of time. It is the only Mayan calendar of which we know that ends after the fall of their civilization. Had they continued to thrive as a civilization, chances are that they would have continued to keep making the calendars well into the unforeseeable future.
3. Be skeptical. If the Mayan civilization had prophesied an end of the world in 2012, its reliability has to be doubted given that they didn't manage to prophesy the demise of their own civilization. Avoid turning this into a test of faith in Mayan predictions!
4. Be wary of people seeing patterns where there are none to be seen. The human mind loves patterns; there are sound, biological reasons for our pattern recognition inner software that aided our survival throughout history. However, when this goes into overdrive, it also causes us to assume things that are actually not of significance but are easily the stuff of paranoia and imagining. One of the things you might read includes the "significance" attributed to the date 12-21-2012 (or 21-12-2012) by numerologists. All those twos and ones seem to form a pattern but they don't - since the solstice is always on 12-21 every year and since we've already had other candidate years such as 2001 and 2002, there is nothing special about the 2012 date.
   • Equally filled with drama but no substance are any claims about planetary alignment and a dark rift. Any planetary alignment is fascinating for us but without impact. Any gravitational effect from any solar system object other than our Moon is negligible due to the great distances involved. As for the concept of a "dark rift" in our Milky Way on 21 December 2012, in which our Sun is supposed to combine its gravity with the black hole (Sagittarius A*) at the center of our galaxy, there is no substance to this fantastical theory. There is no rift––it is dust and gas covering up stars located in the bulge in the center of our universe. Second, the Mayans didn't know of any black hole––this is thanks to astronomers discovering it, so predicting something about an entity of which they knew nothing at all seems very far-fetched. Third, the Sun is always aligned in the Milky Way. The Earth moves, and has been in that one alignment many hundred times. Finally but most tellingly, given that we're 24,000 light years away from this black hole, it's impact on us is negligible. Put it this way––our Sun has a gravitational pull on Earth that is 2 million times greater than that of our galaxy's black hole but we're still here.^[3]
   • Another claim to be skeptical about is anyone claiming that the winter solstice is the special reason behind 2012 doom scenarios. The evident reason is this––while 21-21-2012 is the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, it's the summer solstice in the southern hemisphere. And last time anyone checked, the oblate spheroid that we know as our Earth consists of both hemispheres.
5. Get off those gibberish websites! The internet is a wonderful tool that has opened up pathways to information like no other tool humankind has ever experienced before. But with the good comes the downright dreadful because every man, woman and their dog can add information to the internet. Sure, it's freedom of speech on the one hand. But on the other, it's a free-for-all bazaar of the bizarre and truth, accuracy and reliability can take a nosedive when they get in the way of a good story. Combine this with our human hard-wiring to believe the worst and it's the negative, sensational stories that get promoted, shared around and given credence through insistence and persistence. This still doesn't make stories about the end of the world in 2012 any more believable. Without scientific proof, without substantiated evidence, all you are left with is online hype. It may be hype with gloss and enthusiasm but it's still a hoax. It's just an idea with a lot of conjecture.
   • Do your own research and critical analysis. Look around the different sites discussing the 2012 theories and guesses. You'll find there are many unfounded, inconsistent and unsupported sources of information. Be especially careful of anyone person who claims to know what is happening. It may even pay to look into the background of this person, to see what they have "predicted" in the past or what they have done in the past.
6. See the movie 2012. It's fiction, but it will give you a view of how crazy the conspiracy is. On the other hand, if you're highly suggestive, don't watch it! Seriously though, it is clear that the idea of a 2012 apocalypse makes for great viewing, just as does the idea of aliens invading or being blown out of Kansas into Oz. Just because it's a sensational story doesn't mean it's something to "find meaning" within, unless you're studying human gullibility.
7. Tune it out. When a news report about 2012 doomsday comes on, change the station. When people keep talking about it, change the subject. Do not read about it on the internet and switch off the History Channel or The Discovery Channel whenever they discuss anything about Nostradamus and the "End Times", or any other program related to end-of-the-world theories. It's really no big deal when you're not feeding your worries about it any more.
   • Many of the shows on television about a 2012 apocalypse have contained misleading statements and unfounded claims.^[1]
8. Get professional help. Sometimes we cling to horrible world-ending theories because our personal lives align with such feelings of negativity and doom. If things aren't going right in your own life and it seems easier to stress and worry about something that is a non-event and totally out of your control, then you risk giving up control of every aspect of your life and wallowing in gloom. Too much worry can tilt into paranoia. Instead of chewing yourself up with worries, sadness and fear, talk to someone who can help you to see and resume the more positive and stable aspects of your own life.
   • Don't let your fear run your life; what sort of life is that?
9. Don't talk about it in any depth. When people bring it up, (which they will because it's great water cooler gossip), just say you don't believe it. Don't let them persuade you to believe them. Tell them what you believe instead and list the reasons why the theory is total bunk.
10. Turn your fear into action. If you do experience fear, apart from stopping reading all the finessed internet and book theories written by people with stars in their eyes, let go of your fear, stop procrastinating and live your dream. Complete stuff on your bucket list. Don't wait until you're 50. Furthermore, you can help in the prevention of any real disaster during this year. Start recycling, switch to a hybrid car, donate to a Space Habitation Project. Turn this fear into a reason to live.
    • Live each day as a gift. Do you really need world-ending myths to shock you out of your daily apathy?
    • Not to encourage a New Age bent if you don't already have one, but you might be interested to know that there is a whole flipside to 2012 fear, in which people believe in the rupture from old negative ways and a transformation to new, positive and more spiritual ways at the passing of 2012. You can read up on these theories for yourself but again, keep your critical thinking at the forefront, remembering that a good life is what you put into it, not what external forces exert upon you.

Tips

• Tell yourself that whenever you're scared of 2012, that nothing is wrong you are still there, you are healthy, and you have the right to be skeptical of the unfounded claims.
• Consider the possibility that time doesn't end. The universe is constantly expanding. Time-Space are linked in many ways, so who says that time won't go on and on?
• If it makes you feel any better, plan a big world didn't end party for December 22, 2012. That was the presumed doomsday, but since we know that can't happen, start deciding now whether you want spiral ham or spam.
• Check out a book from the library on the Mayans and hit the World Wide Web as well. You can learn more about the Mayan calendar system, and all the other cool things about Mayan culture. It's engaging and informative if you get involved in realhistory and understand what motivated the Mayans, as opposed to poorly interpreted fantasies about the Mayan culture.
• Remember that it's just a calendar. All calendars end, so this isn't any different. It may be an accurate calendar from a time-keeping perspective, but it's not aimed at prediction. And remember that it's very ancient. They didn't know back then what we know now; if they did, it'd be likely we'd be incredibly advanced by now and not thinking about the world's end!
• Don't let anyone persuade you into believing something that you know is not aligned with your own values, beliefs and sources of evidence. No matter your religion or secular beliefs, keep believing what you always have. Even if a promoter of the 2012 doomsday theory tries to back it up, the only real fact they have is that the Mayan Calendar ends in 2012. Simply remind them of this politely and ask to change the topic.
• If you believe in silence, the universe, moon landing, and atoms, have you probably nothing to worry about, because there is not one scientific fact about some sudden "Doomsday".

Warnings

• Most of the apocalyptic visions of 2012 presented on the internet are found on YouTube. All of these visions, whether online, in printed form or derived verbally are designed to frighten the wits out of you. Don't buy into them.
• Do not do anything permanent such as quitting college or job or selling your belongings on the basis of the world ending. You can't undo decisions like these most times and even if you can, you have some pretty foolish explaining to do.
• Do not let "news" stories, blogs, websites, etc. about the 2012 end of the world get to you. See them as pure entertainment and not as truth or fact.
• Don't get into fights over this issue; it's just not worth it. Be compassionate toward people who feel the need to push end-of-the-world theories in your face. It's possible that they're having a hard time of life right now or they feel a lack of attention from others.
• Don't get safety gear or create hiding places. If that were the date the world was going to end, then no safety gear or hiding place will save you.

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How to Make a Decoy for Spiders Using Spanish Canes

Spanish canes (Arundo donax) are a favorite for making all sorts of items, including bows and arrows, javelins, peashooters, Popeye's pipes and blowers for low fires. By following these steps, you can recreate the high-pitched sound of an attacking mosquito or a fly in a panic. And they can even be used to make clever decoys for pesky spiders... and people, as you'll discover here.The canes are better when they're green–the dry ones require more know-how and patience.

Steps

1. 

   The canes end in a rolled tight, long and pointed flexible tip that looks like a toy whip.
   Look around in your neighborhood to find Spanish cane. It's also known as giant cane, giant reed, carrizo, arundo and wild cane.^[1] A native to eastern and southeastern Asia, it can also be found in California, the Western Pacific, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
2. 

   This is the tip of a cane.
   Locate the extreme tip of the cane.
3. 

   Same cane but the tip has been pulled off.
   Pull off the tip. Take care to hold the tip firmly when doing this and to avoid cutting yourself with the sharp edge of the cane leaves.
4. 

   Unroll the outer leaf of the tip to gain access to the inner ones.
   Unroll the outer leaf of the tip to gain access to the inner ones.
5. 

   Now you can pull them out
   Pull out the inner leaves.
6. 

   Smooth out the outer leaf. This will be the decoy.
   Smooth out the outer leaf. This will be the decoy. Blow hard. You'll hear that it produces the high-pitched sound of an attacking mosquito or that of a fly in a panic.
7. 
   Go to a spider's hole or a cobweb. Try to attract the attention of the eight-legged dweller... If you're lucky, a spider will come rushing forth to investigate the apparent caught fly or mosquito!
   • If you don't succeed with the spider, play kindhearted tricks on friends and family to cause them to think there's a mosquito in the room. Or, use the sound as a unique ringtone.

Warnings

• When cutting the cane, take care to avoid cutting yourself on either the cane or the cutting implement.
• Check for insects before handling freshly cut plant material, to avoid being unwittingly stung.

Things You'll Need

• Spanish cane
• Cutting implement

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How to Make a Shooting Star Glass Decoration from a Plastic Straw

Add a gorgeous star decoration to your drinking glasses for your upcoming Christmas or holiday season party. This shooting star decoration slips easily onto many styles of drinking glasses, adding a touch of elegance and color to any drink.

Steps

1. Select the items needed as listed below. Choose straw colors that reflect the occasion.
2. Prepare the plastic straw. Select a straw length of about 10cm (4"). You might need to cut it to size. Press along the length of the straw to fold in place a single line, as shown in the image.
   
   
   

   Prepare the plastic straw.
3. Make a series of cuts as explained in this step. First, check this diagram and use it as a reference for each cut.
   
   
   

   Make a series of cuts as explained in this step.
   • Cut the middle, thick piece first. Use the diagram and image to guide your cutting.
     
     
     

     Cut the middle, thick piece first.
   • Cut the lower blue line from the diagram, as shown in the image.
     

     Cut the lower blue line from the diagram, as shown in the image.
   • Finish up by cutting the jagged edges at one end.
     

     Finish up by cutting the jagged edges at one end.
4. Fold the jagged end cuts out like petals opening from a flower. See the image for guidance.
   
   
   

   Fold the jagged end cuts out like petals opening from a flower.
5. Cut away a triangle from each "petal", so that the resulting petals are triangular in shape. Again, use the images for guidance.
   

   Cut away a triangle from each "petal", so that the resulting petals are triangular in shape.
   • This should be how the "petals" end up appearing:
     

     This should be how the "petals" end up appearing:.
6. Bend the shooting tail end of the star so that it curls into place.
   
   
   

   Bend the shooting tail end of the star so that it curls into place.
   • Once curled, this is how the curl will appear:
     

     Once curled, this is how the curl will appear:.
7. Cut the grip portion of the straw. In order for the star straw to be able to sit on the glass rim, there needs to be a small slit to slide the straw onto the glass. Make a small snip to create this grip at the end of the straw.
   
   
   

   Cut the grip portion of the straw.
8. Fill the hole at the star end of the straw. Using the small pearl bead or similar bead, fit into place in the center of the hole in the straw, to form the star's center.
   
   
   

   Fill the hole at the star end of the straw.
   • It should fit snugly, as shown in this image. If it's loose at all, you might need to use non-toxic glue to keep it in place, to prevent it from dropping into the drink. Alternatively, use a small pompom that will squeeze easily into shape in the hole.
     

     It should fit snugly, as shown in this image.
   • If you'd like a lively star, consider decorating it with a marker to include a smile.
     
     
     

     If you'd like a lively star, consider decorating it with a marker to include a smile.
9. Check that you're happy with it and make any adjustments needed. It's now completed.
   

   Check that you're happy with it and make any adjustments needed.
10. Attach the shooting star decoration to the rim of the glass. Fill with your drink and enjoy!
    
    
    

    Attach the shooting star decoration to the rim of the glass.

Tips

• You should be able to make two stars from each standard-sized straw. If you need to make lots, get some friends over to help you and set up a small production line. After making the first one, you'll find it quick and easy to do.
• When selecting the pearl bead, be sure to choose it one what has the same diameter as the straw. If you can't find a pearl bead to fit the straw, it's recommended that you substitute it with a "pompom".
• 
  This design can be used to decorate pencils and pens, as shown.

Warnings

• Be careful that the pearl bead cannot unwittingly displace itself and land in the drink. You don't want someone accidentally swallowing the pearl bead!

Things You'll Need

• Plastic straw (thickness of 6 mm); choose colors to match the occasion, such as gold for the holiday season or a wedding anniversary, pink or blue for a birthday, etc.
• Pearl bead (plastic/diameter of 6 mm); or a pompom of similar diameter
  
• Craft scissors
• Flat work surfac
  e

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How to Get More Vitamin A

Mangoes are a great source of Vitamin A.

Vitamin A (carotenoids, beta carotene and retinol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is one of the identified 13 essential vitamins we need to maintain optimal health. We're not able to manufacture this vitamin ourselves and so need to get it from nutritious food sources, in the right dosage. Vitamin A has a role in numerous functions in many parts in the body––it helps maintain healthy skin, ensures better night vision, strong teeth and bone formation and keeps tissue and mucus membranes working properly (to prevent infections). It is also needed for reproduction and breastfeeding. Vitamin A has a role in maintaining healthy epithelial cells, which helps with digestive, urinary and respiratory functions. Being fat-soluble, it is important to not overdo the amount of vitamin A we ingest, as excess vitamin A stockpiles in the body; however, it is important to note that excess intake is rare.^]Moreover, vitamin A is an antioxidant, a term that describes chemicals that help reduce your risk of getting cancer, especially those associated with epithelial cells such as skin, lung, stomach, mouth, pancreas, cervix, etc.).Without enough vitamin A in your diet, you are more likely to develop vision problems and even infectious diseases. This deficiency is estimated to affected approximately one third of children under the age of five worldwide, causing visual impairment, blindness and increasing susceptibility to childhood diseases such as measles and the World Health Organization (WHO) has a clear goal of eliminating this micronutrient deficiency.
Vitamin is found in plenty of healthy foods. If you're not sure how to improve the natural sources of vitamin A in your diet, now is a good time to brush up your knowledge.

Steps

The basics of vitamin A nutrition

1. 
   

   People of different ages and genders need different amounts of Vitamin A.
   Learn a little about the background of how vitamin A is sourced. Vitamin A is found in two forms, namely retinol (foods of animal origin) and beta carotene (foods of plant origin). The beta carotene version is thought to be slightly more nutritious than the retinol form, as it has the antioxidant properties and can help lower harmful cholesterol levels, although the bioavailability has been questioned in more recent studies.
   
   An important distinction is that beta carotene is only converted into vitamin A in your body when you need it, meaning that it cannot be a source of vitamin A toxicity (although eating lots of orange plant foods can tint your skin slightly orange). On the other hand, natural retinol sources and synthetic forms of vitamin A can become toxic if too much is consumed.
2. 
   

   Note the daily limits of natural retinol ester forms or vitamin A (and synthetic forms of vitamin A).
   Note the daily limits of natural retinol ester forms or vitamin A (and synthetic forms of vitamin A). How much vitamin A you need or should not exceed is measured in units called IU, or International Units or in micrograms (which are abbreviated as "μg" (mcg))––1 IU is the biological equivalent of 0.3 μg retinol, or of 0.6 μg beta-carotene.For children, consuming more than 10,000 IU daily for a few months can be toxic to the body. For adults, over 25,000 IU's for the same amount of time can be harmful as well.Depending on your age and gender, you'll need different amounts of Vitamin A, as follows:

Life stage group	RDA Adequate intakes (AI*) μg/day	Upper limit μg/day
Infants0–6 months 7–12 months	400* 500*	600 600
Children1–3 years 4–8 years	300 400	600 900
Males9–13 years 14–18 years 19 – >70 years	600 900 900	1700 2800 3000
Females9–13 years 14–18 years 19 – >70 years	600 700 700	1700 2800 3000
Pregnancy<19 years 19 – >50 years	750 770	2800 3000
Lactation<19 years 19 – >50 years	1200 1300	2800 3000

Getting sufficient vitamin A in your diet

1. 
   

   Start young.
   Start young. If you're pregnant or planning to breastfeed, get all the support needed to help you continue breastfeeding effectively during the early months of your child's life. Breast milk is a natural source of vitamin A and a very important means for ensuring a baby's vitamin A levels are sufficient.
   • See warnings below––pregnant women should not take synthetic vitamin A supplements, as this can lead to fetal damage.
2. 
   

   Kale has a very large amount of IU, over 10,000!
   Eat a variety of vegetables. Vegetables are an important source of vitamin A, and the fresher the better. Most orange-yellow-red vegetables contain vitamin A, such as squash, red peppers and pumpkin. As well, dark green veggies and lettuce are sources of vitamin A. Here are just a few good reasons to include more veggies in your diet as vitamin A boosting sources:
   • Dark, leafy greens – kale, collard greens, dandelion greens, mustard greens, spinach, and turnip greens are all rich in vitamin A, as well as calcium. Kale, with the most vitamin A, provides 15,376 IU in 100 grams and 10,302 per cup. Celery and peas also contain vitamin A.
   • Carrots – A great source of vitamin A, especially when raw. 16,706 IU is in 100 grams of carrots, and 2,069 IU of vitamin A for a single baby carrot. If you eat grated carrot with some chopped tomatoes and sprinkled with safflower oil, you'll get a full benefit of vitamin A because having a little fat present increases the bioavailability of the vitamin.
   • Sweet potatoes – because of their orange color, They have 19,218 IU of vitamin A in 100 grams, and 21,909 IU in a medium sweet potato.
   • Nori – an ounce of nori will provide you with 1,500 IU of vitamin A, around 3- percent of the daily value. Nori is also known as laver; it's a sea vegetable sold in dried sheets and often used wrapped around sushi, in Asian soups or to bring out the flavor of pasta and salads.
3. 
   

   Orange fruit like mangoes, cantaloupe, and grapefruit are rich in Vitamin A.
   Eat orange, red and yellow hued fruit. Orange, red and yellow colored fruits are rich in vitamin A, like mangoes, grapefruit, cantaloupe, peaches, apricots, and papayas. These orange fruits range from 1,000 to 2,000 IU in vitamin A quantities, for example, tangerines contain 1,037 IU or around 20 percent of daily needs.Eat one piece of such fruit a day to get some vitamin A. You can have a fruit salad with all your favorite fruits from this list, eat one whole, or snack on melon balls. Orange, fruits are not only a great source of Vitamin A, but they're also a delicious snack!
4. 
   

   Sauteed chicken liver
   Add animal food sources to your diet. Foods of animal origin provide the "retinol" form of vitamin A. This is the form that can be overdosed on, so sourcing vitamin A from such foods needs to be done with care. For example, turkey liver, with the most vitamin A, has a whopping 75,333 IU in 100 grams! Since an adult should never consume more than 25,000 IU of vitamin A daily, such rich food sources of vitamin A need to be reduced to fit with daily requirements. Plenty of other animal liver has vitamin A, too and one single tablespoon of pâté provides 429 IU of vitamin A.
   • Other animal food sources of vitamin A include fish, eggs, milk, butter, cheese and margarine (the latter not always animal sourced but often vitamin fortified).
5. 
   

   Take Vitamin A supplements but only if it has been medically established that you need to.
   Take Vitamin A supplements but only if it has been medically established that you need to. Remembering that the body always absorbs vitamins most effectively through food sources,sometimes there may be a need to have vitamin A fortified food or vitamin A supplements to improve a diagnosed vitamin A deficiency. Don't self diagnose and don't take vitamin A supplements without medical advice, as the risk of over-dosing can create more complications. Consult your doctor first and follow his or her recommendation for the dosage of supplemental vitamin A and even the source (brand) that you would be best using.
   • Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency (rare) can include: dryness of conjunctiva and cornea, frequent colds, insomnia, night blindness, reproductive difficulties and respiratory infections.
   • Symptoms of vitamin A overdosing (hypervitaminosis A) can include: abdominal pain, dry skin, itching, enlarged liver or spleen, amenorrhea, hair loss, headaches, joint pain, nausea, vision problems and vomiting.

Tips

• Generally, the richer the color of the plant food, the more vitamin A it is likely to contain.
• Here are some more food ideas for getting more vitamin A into your diet:
  • Fruit salad for breakfast or dessert is a healthy and yummy way to start the day with Vitamin A! Enjoy all your favorite orange fruits.
  • If you don't like liver, have some fish instead. You can prepare steamed liver with onions or herbs if you'd still like to have a little liver but improve the taste.
  • Eggs are a great breakfast choice, filled with Vitamin A.
  • Milk has vitamin A as well as calcium.
• If you do consume too much beta-carotene that your skin tints orange, leave off those veggies for a few days to return back to normal.
• The reason that the liver is such a potent (and potentially toxic) source of vitamin A is its ability to store enough vitamin A to last the owner 10 months!
• Did you know? Some animal livers are extraordinarily high in amounts of vitamin A and Antarctic explorers Mawson and Mertz were poisoned in 1913 as a result of trying to survive from eating the livers of their sled dogs (Mertz died).

Warnings

• If you are taking a vitamin supplement, read the label. Make sure that it doesn't go over 10,000 IU's, which, luckily, is unlikely. But, better safe than sorry.
• Never change your diet without checking with your doctor first. They'll tell you what vitamins you need, if any.
• Too much Vitamin A can cause loss of appetite, dizziness, headaches, dry and itchy skin, hair loss, blurred vision and reduced bone mineral density. In severe cases, liver damage can occur with Vitamin A overdose. In the case of a fetus, too much vitamin A can cause severe birth defects; pregnant women should not exceed 5,000 IU daily of supplemental vitamin A. In fact, it is simply best if pregnant women do not ever use supplemental sources of vitamin A as birth defects caused by vitamin A are a real risk.
• Cod liver oil should not be taken daily because of its extreme amount of Vitamin A, some kinds providing about 13,000 IU of Vitamin A.

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How to Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree in 10 Steps

Is your cat smitten by your Christmas tree, so intrigued that she clambers onto it, knocking needles, decorations and tinsel everywhere? Or perhaps she has even come close to knocking over the entire tree? Keeping your curious cat out of the Christmas tree is a wise idea for everyone involved, to help avoid injury to your cat and the potential for further damage to the items near the tree and people in the vicinity of it.

Steps

1. 
   

   Start off smart by considering the type of tree you'll use.
   Start off smart by considering the type of tree you'll use. Real Christmas trees are potentially more dangerous to your cat than artificial ones. This is because the needles on a real tree are sharp and can pierce or puncture the the skin of an overly curious cat, while the pine needles themselves are irritating to mildly toxic if chewed (depending on the species of tree used). However, a chewed artificial tree isn't going to be that healthy either, so balance the choice of tree type with how you intend to keep the tree safe from your cat using the remaining steps.
   • Consider the size of the tree. A small tree will be safer than a larger tree because there is less of it to crash down if things go horribly wrong. For a kitten, a tabletop tree might be a suitable choice until she grows up and stops being so playful.
   • If you do choose a real tree, also choose a water container for the tree that is completely inaccessible to the cat. If she tries to drink from it, she risks poisoning.
   • For small kittens, wrap tinfoil around the trunk. They don't like putting their nails into it and it will keep them from climbing the tree.
2. 
   

   Select a strong and unwavering base for holding the tree.
   Select a strong and unwavering base for holding the tree. Always err on the side of caution when selecting a tree base and get one that is guaranteed to stay firmly in place if the tree is knocked. This is as important for the safety of children as it is for pets. Ask your retailer for advice on the options provided in-store.
   • Even an artificial tree should have a firm and solid base.
   • Use a tree skirt to hide all ugly but practical safety fixes at the base of the tree (including electrical items, see below).
   • As well as a solid base, anchor the tree to the wall or ceiling to help prevent it from toppling over should your cat land in the tree or pull on it.
3. 
   

   Choose a safe location for the tree.
   Choose a safe location for the tree. There should be plenty of room around the tree so that it isn't too near climbing items. If there are tempting shelves or furniture pieces to act as launchpads for kitty, she's very likely to avail herself of them and jump onto the tree. Keep the tree in a clear space that makes jumping either difficult or unlikely.
   • If possible, select a placement for the tree that allows you to shut the door at night or when nobody is about, in order to keep the cats away from the tree. Obviously this isn't always possible or even doable but if it is an option, make use of it.
   • If the tree is shorter than 6 feet (180cm), you might find it handy to use duct tape to tape the legs of the holder to a piece of wide plywood and put the whole tree on a short but very sturdy table. This keeps the tree above the level of the cat and the cat won't be as interested. Of course, you still need to ensure that the tree is nowhere near any launching points for an opportunistic jump.
4. 
   

   Consider not decorating the tree initially.
   Consider not decorating the tree initially. The rationale behind this is to provide adjustment time to the tree, as well as a possible lesson for your cat in leaving the tree well alone. Fill a spray bottle with water and hang on to it. It is a good idea to set the tree in place, then let her in to investigate but hover in the background with the spray bottle, just in case. If your cat shows any signs of wanting to leap at or on the tree, a light spritz of water on her back and a stern "NO!" will get the point across. This should deter her from trying it again and should be enough to teach her that the Christmas tree is not her playground.
   • If you're still concerned prior to decorating the tree, spray it with a product called Apple Bitter. This will deter her without leaving a noticeable odor to human noses. Or, you might try a citrus spray, as cats are repelled by citrus odor too.
   • If it's a plastic tree, a small amount of Citronella oil shaken into a bottle of water and misted on to the tree makes it smell unpleasant to the cat but fresh and citrus-like to you.
   • You could also place orange peels under the tree to make your cat less likely to go near it. (Cats also dislike the smell of rotten apples but then you probably won't like that smell much either!)
   • Spray some pine cones with Citronella and pile them around the base of the tree. Cats do not walk on pine cones! (Pine cones also have the same effect in the base of your houseplants.)
   • Spray the bottom limbs with Tabasco sauce to keep them from chewing the bottom branches. Cats wince and run away!
5. 
   

   Decorate the tree with your cat firmly out of the way.
   Decorate the tree with your cat firmly out of the way. It's hard enough fiddling with trees, decorations and breakable ornaments without also having felines running up past you and pelting at the objects as you're gingerly hanging them up. Your cat will assume this is a game you intend for her to play, so it's just easiest to keep her out of the way until everything has been set up.
   • While decorating, if your cat is about, resist the urge to tease her with decorations as you're adding them. Doing so will only encourage her to see the glittery items as toys and things to swat at anytime she pleases.
6. 
   

   Choose ornaments less likely to be attractive to your cats.
   Choose ornaments less likely to be attractive to your cats. Some ornaments will prove irresistible because they sparkle, glow, dangle and shimmer. On the other hand, blander, less shiny or flat matte objects which don't dangle much will have less allure for your cat. Felt, paper and plain decorations might be the best choice. And avoid anything that dangles a lot, jumps about or spins.
   • Never put catnip stuffed items on the tree. That's just asking for it.
   • Consider not having certain decorations at all. Tinsel is potentially hazardous for cats who chew it and swallow it and it is really not recommended for households with cats; it can cause choking or other internal problems if swallowed. So can ribbons and other items with length that dangle from the tree. Artificial snow is toxic and should not be used when you have pets and small children.
   • It is recommended that you don't use real candles on a tree when you have pets. Things can all too easily go wrong with a quick swipe of the paw and flames upon flammable items as a result.
   • If you like decorating the tree with food, be careful what you add. Chocolate of any kind is toxic for cats and the odor may be tempting to them if hung from the tree. Lots of sweets aren't healthy either.
7. 
   

   Place decorations that are especially delicate, enticing or dangerous high up the tree, in the top two-thirds of the tree.
   Place decorations that are especially delicate, enticing or dangerous high up the tree, in the top two-thirds of the tree. Your cat is less likely to reach for higher parts of the tree (provided you've ensured there are no leaping ledges or spots nearby), which will help to keep these items safe. Tinsel, if used at all, should be placed up high as it is likely to be dragged off by a curious cat and as already noted, it can be very harmful if ingested, including getting caught in the stomach and intestines. Some people choose to not even decorate the lower third of the tree at all. That way, there is nothing of interest at cat's eye level.
   • Some cats cannot help themselves and will climb up high whatever you do. If your cat is like this, then avoid having any delicate or potentially dangerous items on the tree at all.
8. 
   

   Attach ornaments onto the tree securely so that they cannot be simply pelted or lifted off.
   Attach ornaments onto the tree securely so that they cannot be simply pelted or lifted off. Use metal hooks that clamp to the tree and avoid using string, rubber bands or anything else dangly to attach the ornaments with. When you've attached the decorations, give them a tug to check that the method of attaching that you've used is adequate and requires dexterous strength to remove.
   • Hang ornaments by using quality wire ornament hangers. Use a pair of pliers to clamp the hook part around the branch so that it doesn't dangle and cannot be simply pulled off.
9. 
   

   Be careful with electrical wires and lighting.
   Be careful with electrical wires and lighting. A Christmas tree is complete when its lights are on but the wires can prove too much of a temptation to a curious kitty. Be sure to tape down excess wire and to make it too hard for the cat to reach the power point and cord join. Do not leave any wires dangling – wrap wire around the base or tree rather than having it dangling anywhere. It can also be helpful to cover exposed wires in wire covers or piping to prevent the cat from chewing them.
   • Cords can also be coated in "Bitter Apple".
   • Plug the tree lights into a short indoor extension cord and tape the plug into the socket with electrical tape. Simply unplug the lights from the extension cord to turn off.
   • Consider using cords that shut off if damaged.
   • Always turn off Christmas tree lights when there is no responsible adult in the room to keep an eye on them.
10. 
    

    Relax now.
    Relax now. You've done all you can to secure the tree and to make it a safe experience for your cat. Some cats will climb into the tree whatever you do and provided you've made it safe, it's best to reach a place of acceptance about this and go with the flow. Decide to make it your cat's Christmas and decide that you are not going to get frustrated trying to outsmart your cat this Christmas. Provided you've secured the tree to keep it from toppling and properly clamped ornaments to the branches, you will be able to cope if your cat does hop into the tree. And if that happens, be ready to take pictures of your cat sleeping in the Christmas tree branches – and smile.

Tips

• Consider getting the baby fences. This way, your cats can't go near the tree, but they can still explore the house. The baby fence could even be painted holiday colors to make it less ugly. Decorate it too!
• Make sure that your kittens(or cats!) are way from the presents so that they don't rip off the gift wrap.
• Consider getting Scotch Pines. They have sharp needles to repel cats. However, this very sharpness can be a potential hazard, so weigh this up before deciding.
• Distract your cat. Place toys she likes in the same room as the tree and place her scratching post reasonably near to the tree. These are her things and encourage her to use them rather than hang around the tree.
• Apple cider vinegar can be sprayed in place of "Bitter Apple
• You can place clear contact paper, sticky side up, under the tree. Cats won't walk on sticky surfaces.

Warnings

• Never use tinsel around cats. They may pull it down and spread it over the house and possibly chew on it and choke. Tinsel will cause the cat serious injury if ingested - contact your vet right away if you think your cat has chewed, eaten or swallowed any tinsel.
• Aspirin is often added to tree water. This is toxic to your cat. Add sugar instead but still ensure that your cat cannot reach the water because it is likely to have pine sap, preservatives, pesticides and other toxic elements in it.
• If you have a live Christmas tree with needles, always sweep up dead needles daily to remove temptation from pets and little people.
• When you lock the cats up for the night, try to shut the door to the room with the tree. You'll sleep better knowing they're not swaying from it during the night.
• Be extra vigilant with kittens. Keep them from chewing on the extension cord and shocking themselves. Anything that wiggles and jiggles will attract their attention.
• Do not put any harmful things on the tree, like human food. If your cat decides to be curious and lick or eat it, then it could make your kitty very sick.
• Do not leave hooks laying around, your cat can eat them, and this will probably hurt your kitty's insides.
• Don't spray a tree that has electrical items on it. Water and electricity have a habit of short-circuiting into a house fire.
• Don't decorate your cat. Allow her the dignity of not being your plaything.
• Never leave a kitten in a gift box or carrier under the Christmas tree as a gift; this is dangerous and cruel. If giving a wanted and agreed upon kitten for Christmas, keep the kitten in another room well cared for and bring her out as a gift when it's time, in your hands. Be sure that someone responsible is available all day to care for her, as the noise and excitement is likely to be overwhelming and she should be allowed to retreat as needed. Most importantly, a cat should only be given as a Christmas gift if a family decision has been reached that this is a life-long commitment that particular family members willingly take on.

Things You'll Need

• Cord ties, cord covers
• Bitter Apple, citronella oil, apple cider vinegar, etc.
• Spray bottle and water
• Things to tether or anchor the tree
• Solid, heavy tree base
• Proper metal clamp hooks and pliers
• Safe decorations
• Cat distractions

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