Simple car-care basics can keep your vehicle running in good shape for years and save you money.

Yet many car owners don’t even get the oil changes right.

(Photo: Flickr/Bob Villalobos)

To help you stay on track, two car repair specialists on JustAnswer shared tips that can help boost your car’s performance and make it last longer.

Mind the fluids

“There are other fluids beside engine oil that need to be replaced at specific intervals,” said Ahmed Ibraheem, a certified master auto technican on JustAnswer. He gave two examples:

• Transmission fluid: Should be replaced every 30,000 miles (although some models specify 60,000 miles)
• Engine coolant: Should be replaced every 30,000 miles, although a special long-life version can last in some cars for up to 100,000 miles.

Slow down and take it easy

“Always getting to Grandma’s house first is not only unsafe but bad for your car if you?re the last to start out,” said Chris P., a car engine technician on JustAnswer.

“Pushing a vehicle hard not only makes it run hotter, it uses more fuel,” he said. “It also causes accelerated wear to everything including the engine, transmission, tires, brakes and much more.”

Know your vehicle’s strengths

Make sure you buy the right car that meets your most important transportation needs, said Chris.

“A minivan can pull a boat, but it is not designed to do this often. A truck is designed to always tow or haul, not commute 85 miles per hour down the interstate for an hour,” he said.

Avoid the most common error

Both auto experts said the most common error they see in customers is not changing the oil at required intervals, leading to costly repairs.

“A quick $29 lube visit can save more than $2,000 on an engine replacement,” said Chris.

Going 1,000 miles over the recommended oil change interval on your car often results in “engine oil sludge.” The condition comes from oil being cooked into a gel-like compound in the engine.

“Engines in newer cars carry very tight tolerances and have very small oil passages which are easily blocked by oil gel,” said Ahmed Ibraheem. “It’s the top reason for engine failure that’s most easily preventable.”

“Typically your owner’s manual will specify all the needed maintenance and the intervals,” he concluded. “If you’re not sure, you are always welcome to ask me (screen name “AMD”) or another of the trained car technicians on JustAnswer for help with your vehicle’s specific maintenance needs.”

“Stress could easily become our next public health crisis.”

(Photo: Flickr/CollegeDegrees360)

So says the CEO of the American Psychological Association (APA), Norman Anderson. In fact, stress is a constant factor in everyday life, and 77% of American adults regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress, according to an APA survey.

Common signs of chronic stress

April is National Stress Awareness Month, and Dr. Jennifer Hanes, a physician on JustAnswer, offered a few specific warning signs that you might have chronic stress:

• You wake up without feel refreshed
• You feel sluggish during much of the day
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Frequent moodiness, notable sadness, or quickness to anger
• Skin irritations or lackluster hair

Quick steps that help lower stress

The physical health effects of stress can be especially dangerous for your heart. The American Heart Association (AHA) has posted these “emergency stress stoppers” that can help you in the moment you encounter a stressful situation:

• Count to 10 before you speak.
• Take three to five deep breaths.
• Walk away from the stressful situation, and say you’ll handle it later.
• Go for a walk.
• Don’t be afraid to say “I’m sorry” if you make a mistake.
• Set your watch five to 10 minutes ahead to avoid the stress of being late.
• Break down big problems into smaller parts. For example, answer one letter or phone call per day, instead of dealing with everything at once.
• Drive in the slow lane or avoid busy roads to help you stay calm while driving.
• Smell a rose, hug a loved one or smile at your neighbor.

For more helpful tips, visit this article at the AHA website.

Itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and sneezing aren’t the glad tidings most people expect from spring.

But if you often suffer from these and other allergy symptoms, read on for relief tips provided by several doctors on JustAnswer.

The starting point: antihistamines

“I recommend that you continue an antihistamine as first line,” said Dr. Anthony Bray. “I tend to recommend Zyrtec 10mg in the morning and Benedryl 25mg at bedtime. Both of these are over-the-counter.”

“The next thing that I would recommend that you add to these would be Singulair 10mg each day. Ask your doctor, as this one is by prescription,” he said. The drug is a leukotriene blocker and has a mechanism of action that is complimentary to the antihistamines. “It may help with the stuffiness as well,” he said.

What to try for itchy eyes

Oral antihistamines can also help with itchy, irritated eyes. Dr. Manju recommended Levocetirizine (5mg), which is available without a prescription.

“Bathe your eyes with plain eye washes; it will help in reducing the irritation,” he added. Avoid wearing contact lenses, if possible, or ask your doctor for a prescription for antihistamine eye drops.

A simple remedy for nasal congestion

For the sinus congestion that many allergy sufferers experience, Dr. Hasan suggests a tab of Sudafed twice daily. If symptoms persist, he recommended trying a neti pot.

“The neti pot has a role in flushing out of nasal mucus and allergens,” he said. “Using it during [allergy or hay fever] attacks is very beneficial.”

If you are not familiar with the neti pot and its use, watch this demonstration video.

Since allergy symptoms can vary, changing up your annual treatment regimen with some of the suggestions here (or from other experts on JustAnswer) could make for a more restful and enjoyable spring.

As the world marks the second anniversary of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, JustAnswer is partnering with many experts on the site to raise money for survivors and help with the country’s ongoing recovery efforts.

JustAnswer experts who participate in the program will donate a portion of their question fee ($2.00) to the Japanese Red Cross Society to help survivors take their next steps toward rebuilding their lives. The company will match those donations, up to $2,000. The donation program will apply to questions asked between March 4 and March 17, 2013.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those who continue suffering two years after the initial tragedy, still living in temporary housing sites, in a state of uncertainty and anxiety about the long term health effects of the nuclear accident,” said JustAnswer CEO Andy Kurtzig.  “We are confident that the Japanese Red Cross Society and the volunteers who are there to help are doing all they can, and JustAnswer wants to support their efforts.”

Before you can file your 2012 income taxes, you usually have to gather important documents, review relevant tax rules, and make a few decisions.

The process is complicated, but the tips below can help make it easier, not to mention save you time and money.

Deductions that help you save this year

The recent American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 extended several tax breaks for individuals. Shane Northrop, a tax expert on JustAnswer, noted these particular ways to save:

• The optional deduction for state and local sales taxes instead of deducting state and local income taxes.
• The above-the-line deduction for up to $4,000 for qualified tuition and related expenses.
• The deduction for mortgage insurance premiums.
• The above-the-line deduction for up to $250 for classroom supplies purchased by teachers.
• The exclusion from income for cancellation of mortgage debt of up to $2 million on a principal residence.

Common errors to avoid in preparing taxes

Every year, common mistakes trip up taxpayers. These can be costly in both time and money, and sometimes may trigger an audit.  As noted on the IRS website and CBS Moneywatch, these easy-to-avoid errors include:

• Incorrect or missing Social Security numbers. Always double-check this.
• Forgetting to file a change of address. You must notify the IRS that you have moved; use Form 8822.
• Withholding and estimated tax payments that were entered on the wrong line.
• Forgetting to keep receipts of charitable deductions.
• Failing to deduct state taxes. This is easy to forget on your federal tax return, but it can save you money.

Being able to identify a possible heart attack in yourself or others can help save lives.

Here is a list of common heart-attack symptoms that can manifest in both men and women, as provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

* Unusually heavy pressure on the chest, like there’s a ton of weight on you

Most heart attacks involve chest pain or discomfort in the center or left side of the chest. It usually lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. It may even feel like heartburn or indigestion.

* Sharp upper body pain in the neck, back, and jaw

This symptom can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, shoulders, neck, jaw, or upper part of stomach (not below the belly button). Pain in the back, neck, or jaw is a more common heart attack symptom for women than it is for men.

* Severe shortness of breath

This symptom can come on suddenly. It may occur while you are at rest or with minimal physical activity. You may struggle to breathe or try taking deep breaths. Shortness of breath may start before or at the same time as chest pain or discomfort, and can even be your only symptom.

* Cold sweats, and you know it’s not menopause

Unexplained or excessive sweating, or breaking out into a “cold sweat,” can be a sign of heart attack.

* Unusual or unexplained fatigue (tiredness)

Sudden and unusual tiredness or lack of energy is one of the most common symptoms of heart attack in women, and one of the easiest to ignore. It can come on suddenly or be present for days. More than half of women having a heart attack experience muscle tiredness or weakness that is not related to exercise.

* Unfamiliar dizziness or light-headedness

Unlike in the movies, most heart attacks do not make you pass out right away. Instead, you may suddenly feel dizzy or light-headed.

* Unexplained nausea (feeling sick to the stomach) or vomiting

Women are twice as likely as men to experience nausea, vomiting, or indigestion during their heart attack. These feelings are often written off as having a less serious cause. Remember, nausea and vomiting may be signs that something is seriously wrong, especially if you have other symptoms.

If any of the above symptoms persists for more than 5 minutes, health experts recommend calling 911 and getting emergency care. If the symptoms are temporary or recurring, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you’ve got a New Year’s resolution to find a new job, be prepared for competition. Nearly one in three workers has the same goal this year, according to a recent survey.

(Photo: Flickr/windowsau)

A great way to start your job search is to get very familiar with the following websites, as they serve up relevant job openings as well as valuable resources:

LinkedIn: This is a must-do for all professionals, not just job-seekers. First, take care in filling out your profile — use keywords in the summary and skills section, get recommendations from former colleagues. Many recruiters will look for you here, and you want your major skills to easily found when they do searches.

Second, target companies you want to work for, then follow them onsite and check their job listings. Third, use the site for networking — start by finding people you know who are connected to companies you want to work for and ask them questions.

Craigslist: As long it has a section devoted to your locality, this site is still viewed by many employers as a great bargain for posting jobs. The volume of jobs here, divided into relevant categories, makes it great for browsing.

Indeed: At this site you can save a wide variety of searches, and it’s worth checking every day. In addition, this site aggregates listings from many other sites (including Monster and CareerBuilder) and save you time.

Specialty site for your industry (your choice): There are targeted sites for certain industries (e.g. local government, journalism, nonprofits) or for career types (e.g. nurses, freelancers). Some examples include Constructionjobs.com, Journalismjobs.com, Accountingjobstoday.com, Idealist.org, and oDesk.com. Do a little research, ask colleagues in your field for their ideas of best sites.

Don’t forget relevant professional groups (e.g. International Association of Business Communicators, National Association of Hispanic Nurses) and the jobs sections on your target companies’ websites.

Landing a new job involves a lot of work these days, but sites listed here will put you much closer to success in your job search this year.

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, none is more popular than losing weight. And no matter if the goal is 10 or 50 pounds, the resolution is one of the hardest to achieve.

Putting some guerilla fun into yoga. (Photo: Flickr/lululemon athletica)

The tips in this article will help you plan for success that lasts beyond February, when nearly 40% of well-meaning goal-setters give up.

Build fun into your goal

“The best way to stay on track is to set a fun goal that requires weight loss,” said Dr. Jennifer Hanes, a physician on JustAnswer. “This is not about punishing yourself to look good for a reunion.”

Some examples include horseback riding, a belly dancing class, trapeze lessons, paddle-board yoga, or golf lessons. “The key is to make it an activity you dream of doing, not one you dread.”

Dr. Hanes, who chronicled her own 70-pound weight loss in the book “The Princess Plan,” said her goals included a plane trip and riding a roller coaster.

“I had never been denied a seat on a plane or a roller coaster, but as an obese woman I was very self-conscious and did not enjoy them,” she said. “Now I love them both!”

Good habits to shed pounds

Another physician on JustAnswer, Dr. Charles, stressed tried-and-true good habits to help reach your goal of losing weight. These include:

• Reduce the amount of calories you eat by 300 to 500 calories per day. This should lead to a loss of 1-2 pounds per week.
• Swap whole milk for low-fat, or low-fat milk for nonfat (skim).
• Eat plenty of salad and fruits.
• Increase your daily physical activities and work out, if you can.
• Drink plenty of water instead of soda.

Ways to avoid discouragement

Dr. Hanes recommends expanding your social group, especially if you gravitate toward others who are always eating. “The positive influence of peer pressure can be used to your benefit,” she said.

If you don’t have many friends who are physically active, seize the opportunity to sign up for a hiking group online, or join a yoga or dance class.

For positive reinforcement during her weight loss, Dr. Hanes wore a bracelet as a reminder to treat herself as well as she treats her friends. The constant visual cue helped her “walk taller, sit up straighter, and feel less pulled to food.”

Apps to aid success

Several free smartphone apps can also help you maintain focus on your goal. Some of the choices include Lose It!, for staying within a calorie budget, and MyFitnessPal, which also has a calorie counter and a community for encouragement. The iPhone app Fooducate lets you scan bar codes on packaged foods to bring up a letter grade (e.g. Twinkies get a “D”).

“Whatever your resolution, try to make small and simple changes,” Dr. Hanes concluded. “Those are the ones that will be lasting.”

As the U.S. economy struggles with slow growth, many Americans worry about their personal finances and resolve to improve their lot in the New Year.

Whether it’s making a budget, saving for a car, investing in a 401(k) or IRA, or paying down a credit-card balance, there are many steps you can take to achieve a more solid financial footing in 2013, regardless of what the overall economy does.

(Photo: Flickr/Quazie)

Two financial experts on JustAnswer suggest these four, in particular:

Set a goal. “You will never achieve any financial success unless you have a goal first,” said Randall Klein, a tax specialist on JustAnswer. He stressed that the goal should be specific, achievable, and measurable.

“Don’t just say, ‘When I have enough, I’ll buy a new car,’” he said. “Rather say, ‘I will buy a Camaro, in 24 months or less, and I will pay cash.’”

Tackle your debt problems. Try to move high-interest debt to lower interest debt, suggested John-Paul Valdez, an economist and finance expert on JustAnswer. This could apply to a mortgage or credit-card debt.

“Try to negotiate a new lower interest rate on debt by asking for it from the creditor, then always pay more than the minimum,” he said. “I have seen loan modifications on cars.”

Prepare for retirement now. “It’s never too late to start saving for retirement,” said Valdez.

He offered this sample scenario: If each spouse saves $100 twice a month in an IRA or 401(k) starting at age 40, the couple would have roughly $275,000 at age 65. Saving half that still would leave you with $125,000, he said.

Keep income taxes in perspective. Klein said he’s often asked about what people can do to save more on taxes, but he believes that’s the wrong focus.

“Stop worrying about the tax tail wagging the income dog,” he said. “Worry about figuring ways to make more money, not about one little thing that can save you $500 at the end of the year.”

But the best way to reduce your taxes, he added, is to meet with a tax professional now about planning your 2013 return — instead of reviewing your 2012 situation.

Quitting smoking is one of those New Year resolutions that many strive for, but few achieve. In fact, only 5% achieve success on their first try.

However, several doctors on JustAnswer suggest trying a variety of approaches as a way to better the odds for success. Here are five options:

(Photo: Flickr/fuzzcat)

Set up a plan to stop smoking. Dr. Rick M., a physician on JustAnswer, recommends creating a plan that includes three simple actions:

• Set a day to quit.
• Tell everyone you know that you are going to quit.
• Get rid of all tobacco in your life.

You may also add one of these three smartphone apps to your plan. These apps can help with keeping you accountable and providing encouragement at critical moments.

Find activities to distract you from smoking. Try exercising or going for a walk, or even brushing your teeth or chewing gum. “Anything you can do to help your body disassociate its urge for nicotine can help you get through the craving,” said Dr. Bhumika.

Re-evaluate your attempt to quit smoking every three or four days. “Try to identify your weakest moments and your strongest, and congratulate yourself on success each week,” Dr. Bhumika said. “If you break down and have a cigarette, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It simply means you have to recommit and start with a new day.”

Eat healthy to balance increased hunger. Increased hunger or urges to eat are common for many smokers during the quitting process, according to Dr. Malynn, another physician on JustAnswer.

“A great thing to do is to start a regular exercise routine and to be sure to eat healthy fibers from veggies, fruits, and whole grains, and get healthy oils, such as olive oil and avocados, into your diet,” she said. “These things help to balance out the hunger.”

Finally, don’t give up. Tenacity may be the most successful strategy, since most former smokers report that it took several tries before they reached their smoke-free goal.

With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s stressful enough having to organize the get-togethers and shop for presents, but having to deal with family squabbles can almost be unbearable. How can you avoid the anxiety of trying to please all of the family during what is supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year”?

Sybil Keane, a Licensed Counselor and Mental Health Expert on JustAnswer, provides some tips to help you stay prepared and handle the different situations that could arise during the holidays:

Happy family time. (Photo: Flickr/Breezy Baldwin)

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Make Decisions

Decide your holiday plans well in advance with all family members who are involved, and even hold family meetings to get input from everyone.

“Discuss with extended family members what you are doing early enough so that they don’t feel slighted if you decide to go elsewhere, or arrange a date with them,” says Dr. Keane. “Too many arguments evolve from family who ‘assume’ you’d be there for the dinner, weekend or holiday.”

She also says that this extends to decisions like determining how much money you are budgeting to spend on gifts, so make sure to have those plans thought out and agreed upon.

Stay in Touch with the In-Laws

An often unavoidable situation is deciding which spouse’s family to spend the holidays with. “Many couples start their marriages out right by alternating holidays with the respective in-laws,” suggests Dr. Keane. It’s good to talk with both in-laws and compromise on which events to attend so that there are no surprises when you are a no-show at one of the family gatherings.

Find Alternatives with Estranged Family Members

It can be difficult juggling time with estranged family members during the holidays, and if it’s not possible for others not to put aside differences and be around those people, Dr. Keane suggests that it’s best not to force it.

“Find an alternative date to celebrate with them during the holiday season, whether it be a dinner or ice skating,” she says. Unfortunately, some people will be offended no matter what you decide, so Dr. Keane says to be prepared for that and to not feel guilty over your decision.

Keep It Simple

According to Dr. Keane, the best way to relieve any stress over the holidays is simply put — keep it simple.

“For some reason, the holidays evoke memories that were ‘perfect’ in our minds because that is what we want to remember and try to re-create — even though they were not always perfect,” she says.

Some suggestions are to stop trying to create the best of everything and allow yourself to savor your relationships, especially during the holiday season when everyone comes together. She also recommends having fewer expectations, so that you won’t be disappointed if everything doesn’t turn out perfectly.

If you want to ask Dr. Keane or other Mental Health Experts how to handle your family situations this season, you can go to JustAnswer 24/7 and ask your question now.

Getting lots of candy is the goal of most kids during Halloween, while their parents may try new tricks for limiting how much candy is actually eaten.

Hard to eat just one... (Photo: Flickr/Rochelle Hartman)

“Candy has never been good for kids,” said Dr. Jody Navitsky, a physician on JustAnswer. “But now in 2012, when levels of pediatric obesity have reached epidemic proportions, it is exactly what most kids don’t need.”

Read on for helpful ideas to keep kids on a healthy diet after they bring home all those treats.

The freezer is your friend

Dr. Jennifer Hanes, another physician on JustAnswer, suggested putting the collected candy in the freezer in several small bags as an easy  way to limit how much kids eat. The strategy has three additional advantages:

1. Out of sight, out of mind. Kids are less likely to remember if the candy is in the freezer.
2. Keeping the candy frozen requires either thawing it first or eating it slowly, which will cut down consumption.
3. Freezing the candy “will keep it fresh longer” — this is an easy explanation to tell your kids.

Short memories come in handy

Young children may get caught up in the moment and not realize how much candy they have, said Dr. Navitsky. You may also capitalize on their short memories.

Give them one or two pieces of candy on Halloween night. She added: “Let them have a piece after a meal the next day or two, then start siphoning off the candy — to a parent’s workplace or even the garbage.”

Put the candy out of sight, and selectively ignore it or respond when asked: “Not today, but maybe tomorrow.” Over time they should forget about it, she said.

A good time to share

“Older kids need to be told they can pick a certain number of candies that are favorites and eat them over the course of a week or so (controlled by the parents),” Dr. Navitsky said. “Then tell them the rest will be donated elsewhere. Period.”

This could be a way to teach them about the joy of helping others. Or you could focus on how much fun it was to spend time together as a family while trick-or-treating or on what to wear next year, she said.

Consider some alternatives

Dr. Hanes, who also wrote the forthcoming book “The Princess Plan” about weight loss, said that offering goodies other than candy can also help.

“This year our house is passing out temporary tattoos, spooky erasers, and trinket jewelry along with candy,” she said. Her healthy food treats include individual bags of pretzels or mini bags of microwave popcorn.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: What can I do about my varicose veins?

Wear compression socks (left) and exercise. (Photo: Flickr/lululemon athletica)

A: Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins. They cause incompetent valves in the veins/ dilated perforators and varicocities. This leads to collection of blood in the lower limb – putting it at the risk of clotting.

You can try a variety of treatments. Surgery options include sclerotherapy, laser-assisted surgery, vein stripping or endoscopic vein surgery. Non-surgical options include wearing a compression stocking and elevating your legs whenever possible. You could also raise the leg part of your bed.

You should not sit with your legs crossed, and avoid long periods of sitting or standing. Exercise regularly.

– Answer from Dr. Ken, physician and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your health? Click here to speak with a doctor or specialist right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: How do you know if you have bipolar disorder?

(Photo: Flickr/versionz)

A: While it does not replace a diagnosis by your psychiatrist, here is a link where you may take the Goldberg Screening Test for Bipolar Disorder and find comprehensive information about the condition, including effective treatment.

You will be given a scale to interpret your score. If you score in the bipolar spectrum, then print out your test and take it to your next appointment with your psychiatrist. I think you will find the information on this site clear and easy to understand.

– Answer from Eleanor K., psychotherapist and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your health? Click here to speak with a doctor or specialist right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: I am 37 years old, and I’ve had tendonitis in my right hand three times in the past year. First in the thumb, then the 4th finger, and now I have pain and swelling in the middle finger where it joins the hand. What can I do about it?

A: Tendonitis is generally caused by overuse or misuse of your fingers, hand, wrist, or arm. There is some evidence that Vitamin B6 can help decrease risk of tendonitis, but this is still unfounded.

Having had many a bout with tendonitis, I can tell you what works. Freeze some Dixie cups of water (12 or 16 oz.). When frozen, cut the ice from the cup and use these blocks of ice to press ice into the affected areas — 15 minutes on, and 15 minutes off. Repeat a few times. Dry well and apply Topricin cream, which is a wonderfully effective cream made specifically for tendonitis. (Available at health food stores or online.)

Try not to use your arm; or if you type, don’t do it for a few days. The tendon is inflamed, and it needs to calm down. By the way, heat is the worst thing you can do for tendonitis.

– Answer from CamilleRN, a nurse and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your health? Click here to speak with a doctor or nurse right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: Is there a safe flea treatment for otherwise healthy six-week-old kittens? We also have adult cats in the garage, but not around the kittens.

Ready to live outside of the box. (Photo: Flickr/abcrumley)

A: Sorry you are having trouble with fleas. There are a few remedies you can try.

Wash the babies with dish soap. Leave the lather on a few minutes. It will smother the fleas. Use a flea comb and drop the fleas in a cup of water with alcohol.

You can use Advantage II on the adults, and all the fleas in the house will die. Or try diatomaceous earth, which you can get at a garden shop or buy online.

– Answer from Terri Riba, cat specialist and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your pet’s health? Click here to speak with a veterinary expert right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: My nephew (21) has very crooked, overcrowded teeth that are now rotting. Nobody will finance the estimated $18,000 to fix his dental problems. He?s always hiding his teeth now. What can he do to get help?

A: Assuming that the intent of your question is for strategies to overcome the financial obstacle to proper care, there are several options, outlined below.

If your nephew is disabled, he may qualify for his state’s Donated Dental Services program. In some states, overt disability may not be required to qualify, so it may be worthwhile to contact your local chapter to inquire. You can find information for your state DDS program here.

If your nephew falls below the poverty level, he should consider applying for Medicaid. Admittedly, some state Medicaid dental programs have been largely gutted and provide only the most basic care, but they should be able to assess and treat any infection, which is a priority. Check out this link.

Dental service is available at dental school clinics at fees that are substantially below those at private practices.

He can seek dental care in a community-based federally subsidized clinic; to find one nearby, see Find a Health Center and FreeMedicalCamps.com.

Several charitable programs provide free dental clinics around the country. Contact: Dentistry From the Heart or Oral Health America.

If your nephew has even a moderately acceptable credit rating, he may apply for a deferred third party installment payment plan, such as CareCredit.

You may also contact your local component of the American Dental Association for more community-based guidance for sources of dental care.

– Answer from Mark Bornfeld, DDS, dentist and expert and JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your health or dental issues? Click here to speak with a doctor or dentist right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: Is there any sedan (as opposed to minivan) in which it’s safe to put three infant/child seats in the back seat? We have two young grandchildren, with a third on the way. The youngsters have forward-facing seats; the baby will have a backward-facing seat, at least for 12-18 months.

Infant car seats for three will be a challenge. (Photo: Flickr/Miki Yoshihito)

A: Below I am listing the most popular ones. I personally like the room in the Dodge and Chevy, but you would be surprised at how much room the Toyota and Honda have these days. They used to be considered small cars, but not anymore.

This should give you an idea of some good choices for used cars (links show 2007 models):

• Dodge Magnum
• Toyota Camry
• Honda Accord
• Chevrolet Malibu Maxx

Two other mid-size sedans that can hold three car seats are the Honda CR-V and the Toyota Avalon.

– Answer from Larry J., auto expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your car? Click here to speak with a mechanic right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: Is it possible my glasses are causing skin cancer? In the past 30 years I’ve had 7 basal-cell growths treated or removed from my nose and both sides of my face in front of my ears, just above where the glasses rest.

Constant rubbing of glasses on the nose could raise doubts. (Photo: Flickr/Richard Masoner)

A: Whether chronic irritation can cause cancer has long been debated in medicine, but the answer is generally no. Basal cell carcinoma is not felt to be the result of trauma or chronic rubbing, although one cannot rule that out entirely. The areas you mention are areas that receive a great deal of sun, and that is a known carcinogen.

Besides a sunscreen, you might benefit from photodynamic therapy to decrease the number of basal cells. This is usually covered by insurance and is always covered by Medicare.

I also posed your question to two dermatology friends of mine, and they both said not to blame your glasses.

– Answer from Arnold Oppenheim, MD, dermatologist and expert on JustAnswer.

See also: Could This Growth on My Arm Be Skin Cancer?

Got a specific question about your health? Click here to speak with a doctor or nurse right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Running your first marathon is a thrilling accomplishment, but the training can involve unexpected aches and pains to your joints, tendons, and muscles.

(Photo: Flickr/Elvert Barnes)

The doctors on JustAnswer frequently address marathon-related injuries. In the second of this two-part series, we focus on lower leg injuries. Below are two common ailments described by runners in training, followed by information and tips from the doctors.

Shin splints

“I have strained the muscle on the anterior tibialis due to training for the marathon. Any advice and how long I can expect to be out for?”

Dr. Mark: What you are describing is likely the overuse injury known as “shin splints.”

And really the best way to recover is to continue to exercise, but not the type that would stress this particular muscle. Also:

• Over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen or aspirin, are helpful.
• Icing and wrapping the shin is helpful.
• Stretching before and after exercise is important.

Gradually increasing your exercise back after a couple of weeks to your normal level over a couple of months is recommended. Running in the water during recovery is also good advice.

Painful knees

“I’m training for my first marathon, and all of this running has caused some trouble for my left knee. It doesn’t hurt so much to run on it, but it’s sore afterwards, particularly going down stairs. It is sore just below the kneecap, and it hurts to kneel on it.”

Dr. Singh: Some possible causes for your symptoms are bursitis, inflammation or injury of the knee ligaments or tendons, and arthritis. I would recommend applying warm compresses to the knee 2-3 times a day. Continue using knee brace as often as needed.

If symptoms persist, you may need an X-ray of the knee for evaluation. You may also benefit from physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint.

The input from the physicians above should help you to continue training successfully for your first marathon. Good luck!

Read the first part of this marathon-training series, focusing on common foot problems.

More articles from JustAnswer:

• 4 Natural Remedies for Sinusitis
• The Essential Steps for Treating Sunburn Pain
• 11 Steps to Lower Your Blood Pressure

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: What is the physiological cause of the spots on a Dalmatian?

The spots don't help with camouflage here. (Photo: Flickr/David Jones)

A: The cause of the spots is due to the pigment melanin. The more melanin, the darker the skin/hair.

The pattern is due to at least two and maybe three genes that carry certain markers for making this spotted appearance. There are other dogs with these spots, like certain hunting dogs or hounds. The fact that only Dalmatians have this spotted appearance so uniformly makes us consider that there is a gene carried on the gene that gives Dalmatians their distinctive urine properties. The full gene sequence has not been mapped out yet, but in time we’ll know.

– Answer from Dr. Gary Ryder, veterinarian and expert on JustAnswer.

See also: What Are the Red Bumps Between My Dalmatian’s Toes?

Got a specific question about your pet’s health? Click here to speak with a veterinary expert right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: Is there any way I can make sure my sole beneficiary (daughter) escapes dealing with probate issues when I pass away?

A: You can avoid probate by establishing a trust. A local lawyer can draft a trust rather inexpensively. All your possessions go into the trust. You make yourself the current trustee and your daughter the successor trustee.

Upon your passing, she automatically takes control of all your possessions, property, accounts, etc., that were put into the trust.

– Answer from EstateLawNate, lawyer and expert on JustAnswer.

See also: Can Bill Collectors Garnish My Unemployment Check?

Got a specific question about your estate or legal rights? Click here to speak with a lawyer right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: Why are there so many types of statin drugs — simvastatin, pitavastatin, lovastatin, etc.? How do you decide among alternatives — is it insurance considerations? Is there a simple alternative to Crestor at 5mg you would recommend?

(Photo: Flickr/e-Magine Art)

A: Basically there are so many because each pharmaceutical company wants to have a statin drug. (Statins are the most widely prescribed meds in the world today.)

However, each one has individual characteristics. For example, pravastatin tends to have the least amount of side effects. If you have to switch from Crestor because of side effects, I would try pravastatin.

If it’s for insurance purposes, I would switch to Lipitor (atorvastatin). It is the most well-studied, and it’s generic now. Also the 5mg dosage of Crestor is equivalent to 20mg Lipitor (atorvastatin).

– Answer from DrPhilMD, physician and expert on JustAnswer.

See also: Foods and Supplements That Help Lower Cholesterol

Got a specific question about your health? Click here to speak with a doctor or nurse right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Dads can be tough to shop for, which stresses many of us as Father’s Day approaches.

But if your dad loves cars, do-it-yourself home and garden projects, or gadgets, some of the experts on JustAnswer have eight good gift suggestions that each cost less than $50.

Could it be another tie? (Photo: Flickr/SanFranAnnie)

From Scott L., Honda technician and car expert on JustAnswer:

Roll-around stool. “These are great for projects that require a person to move around the car close to the floor,” he said. “A decent stool will also have a bolt/nut tray to place removed bolts to keep them from getting lost.” Here are a few suggestions:

• Mechanics Adjustable Seat
• Work Seat on Wheels

OBD2 code reader. “This is a must-have for someone who does a lot of work on cars,” Scott L. said. “This tool will hook into the OBD2 Connector and will read stored trouble codes. This will enable the DIY type to head in a direction for repair and will also clear the code after the repair.”

From George C. Murray, arborist and garden expert on JustAnswer:

Bypass loppers. “As an arborist and lover of all things yard-related, I would have to say that a must for any dad would be a nice pair of bypass loppers,” said Murray. “When you’re dealing with smaller pruning jobs, there’s no substitute.”

From Chris (aka Moose), car and engine expert on JustAnswer:

Digital volt ohm meter. This device is great to work on cars, electric tools, battery-powered tools, or home appliances and wiring.

A super bright LED flashlight. “It’s got to be compact; about the size of a hot dog is perfect,” Chris said. “A great flashlight that does not take an expensive odd-sized battery needs to cost at least $25 or more.”

A set of vice grip pliers. “Because you can never have enough pliers,” he said.

From Michael Hannigan, consumer electronics expert on JustAnswer:

Solar charger. Now you can buy a solar charger/battery combo that’s small enough and powerful enough to be of practical use. “The Opteka BP-SC4000, for example, is thin, not much bigger than a smartphone, and includes a 4000mAh built-in lithium-polymer battery that is charged through solar panels,” said Hannigan. “It even includes 10 device-specific connectors, in addition to the standard USB.”

Annoy-a-tron.  For about $10, this gadget emits a short beep or very annoying high-frequency chirp, and it’s nearly impossible to locate the device by sound. Its magnet holds it to any metal surface. “This is a gift you can be pretty sure he doesn’t already have,” Hannigan said. “And when he does find it, he can use it for a lifetime of enjoyment annoying others.”

If all else fails, Chris (aka Moose) had one last suggestion: “A no-questions-asked, guy’s day out shopping.”

More articles from JustAnswer:

• The Best Quality Digital Camera for a Novice
• The Essential Steps for Treating Sunburn Pain
• 4 Things to Know About Buying Short Sale Homes

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: What is the best camera for a novice to purchase with the intent to blow the images up to as large as 16×20 photos?

Take the guessing out of your self portraits. (Photo: Flickr/Mikelo)

A: If you are looking for something simple, in the point-and-shoot category, the camera that has the best picture quality, in my opinion, is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1- 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 16X Wide Angle Optimal Image Stablized Zoom and Built-in GPS Function.

(There is also a newer version of the camera here, and it’s more expensive.)

At 14 megapixels it will still look great at 16×20. The camera has good image stabilization, and the lens is flexible, including wide-angle.

If you are looking for something a little more sophisticated, like a digital SLR, I can recommend one or two, but they have quite a learning curve. With the point-and-shoot Lumix you can take great pictures the day you take it out of the box.

– Answer from Michael Hannigan, camera and tech expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your gadgets? Click here to speak with a tech expert right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: What can I use as natural remedies for sinusitis?

Drinking hot liquids can help. (Photo: Flickr/Sleepyneko)

A: The main aim of treatment of sinusitis is to decrease the inflammation of the mucus membrane of the sinuses and help in drainage of the sinus discharge. You can do this by:

1. Drinking hot liquids. One of the best ways to unclog sinuses is to drink hot tea, water, or hot chicken soup throughout the day. These help moisturize your mucous membranes, speeding up the movement of your cilia and thus washing mucus out of your sinuses more quickly.

2. Apply warm compresses to your face. Do this three times a day for five minutes. A small towel soaked in warm water, then placed over your face below and between the eyes, will help increase the circulation in your sinuses, which will also help speed up the movement of your cilia.

3. Irrigate your sinuses. Use a neti pot if you can to irrigate your nasal passages with warm water.

4. Make a warm brew. Add ginger and honey to hot water to help decrease the inflammation. Or add 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar to 1/2 cup warm water and drink this twice daily. Apple cider vinegar helps thin the mucus.

– Answer from Dr. M.D. Mazumdar, physician and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your health? Click here to speak with a doctor or nurse right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: I think my Pomeranian has mange. She also has ear mites, which I have been treating. What can I do for her?

This Pomeranian enjoys a little pampering. (Photo: Flickr/Richard Wood)

A: Your vet will do a skin scraping to determine if she has mange and what type.  There are two types:

1 — Demodex mange. This is treated with Mitaban (Amitraz) drops.
2 — Sarcoptes/Scabies mange. This is treated with either lime sulfur dips, Revolution or Interceptor.

In the meantime, you can bathe her in a regular shampoo, but it’s not going to kill any mites. Your vet will have mite drops for the ears.

For the itching right now, you can give over-the-counter Benadryl (diphenhydramine). The dose in dogs is 1-2 mg per pound, every 6-8 hours as needed.

– Answer from Dr. Gary Ryder, veterinarian and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your pet’s health? Click here to speak with a veterinary expert right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Running your first marathon is a thrilling accomplishment, but the training can involve unexpected aches and pains to your joints, tendons, and muscles.

(Photo: Flickr/Mike Baird)

The doctors on JustAnswer frequently address marathon-related injuries. In the first of this two-part series, we focus on foot injuries. Below are two common foot ailments described by runners in training, followed by information and tips from the doctors.

Soreness in ball of the foot (metatarsalgia)

“After running for 50 minutes I get a burning pain under the left side ball of my foot, which makes it difficult for me to keep running. I have changed my shoes and tried innersoles, but nothing has helped.”

Dr. Abby: What you described is most likely metatarsalgia, a condition that is common in runners.

Two things should be ruled out: The first is a stress fracture (a tiny break in one of the bones in your foot) by an X-ray. The second is a Morton’s neuroma, which is a thickening of nerve tissue that can develop between the bones of the foot.

The treatment for metatarsalgia includes icing the area, insoles, arch supports if you need them, avoidance of aggravating activities, and metatarsal pads placed right under the area of pain. It appears you may not have tried the metatarsal pads — these should be available at your local pharmacy.

If nothing else is helping, I would see a podiatrist for further treatment and evaluation, or an orthopedist who specializes in foot and ankle.

Pain in the heel (plantar fasciitis)

“I believe I have plantar fasciitis. It seems like a lot of middle-aged people have this condition. Why does it occur in people my age and what, if anything, can be done about this without drugs or surgery?”

Dr. Charles: Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick connective tissue on the sole of your foot that attaches to the heel. The pain is usually felt at the bottom of your heel.

Being overweight is one of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis. Other causes: Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament; tight calf muscles can lead to prolonged and/or high velocity pronation of the foot. Another common cause of plantar fasciitis is arthritis.

Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen), heel stretching exercises, and heel inserts. Take a few days off from prolonged standing to try to rest the painful foot. Night splints can be worn to keep the heel stretched out when you sleep. They prevent the arch of the foot from becoming contracted at night, and is hopefully not as painful in the morning.

Additional treatment may consist of a number of physical therapies, such as diathermy, ultrasound waves, and whirlpool baths. Medications may be prescribed by your doctor accordingly.

Next in Part 2: What you can do about shin splints and knee pain.

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• The Essential Steps for Treating Sunburn Pain
• 11 Steps to Lower Your Blood Pressure
• What Can I Do to Cure Dandruff?

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: I am a 55-year-old woman living in Detroit, and I’ve been unemployed since 2007. I am being threatened by bill collectors, but I don’t have anything. I have lost my car and my home, and I am living with different relatives. My only income is unemployment, which is about to run out. Can I file bankruptcy, or what can I do? They have threatened to send me to jail.

A: Please know that they CANNOT send you to jail for not paying your debt. That is, in fact, a violation of Fair Debt Collection practices for them to threaten such. The debts are civil in nature, and you cannot go to jail for civil liability.

They also cannot garnish your unemployment income. If you have no assets or other income, then you are essentially judgment-proof. They can file a civil case against you, but they have no way of collecting until you get a job or come into assets.

You should speak with a bankruptcy attorney about getting rid of the debts while you are unemployed. This should stop the harassment from bill collectors.

– Answer from John Legal, civil attorney and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your legal rights? Click here to speak with a lawyer right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: After self-cleaning the oven (GE Gas Profile) last night, today it will not heat on bake, roast, or convection. It will, however, broil. I tried resetting the breaker, but no change. Any suggestions?

It's clean, but does it still cook? (Photo: Flickr/BoneDaddy.P7)

A: It sounds like your oven igniter below the floor inside your oven is just starting to fail and needs to be ordered and replaced. Oven igniters last about 6-8 years under normal use before they tend to start failing. They need to draw at least 3.2 amps or else they won’t open the gas valve correctly, and this will either crack the valve open, or open and shut the valve several times when it should just be holding open.

During self-clean, the igniters will get really hot, which can cause them to crack or change resistance. This is commonly why they fail during self-clean. It doesn’t matter if the igniter is glowing or not; just because it glows doesn’t mean the igniter is drawing enough power to open the safety valve. The igniter is only about a $50 part, and you can replace it yourself if you want to remove the racks inside oven and then remove the floor to access it. Otherwise it will cost about $150-175 to call someone and replace it for you.

– Answer from Tyler M., appliance expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your home appliances? Click here to speak with an appliance expert  right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Sunburn is an unavoidable fact for most of us during the summer. Try as you might to avoid it, sometimes you miss a spot with your sunscreen or forget to apply it for a short stint outdoors.

The lines tell it all. (Photo: Flickr/Kelly Sue)

The dangers of exposure to sunlight go far beyond the pain of sunburn, of course. But on those occasions you forget sunscreen and have to endure the redness and discomfort, here are some helpful tips provided by experts on JustAnswer.

Limit damage to the skin

“Unfortunately, there is no fast-fix sunburn treatment,” said Deborah J., a nurse on JustAnswer. “Once sunburn occurs, you can’t do much to limit damage to your skin.” Her suggestions:

• Apply cold compresses. Use a towel dampened with cool tap water and apply it to the affected skin. Or take a cool bath.
• Moisturize. Apply a moisturizing cream, aloe gel, or 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected skin.

“As the skin heals, apply lotion generously several times a day,” said Dr. Anthony Bray. “This should help with the peeling and drying.”

He also recommends Water-Jel burn gel or Solarcaine. Both have a topical ingredient to give some anesthesia to the area applied.

What to do about blisters

Blisters may form four to six hours after exposure to sun. If this happens, do not break the blisters.

“They contain your natural body fluid (serum) and are a protective layer,” said Deborah J. “Also, breaking blisters slows the healing process and increases the risk of infection. If needed, you can lightly cover blisters with gauze.”

If the blisters begin to break, apply an antibacterial ointment, said Mel D., also a nurse and expert on JustAnswer. “This will help keep infection from developing.”

Watch out for severe sunburn

Severe sunburn may require professional medical care. See a doctor if:

• Severe sunburn covers a large portion of your body with blisters.
• Sunburn is accompanied by a high fever or extreme pain.
• Severe sunburn doesn’t respond to at-home care within a few days.

Of course, the best ways to enjoy the outdoors with minimal sunburn pain are to limit exposure to the sun and apply sunscreen liberally.

More articles from JustAnswer:

• How Will Sunscreens Affect My Rosacea?
• How Dangerous Are Bath Salts as a Drug?
• 11 Steps to Lower Your Blood Pressure

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: Is cracking your knuckles damaging in the long run?

In the habit. (Photo: Flickr/Jaysin Trevino)

A: This is a good concern, but there is no firm evidence suggesting that cracking your knuckles will cause any damage to the joint in the long run. The cracking sound comes out due to the release of trapped air in the joint.

But this is not supposed to cause any damage to your joint, and there is no evidence that cracking knuckles will cause arthritis.  Here is a good Q&A from the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.

– Answer from MysticDoc, a physician and expert on JustAnswer.

See also: How Can VapoRub Fight Toenail Fungus?

Got a specific question about your health? Click here to speak with a doctor or nurse right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

The alternate use of bath salts as a mysterious “designer drug” has caused many health scares in the last few years, including most recently the violent face-eating attack on a homeless man in Florida.

Proper use of bath salts. (Photo: Flickr/SuperFantastic)

The drug craze has raised alerts in the public health realm, as not much research exists on how dangerous the bath salts are on human health.

Doctor reviews the known details

Recently a “very concerned father” asked a doctor on JustAnswer for clarity on the dangers of using bath salts as a drug.

“Bath salts are an emerging epidemic in the drug-abuse scene,” replied Rory Curtis, a pharmacist and professor on JustAnswer. “Not an incredible amount of information is known regarding the pharmacology, mechanism of action, and long-term effects.”

However, Curtis noted that one of the reported chemicals in the bath salts is mephedrone, which appears to be a major contributor to the abuse. (This does not apply to epsom salts, which are also popular for baths.)

“The effects are dangerous, similar to cocaine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine,” he said. Numerous media reports have detailed psychotic episodes and violent episodes — even suicides — resulting from usage of the drug.

How the danger increases

Common means of taking the new drug are oral or smoking, snorting (similar to cocaine), or injecting, which is the most dangerous.

“Snorting the drugs provides a faster onset of action due to proximity to the brain, and increases the risk of abuse,” Curtis said.

Widespread use in recent years has resulted in multiple deaths, and led many European countries to control mephedrone. The United Kingdom outlawed the substance in 2010.

Where to get more information

Another physician on JustAnswer recommended these links for learning more about drug abuse from bath salts:

• Research article from MedicineNet.com
• El Paso Public Intelligence Bulletin
• Fact sheet from Drug Free Marion County

If you have a question about your health, you can speak to a doctor or nurse right now on JustAnswer.

More articles from JustAnswer:

• 11 Steps to Lower Your Blood Pressure
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Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: I think my dog ate a generic Ambien (12mg) tablet, and she is out of it. She is a 2-year-old charcoal Labrador retriever, weighing about 50 lbs.  Her heart rate and breathing are slower than normal. Is she in real danger?

Somebody is ready for a nap. (Photo: Flickr/Tim Dawson)

A: Ambien (zolpidem) is a sleeping tablet used in humans but not usually prescribed for dogs. If this happened in the last hour you should make your dog sick immediately and recover the drug that way. Here’s a link on how to induce vomiting safely for your dog.

Here is a link concerning the effects of this drug in dogs. It is encouraging that this report says that clinical signs developed within 1 hour and usually resolved within 12 hours, and no deaths were reported.

If your dog overdosed, you might expect to see uncoordination, vomiting, excess salivation, tremors, and lethargy, among other symptoms. If you fail to recover the tablet by induced vomiting, then keep an eye on your dog for the overdose symptoms. If any develop, contact a vet right away. Otherwise, with a large dog such as yours, chances are she will just sleep it off.

– Answer from Scott Nimmo, veterinarian and expert on JustAnswer.

See also: My Dog Ate Chicken Bones. Will She Be OK?

Got a specific question about your pet’s health? Click here to speak with a veterinary expert right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: I am thinking of buying a home on a short sale. What are some of the things I should consider before buying (e.g. tax and legal issues)?

"Short sale" has nothing to do with the time to get to closing.

A: Short sales can be good ways to get a home for a good price. Here are four things to consider and watch out for:

1. Avoid homes with more than one loan (other than first mortgage) or any lien on the property. Properties with more than one mortgage or lien will have to have the permission of all lien holders before a short sale can go through.

2. Be prepared for a 3- to 6-month purchase process. Yes, it usually takes that long to get to closing. So if you are financing the loan, a short sale may not be for you.

3. Be sure to inquire whether the property taxes are up to date. If not, you will be expected to pay them when the house is yours.

4. Consider forgetting any potential property that is more than about 10% underwater. Few lenders will approve a loss great than that and will generally foreclose and hold the property for sale themselves.

– Answer provided by Doug C., real estate lawyer and expert on JustAnswer.

See also: Consequences of Walking Away from a Mortgage

Got a specific question about tax issues or your legal rights? Click here to speak with a lawyer or accountant right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: I have rosacea on my face, and I think it’s getting worse. I have been prescribed steroids, but is there a sunscreen or something else I can use to help? I like to surf but don’t want the sun to make the condition worse.

A zinc-based sunscreen is good for the face.
(Photo: Flickr/indexorama)

A: Most dermatologists do not advise the use of steroids for rosacea, beyond a few weeks. In the short term, steroids can help with the erythema (redness). However, by thinning the skin, steroids can actually make the blood vessels more apparent.

A very good product with a steroid would be RevaleSkin Day Cream. This is a bit pricey but does an excellent job with rosacea (in my opinion, as good as the topical prescription products). This product contains a sunscreen. For a more affordable alternative, I would try either Eucerin Redness Relief or Aveeno Ultra Calming Cream. These both contain sunscreens, too.

To help rosacea you can also take orally niacinamide 250mg twice a day, zinc gluconate 25mg, and vitamin C 500 mg twice a day.

Rosacea is generally made worse by the sun. You should use a zinc- or titanium-based sunscreen, especially if you are on a regimen of prescribed medications (such as Oracea or Metrogel). Unlike other chemical sunscreens, the zinc- or titanium-based sunscreens work by reflecting the rays and not allowing the heat from the sun to aggravate the rosacea.

– Answer by Arnold Oppenheim, MD, dermatologist and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your health? Click here to speak with a doctor or nurse right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: Is it a good idea to shave my dogs for the summer? I have heard answers both ways. One of my dogs is a German shepherd-and-husky mix with a full undercoat. The other is a chow, also with an undercoat.

Chow enjoys a day at the salon. (Photo: Flickr/anglerp1)

A: There’s little scientific evidence one way or the other. However, if we look at dogs that thrive in cold climates, they have thick, bushy coats. Dogs that thrive in hot climates often have very short, fine hair. Nature has allowed dogs to adapt to different climates.

We humans, in the desire to have dogs for a variety of purposes, have brought dogs into environments where their physical traits might not serve them particularly well.

Therefore, I’m in favor of shaving these thick-coated breeds during the summer. I practice in Florida, and I think it’s borderline inhumane to keep a full-coated arctic breed such as a husky or malamute, without having them shaven.

I’m not convinced that German shepherds, however, need shaving. Their coats, while medium-length, shed out the undercoat, and therefore I just recommend diligent brushing year-round.

– Answer from Drew C., veterinarian and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your pet? Click here to speak with a veterinary expert right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: I am considering marrying a man who’s had serious health problems and now has extreme debt from medical bills. If we married, would I become responsible for his medical debts? I own a home and have good credit. Would a prenup free me from financial responsibility where he is concerned?

“… for richer or for poorer …”
(Photo: Flickr/Blaise Alleyne)

A: As a general rule, any pre-existing issues, whether assets or liabilities would remain the exclusive property of the person who possessed that asset or liability prior to the marriage. Any debt that he has prior to your date of marriage would remain his sole responsibility.

The primary way in which this could be changed is if you did something to make it a joint debt. For example, if the two of you took out a loan to pay off the medical debt, the loan would then belong to you both.

And, yes, a prenup would certainly be a satisfactory way to spell out what assets and liabilities belong to you and what assets and liabilities belong to him.

– Answer from Joseph Y., lawyer and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your legal rights and/or your finances? Click here to speak with a lawyer or financial expert right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: We have a baby squirrel that we are trying to help out, and he has some fleas. How do we get rid of them without hurting the little fella or making him sick?

Nap time. (Photo: Flickr/Audreyjm529)

A: I have kept squirrels in the past myself and have faced the same problem.

A safe and surprisingly effective thing to do would be to wash your squirrel in human baby shampoo or Dawn dish soap. Then pick off any dead or dying fleas. This is surprisingly quite effective, and we also use this method with kittens who are too young to safely use conventional flea treatments.

– Answer from Scott Nimmo, veterinarian and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your pet’s health? Click here to speak with a veterinary expert right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: I have Apple TV, which has worked fine. Since yesterday, it turns on (indicator light) but does not produce a picture on the TV. A reboot (power off) does not change anything. Help?

(Photo: Flickr/paz.ca)

A: Please check your HDMI cable connection from Apple TV to your TV LCD, as that is probably the problem. Test it with another cable and see if that works out for you.

Also, you can get a HDMI cable at any electronics store for about $20. That should help.

– Answer from CompExpert, a technician and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your gadgets? Click here to speak with a tech expert right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: Do you think stress has an impact on fertility? My wife and I have been trying for a long time, and I’m always stressed now.

The body language says it all. (Photo: Flickr/Ed Yourdon)

A: Yes, I do believe it does. In fact, studies have been done looking at the impact of stress and fertility. You can check out this study as an example.

The question then becomes: What is the optimal way of treating stress? Seeing a counselor to discuss how you both are handling the stress is one way of helping lessen the anxiety and stress. Medications can be used if you are feeling depressed or anxious, too. It becomes a bit more complicated with your wife (medications) because we try to avoid any medications unless absolutely necessary.

For some couples, taking a break from trying to conceive helps resolve anxiety and stress for a while.

I know that the road is not easy. It can be extremely frustrating when you know that both of your bodies are healthy and there is no physical reason found as to why you are not getting pregnant.

– Answer from Dr. Abby, a physician and expert on JustAnswer.

Got a specific question about your health? Click here to speak with a doctor or nurse right now on JustAnswer. Or use the blue box in the upper right corner.

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: What is the best way to get over someone you really loved?

Most of us have had moments like this. (Photo: Flickr/Alex Proimos)

A: It is such a great question and one that most of us ponder at some point in our lives. When a loving relationship ends the road to healing can be made longer when we don’t allow ourselves the time to process it all and really feel the feelings. It can be scary to feel all of it, and it feels like it will never end.  But it does — in time, if you allow yourself to feel it.

I wish I could offer you the shortcut to it all, but the shortcuts we all look for only keep the pain buried for so long. So, feel all that you feel, find some things that you enjoy to do, and immerse yourself in you.

I remember a while back I saw a quote and it said something like this: “I am so alone and free to do whatever I want, and so I will.” So go do what you want, when you want, and how you want.

Love yourself, feel the feelings, and in time they will hurt less.

– Answer from CoachJenK, a counselor and expert on JustAnswer.

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Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: What exactly is bankruptcy and will any of the money I have in my checking account to live be taken or frozen?

(Photo: Flickr/FriedDough)

A: Bankruptcy is a process where you file a court case in bankruptcy court, list all your assets and debts and ask the court to discharge all your debts. If you qualify, the court will grant your request and your debt will literally go away.

Once debt is discharged in bankruptcy, a creditor loses the right to ever collect on that debt again. You can probably set up a free consultation with a local bankruptcy attorney, who can review your assets and debts and let you know whether you qualify and the process to complete.

One easy way to find all your creditors is to run your credit reports. You can do that online. Your credit report will list each creditor, along with your current outstanding balance and contact information for the creditor, including a phone number.

Even in a bankruptcy, you are entitled to keep a certain amount of your money and assets, so your accounts would not be frozen.

– Answer from David L., a lawyer and expert on JustAnswer.

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Based on the amount of sodium in most Americans’ diets, nearly all of us have to watch out for high blood pressure.

About 90% of Americans consume more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet, according to a study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This increases the risk for high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease or stroke.

Frequent walks are a healthy strategy. (Photo: Flickr/Mike Baird)

Sodium – a main component in salt – is prevalent in processed foods and many dishes prepared in restaurants. To help lower your risk, try these small dietary changes recommended by Dr. German, a physician and expert on JustAnswer.

1. Walk at least 3 times a week. You could get yourself a watch that allows you to see how many miles you are walking until you can walk 2-3 miles a day.

2. Avoid alcohol. If there is a party or an event where there is alcohol, drink in moderation.

3. Stop smoking. Smoking damages your blood vessels’ internal lining tissue, hardening them.

4. Read the labels. When you eat something read the food label, so you can know how much sodium that product has. Your sodium ingestion should be less that 1,500 mg a day.

5. Try dietary supplements. You can get natural supplements that will help to lower your blood pressure levels, like garlic tablets. You can get them in your local pharmacy, like Walgreens. Other supplements that also help are Coenzyme Q 10 and Omega-3 fatty acids.

6. Eat more salad. Prepare yourself a really good salad with lettuce and tomatoes; do not use Caesar dressing. Season it with lemon juice, a small quantity of salt and olive oil. Eat the salad before you eat your main dish; you will feel more full and hopefully eat less.

7. Don’t eat late. Try not eating after 6 pm or at nighttime, as your metabolism is slower and can make you gain extra pounds.

8. Incorporate whole grains to your diet. For example , use whole-grain bread for a sandwich. For pasta dish, use whole-grain pasta.

9. Watch your calorie intake. You could do a list of everything you eat in one day. Perhaps try to cut calories by at least 500 calories. With this you will begin to lose weight. Use this tool to count your calories.

10. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Avoid fatty, processed foods or high-carbohydrate foods.

11. Drink water. At least 8 glasses per day. Avoid drinking juices or sodas, as they have a lot of sugar.

“Soon you will see how these few steps can help you to lose weight, feel better about yourself, improve your health, and regulate your blood pressure levels,” said Dr. German.

If you want to talk right now with a doctor or nurse about health concerns, click here.

More health articles from JustAnswer:

• How Can VapoRub Fight Toenail Fungus?
• Your Mindset Is Key to Successful Aging
• Foods and Supplements That Help Lower Cholesterol

Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: Are there specific breeds of cat that can help rid a home of mice? My 10-year-old tabby won’t even chase a mouse (but he’ll go crazy over a bird!).

Hungry and ready to hunt. (Photo: Flickr/Ian Barbour)

A: In my experience, the best mousers have been short-hair cats. More important is that their mothers were mousers.

Lots of cats chase mice but do not follow through with the kill, unless they have eaten mouse or seen a mouse eaten. This is more common with cats that are raised outdoors.

Most horse barns, dairy barns, or farms have resident cats that provide lots of kittens for adoption. You could also check with humane societies for proven mousers. If you get a kitten, I would recommend a 10- to 12-week-old female. She’d be old enough to have learned mousing but young enough not to threaten your male cat’s status as head of the household.

– Answer from Dr. Gregg, veterinarian and expert on JustAnswer.

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Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: I have a GE side-by-side refrigerator. When you close the refrigerator side, the freezer side opens slightly. I’ve also noticed that you really have to pull hard to open the refrigerator door, much less than on freezer side. What could be wrong?

Close these doors slowly.

A: This is actually a good sign that the seals are very good. What happens is when you close the refrigerator door quickly the air pressure from closing the door has to come out somewhere, so you will see the freezer door pop open and then close. If you shut the door slowly, this will not happen. Nothing to worry about; this is normal.

Now, you should not have to pull much harder to open just the refrigerator door. The magnets do not go bad. What usually happens is the gasket and frame get stuff on them on the refrigerator side. You should take some cleaner or even Pledge and clean the frame and gasket off on all sides. The freezer gasket must be sealing well — if it weren’t the door would not pop open. Again, what you’re experiencing is pretty normal.

– Answer from Andrew K., service technician and expert on JustAnswer.

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Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: What can I do to cure my dandruff?

An itchy scalp can spoil the view.
(Photo: Flickr/CxOxS)

A: There may not be a cure for dandruff in your case – it depends on what is the cause. Causes range from a yeast on the skin and stress, fatigue, oily skin, and genetics.  But addressing the cause can more effectively stop dandruff.

Treatment includes making sure you wash off all soap, and wash the area that is flaky every day. Over-the-counter dandruff shampoos are good. But when they don’t work, you may need a prescription-strength shampoo or even a steroid application of lotion or cream.

So figuring out what works best and using it daily will help keep the dandruff under control, to the point that you may not even notice it.

– Answer form Nurse Milli, a nurse and expert on JustAnswer.

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Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: How do I get pictures from my camera phone to the computer?

The over-the-shoulder technique.
(Photo: Flickr/Jason Pratt)

A: Just about every cell phone comes with a USB port and cable. You will need to plug the phone into the PC using the USB cable.

Once the two devices are connected, the PC will recognize the phone. A browse window will appear; if it doesn’t, click on “Start” then “My Computer.”

Find the drive associated with your phone listed in the menu, and open it.

Now you will see the file structure of the phone. You will need to navigate into the picture folder and selecdt your pictures. Right-click and copy, then right-click and paste into the location where you want to save the photos on your PC.

– Answer provided by IT Cris, a tech expert on JustAnswer.

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Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: What’s the best way to remove old bumper stickers and glue residue from them that might be left on my car?

They won't come off just by pulling.
(Photo: Flickr/cjc4454)

A: Most auto parts stores have a product called Sticker Off. This will remove the sticker without damaging the painted surface of the bumper.

For removing glue residue left from old stickers, those stores also carry an adhesive release/remover product that dissolves the nasty glue. Goo Gone will also work. A few household chemicals that may work are lighter fluid, nail polish remover, or charcoal starting fluid.

When you do the removal, always wear rubber gloves and try a small area first to make sure there is no interaction with the paint.

– Answer from Tom Neff, car expert on JustAnswer.

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Daily Question is excerpted from the JustAnswer archives and features information provided from an expert on JustAnswer.

Q: My approximately 1-year-old Dalmatian has these odd red swollen bumps between his toes.  They don’t appear to hurt, but he does lick them a lot. Any idea what’s going on?

Grass: More comfortable for walking?
(Photo: Flickr/Pulkit Sinha)

A: Common reasons for the signs you report would include:

• Infection of the paw (pododermatitis)
• Allergies

For cases such as this, you can also see if there is an antibacterial shampoo that can be used on the affected area. You can dip the paw in the shampoo and warm water for 10-15 minutes twice daily.

If there is not an antibacterial shampoo you can use, then you can try another great alternative — a warm water/Epsom salt foot bath.

If your dog is licking at the area, an E-collar from your local pet store would also be a good idea to prevent further licking and irritation.

If the above suggestions don’t help, there are times when it could be a primary bacterial infection and seeing your veterinarian for examination and possibly antibiotics would then be a good idea.

– Answer from CriticalCareVet, an expert on JustAnswer.

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