The New Nation - Internet Edition

Farizaa Sabreen

Post-summer monthst Together with the sad feeling about the sunny days gone by and with the fading memories of that wonderful holiday on the sea come worries about the state of your skin.

Due to the post-summer sun-damage and skin dehydration you can notice one or several of the following symptoms:

l The skin feels and looks dry

l New or first fine lines appear and become considerably visible

l The skin tone looks dull and sallow

l Sun and age spots appear

l The skin is flaking and is irritated

l The skin is sagging

l Some broken capillaries become visible

These are signs of sun damaged skin and photo aging. What is sun damage?

Sun rays can damage the DNA, the genetic material, of the skin cells deep in dermis layer. As a result, these cells become dysfunctional. They do not produce collagen and elastin as well as they used to and skin sags, shows lines and wrinkles. The damaged cells do not renew properly and skin becomes thick, dull and sallow.

Trying to protect itself from the sun, the skin produces melanin pigment to absorb ultraviolet light. Melanin production normally causes skin to tan. However, sun damage over the years can result in localized spots of hyper pigmentation appearing on the most exposed parts of the body: usually face, shoulders and hands. Such lesions are known as "age spots" or "liver spots" Use the mid-season to restore your skin's moisture balance and treat the sun-damage. Step 1: Exfoliation.

Exfoliation or peeling will help your skin to get rid of the dead damaged cells and prepare it to take in moisture and nutrition easier. Exfoliation of the skin's top layer has also shown in many studies to stimulate production of new collagen in the deeper dermis layers thus helping to improve the signs of photo aging.

Professional Peeling: Some cosmetologists recommend waiting until November to take a series of professional peeling procedures. In November the sun becomes mild enough not to cause any damage to the freshly revealed skin layer. If you have sensitive or problem skin, or skin prone to acne, go with a chemical or enzyme peel. If your skin is dry or normal, you can choose dermabrasion, a chemical peeling or a combination of both.

At-Home Peeling Treatments: You can do lighter peeling treatments at home as well. It is important to choose the right exfoliating product for your skin condition and type. Non mechanical (enzyme-based) or containing round shaped granules products is perfect for problem, acne prone skin and sensitive skin. Enzyme-based exfoliating products work by dissolving the dead skin-layer, while mechanical scrubs with irregular particles "scrub" the dead cells off and can cause micro cuts in the skin. These micro injuries in problem and acne prone skin can result in breakouts and irritation. Such scrubs (with irregular particles) are good for dry, normal, flaking (but not irritated) skin.

* To help your skin renew on a daily basis you can also include a moisturizing product with light peeling properties. Look for a product containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Glucosamine, Retinol or Retinoids.

Step 2: Regular Daily moisturizing

During the hot, sunny summer months your skin looses a lot of moisture. Dehydration is one of the reasons why it looks so dull and you can see new lines. Give your skin the necessary moisture. Moisturize twice daily and apply a moisturizing mask once or twice a week. For normal, combination and oily skin use a light oil free moisturizer marked "non-comedogenic" in the form of fluid or gel. For the dry type of skin choose a thicker moisturizer. Look for a cream marked "for dry skin", that can be either oil-based or water-based.

Step 3: Daily Concentrated Treatment: Treat Photoaging

Cosmetologists recommend, starting from your late 20s-early 30s, to include into your daily routine an intensive skin treatment once or twice a year for 1-3 months. The length and intervals between the treatments depend on your age and skin condition.

Intensive skin treatments come in the form of serums or concentrated emulsions.

- Use Serums Containing Topical Vitamins and Antioxidants to treat and reverse Sun Damage:

Vitamin C:

To improve skin's condition and its tone, to reduce inflammation and to treat appearing as a result of sun damage lines, consider using during the post-summer months a cosmetic line with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is not only a powerful antioxidant, but also works to restore and heel your skin after the sun damage. Our skin to build collagen uses it. Vitamin C Ester is vitamin C with fatty acid attached to it. Due to this the skin better absorbs it than vitamin C alone.

Vitamin E:

This vitamin works together with Vitamin C to protect the epidermis from UV damage. Like Vitamin C it is a powerful antioxidant. On its own, Vitamin E has shown to reduce sunburn and help to heel wounds. Due to the fact that Vitamin E is fat soluble, it gets easily absorbed and stored by the skin.

Polyphenols or Flavonoids:

These are plant-derived substances with antioxidant properties that are powerful free-radical quenchers. The flavonoids often used in skin-care products include green tea, grape seed extract, and soy extract.

Retinoids (synthetic Vitamin A):

Retinoids are widely accepted as a very effective anti-aging treatment that helps to reverse sun-damage by speeding up cells turnover and stimulating collagen production. However, Retinoids can have some side effects and can cause increased irritation and sensitivity to the sun. In autumn the sun is milder than in summer, the air is not as dry as in winter and the temperatures are not extreme. That is why in some climates autumn would be a good time to try out a Retinoid treatment. In most countries the best quality Retinoids are available only on prescription. We recommend you consult your dermatologist and start your treatment under her/his supervision.

*If your skin is too sensitive and Retinoid products cause irritation try AHA products instead.

Note: Some moisturizers also come with Vitamins. For a better effect use both - apply serum under the moisturizer either twice daily or as a night repair treatment.

- Use Intensive Moisturizing Serum or Concentrate:

When skin is dehydrated its barrier against environment hazards and free radicals is very low. That makes the skin more susceptible to damage and to rapid development of signs of aging. To boost your skin's moisture and protection level you can choose a serum with long-proven hyaluronic acid. This acid acts as a magnet for moisture and locks it in to create the ideal environment for healthy and beautiful skin.

Lipids, including Linoleic Acid, ceramides, cholesterol, Avocado Lipids, help your skin to rebuild a weakened moisture barrier and protect skin from environmental irritants.

Step 4: At-Home Intensive Beauty Treatments: Masks

For a couple autumn months give yourself regular at-home beauty treatments. 2-3 times a week applies a mask for example, once or twice- moisturizing and once - antioxidant, anti-aging or energizing. Before applying a mask cleanse your face or use an exfoliator (Note: do not exfoliate more than 2 times a week) to prepare your skin for the treatment.

To increase the potency of the mask you can add one more step to your at-home facial and treat your face to a steam bath. Put some hot water in a bowl, cleanse your face and sit over the bowl. Cover yourself with a towel to keep the steam in. You can also add a green tea bag for additional antioxidant effect or a chamomile tea bag for soothing effect into the hot water. A steam bath will open up the pores and help to cleanse them of the accumulated sebum and dirt. It will also moisturize, soften the skin and stimulate blood circulation (that is why if you are prone to broken vessels in the face you should avoid it). Follow all the other steps of the facial: exfoliate and apply a mask.

Step 5: Treat sun spots

If you notice age spots appearing after summer, use exfoliating treatments and whitening products to solve this problem. Ingredients used in products targeting age spots include Kojic Acid and Hydroquinone.

Topical Vitamin C has also shown results in lightening dark spots.

To slow down brown melanin formation chooses a moisturizer with glucosamine. Recent studies have shown that topical application of glucosamine inhibits melanin overproduction in UV damaged skin cells and can help improve skin tone, barrier function and hyperpigmentation. You can also take a series of laser treatments to lighten up the spots.

Next summer make sure to use higher SPF protection!

Step 6: Improve your Diet

Beautiful skin comes not only from the bottoms of cream jars and tubes but also from a healthy diet rich in vitamins. In fact, whatever sophisticated topical treatments you apply, you won't get high quality results without providing your skin with the vitamins and minerals vital for its function and youth from within. Your diet should include fruits, vegetables and "good" fats like fish, olive oils, and flaxseed oil. Except from filling your diet with necessary vitamins it is highly recommended to take a quality vitamin and mineral supplement.

Make sure your diet includes:

Vitamin C: a powerful anti-oxidant, it also helps collagen formation.

Vitamin E: an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals and helps to soothe and heal stressed skin.

Vitamin A: required for healthy normal skin cells function.

B-Vitamins, especially Vitamin B3 (Niacin): assist in the functioning of the skin, digestive system, and nerves.

Zinc: critically important for healthy skin function, helps heal blemishes, reduces inflammation, and helps to fight acne. Zinc is required for DNA repair, collagen and elastin production in the skin.

Omega-3 fatty acid: improves skin texture by "moisturizing" the skin from the inside.

Alpha lipoic acid: a special antioxidant as it is water and fat soluble which means that it is able to get to every cell in your body. This acid also helps to regenerate other oxidants like Vitamin e, Vitamin c, gluthathione and coenzyme Q10.

Magnesium: improves blood circulation.

Bioflavonoids: natural anti-oxidant free-radical scavengers.

Bioflavonoids work in synergy with other antioxidants like Vitamin E, ascorbate (Vitamin C), carotene (Vitamin A) and Selenium to reduce damage to the cells caused by oxidation. Flavonoids have also been found to help in maintaining the thin walls of the capillaries, promote circulation and have an antibacterial effect.

Autumn Skin Care

Several delicious recipes for 100% natural at-home skin treatments this autumn!

Nourishing Masks with Honey

* Honey has been used for centuries in skin treatments because of its humectant (which means it attracts and retains water), antioxidant, antimicrobial properties. Cleopatra relied on this ingredient to keep her skin young and beautiful, just remember her famous bath of milk and honey still favored in SPA treatments around the world.

Puree or grate a slice of melon pulp mix with a teaspoonful of honey, 1 teaspoonful of cream or sour cream. Apply the mask to your face and leave for 15-20 minutes wash off with warm water. (Normal Skin)

Blend 1-tablespoon honey with 1 egg yoke and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Apply over your face with your fingers avoiding your eyes. Leave it on your face for 15 minutes, then rinse it off. (Normal, Dry Skin)

Toning Mask

Grate an apple and apply to your skin for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with slightly cool water. (Suitable for all skin types)

Nourishing Mask

Mix egg yoke with 1 teaspoonful of sour cream, teaspoonful of oil, and teaspoonful of freshly squeezed grape juice. As a thickening ingredient add a little bit of bread and mix well. Apply for 15-20 minutes and wash off. For the best results take a series of treatments for 5 weeks 2 masks per week.

Soothing Mask

If your skin is irritated and sensitive you will benefit from a spinach mask. For this boil some finely chopped spinach leaves, cool a bit down till comfortably warm and spread over a thin clothe. Apply the mask to the face for 15-20 minutes.

Nourishing anti-wrinkle masks

To fight wrinkles and improve condition of the dry skin use potatoes.

There are 2 variants of the mask:

Variant 1: Boil a potato, let it cool down, puree it and mix with a bit of milk. Apply to your face for 15 minutes.

Variant 2: Grate a fresh potato and immediately apply to your face. Wait 15 minutes and wash off.

Another vegetable used for skin rejuvenation is cabbage. Cabbage juice as well as grated cabbage masks is used to treat wrinkles and dry, crappie looking skin. Cabbage also has lightening effect on the age-spots. Apply for 15 minutes.

Anti-age-spots mask

To fade age-spots you can use lemon, parsley, cabbage, eggplant or cucumber.

Cucumber mask will not only lighten the spots but also make your skin smooth and tighten up the pores. Grate cucumber and spread it on a piece of cloth. Leave on the face for 15-20 minutes. (Combination, Oily Skin)

Eggplant is another vegetable that helps to lighten age-spots. You can use either eggplant juice or mashed eggplant pulp. In case you use juice soak a paper towel in it and apply on your face for at least 20 minutes. Mashed pulp can be applied directly on your face. Rinse of with slightly warm water. Repeat the treatment daily till you see some results. (All Skin Types)

WP Reporter

On October 28, 2007, Ichchey Media Group launched a 26 minutes long video documentary titled as 'Nirobotar Mukty-2', on Violence against Children at LGED Bhaban, main building, level-2 Hall Room, to create awareness among the people. The documentary was based on true incidents. Dr. Selim Al Din, eminent playwright and professor of Dramatics, Jahangir Nagar University, inaugurated it. Muzzammil Husain, Deputy Editor of daily Samakal was the moderator who was accompanied by Ms. Salma Ali, Executive Director, BNWLA, A. B. M. Abdus Sattar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Bangladesh Secretariat, and Obaidur Rahman, acting Country Representative of SCSD.

The dignitaries participated the event as discussants and opined that the government should provide a safe society and environment for the children to grow up. Along with the guidance by their guardians, they should also be provided with a better social and cultural atmosphere where they would not fall victims to sexual harassments to physical or mental violence.

The chief Guest of Honor Dr. Selim Al Din opined that, 'exposing children to violence and the relevant harsh reality would not do them any good, rather we should protect them building a safer social environment, where they would not experience anything like the incidents portrayed in the documentary.' Right now, one in four children worldwide is suffering physical, sexual or psychological abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Subjecting children to physical or sexual violence can have horrific consequences that can last throughout their lives. Children are very often sexually harassed, physically and mentally tortured, at their home, in schools, at working place and even by the law and enforcement agents.

They are the most vulnerable component of the society. Ms. Salma Ali opined that 'We must have a commitment to build a safer society for our children. Most of the violated and tortured children do not know whom to approach for help when they encounter a brutal treatment. There are scores of rape cases which are never reported.' A recent UN Study on violence against children inspired governments worldwide to commit to end violence against children as part of a UN Resolution to implement the recommendations mentioned in the study.

The study examined the nature, extent and causes of violence and thus, confirmed that violence is a huge problem with devastating effects on millions of children all over the world. A.B.M. Abdus Sattar said, 'Our government is willing to develop the social infrastructure and by implementing the newly constructed laws, they are looking forward for an active resolution.' 40 million children under the age of 15 are victim of violence every year. Violence against children represents a failure by governments to uphold their fundamental rights and comply with the basic function of government - to protect its citizens.

This year Governments worldwide gathered on October 19, 2007 at the UN marking the Global Action Day on violence against children and to decide what new action they will commit to and how they will follow up the recommendations already agreed upon. It could be mentioned that, this endeavor was jointly collaborated by Save the Children Sweden-Denmark and daily Samakal. Cool Exposure, a media communication house, coordinates and renders services for the event management and PR.

WP Reporter

Starwood Hotels and Resorts renewed its pledge to help children secure their rights through strengthening its ongoing partnership with UNICEF.

This pledge was made at a press conference organized by Dhaka Sheraton Hotel on Monday 29 October 2007. It also focused on the Starwood Hotels & Resorts community activities and its partnership with UNICEF, which has evolved over the last 10 years from a simple idea of extending to its guests the opportunity to make a token contribution to UNICEF's work by helping children who need protection from poverty and disease.

Trevor MacDonald of Sheraton Hotel said, "Check Out for Children is a global partnership between Starwood Hotels & Resorts and UNICEF." Starwood guests are invited to donate US$ 1 (or local currency equivalent) when checking out of their hotel to donate to UNICEF's immunization programs worldwide".

Guests of Starwood hotels have donated US$16 million globally to bolster UNICEF's immunization programs. For each US$l million raised over 55,000 children can be immunized against diseases such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, tuberculosis and measles.

In addition, Starwood Hotels nominates an employee as its UNICEF Ambassador to ensure that the program runs smoothly in the properties and to help maximize donations for immunization.

Every year, the participating hotel's ambassador organizes an event to raise money through different activities. Last year, Dhaka Sheraton Hotel organized a concert for the children and donated Tk 369,000. This year, Dhaka Sheraton will organize an event on November 9 where Dhaka's most famous music band Nagar Baul (James), fashion models and DJs will entertain guests.

Moreover, a top-performing hotel for UNICEF is awarded a prize each year and the winning ambassador gets the opportunity to attend a field trip. This year, Irene Gai from Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort is here Dhaka to see for herself UNICEF's immunization program. Also present were, Hwee Peng Yeo, Director, Corporate Communication, Starwood Hotels and Resorts; Carolyn Hardy, UNICEF Australia; Giuseppe Ressa, General Manager of Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort and other top officials from Starwood Hotels and Resorts & UNICEF, here to observe the 16th National Immunization Day (NID) activities.

Hwee Peng Yeo, Director of Corporate Communications (Asia Pacific) for Starwood said, "We are delighted to be here and see UNICEF immunization activities in Dhaka and Bogra. This time, we visited NID sites and took a firsthand look on how the immunization programs take place in Bangladesh. We, at Starwood, are honored to be a part of this entire program."

Dr. Iyorlumun Uhaa of UNICEF described his organization as the world's leading advocate and aid agency in promoting and protecting the rights of the children. He said over 7,000 UNICEF staff in over 150 developing countries are helping to promote child health, development and survival by providing essential medicines, vaccines, education, health and emergency supplies.

Dr. Uhaa said, "Bangladesh ranks among the developing countries in which immunization rates increased substantially during this decade. We need to maintain this momentum by reaching those children who are marginalized and hard to reach. In partnership with organizations like Starwood, we can work together to meet MDG goal 4 which aims to reduce child mortality by two thirds by 2015."

UNICEF's approach is to use low-cost, highly effective solutions that work dramatically to improve children's lives. Globally, 93 per cent of funds raised by UNICEF go directly to the grassroots level.

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

1) NION ALOY SWAGATAM

Genre: Band mixed album

Recording: Studio Auchin, Dream Desk, Dhun, Rex Trax Inc, Georgia in USA.

Mix: Zooel and Sohel except Nefartiti O Anyanna by Sazzad, Ar Koto? By Buno, Kuasha by Mattew Abercrombie

Master: Zooel (Studio Auchin)

Total songs: 13

Songs: 1) Matal - Karnishe Magpie, 2) Nefartiti - Meghdal, 3) Sandhan Chai - Striking, 4) Sadakalo - D Minor, 5) Asader Khola Chithi - Shahartali, 6) Ar Koto - Azob, 7) Wandering with clouds - Dhrubo, 8) Raat O Rajpather Adda - Roadhouse, 9) Kuasha - Sarboda, 10) Prolap - Bibortan, 11) Ektu Bosia Thako - Kanak and Kartik, 12) Projanmer Sangram - Shahar and 13) Muthophone - Shironamhin.

2) KOLPONAR BAIRE - STOIC BLISS

Genre: Hip-hop fusion based album

Band line-up: Kazi -vocal, AC 1D- vocal, Mana- vocal, Double R - music producer, Emon Haider - guitarist, Nayeem - guitarist and Rubaiyath - graphic designer and web developer.

Total songs: 13

Songs: 1) Intro, 2) Kazi & Ac 1D - Abar Abar Jigay, 3) Kazi & Ac1D- Pakhi Pakha Pepe Khay, 4) Ac 1D Feat, Kazi - Acid Ke? 5) Kazi - Raatri Jaga, 6) Ac 1D Feat, Kazi & Double R- Pura Ura Dhura, 7) Kazi & Ac 1D - Shomoyer Palki, 8) Kazi - Berajaal, 9) Kazi- Ei Je Ami, 10) Ac 1D - Amar Bondhu Bonduk, 11) Kazi & Koel - Sample This, 12) Ac 1D Feat, Mana - Shapura and 13) Ac 1D- Fire Like A Dragon.

3) ACHENA BHALOBASA

Genre: Mixed album by Bappa Majumder, Shakila Zafar, SI Tutul, Fahmida Nabi, Toni and Tipu.

Keyboards and composition: Partha Majumder and SI Tutul

Guitar: Rajib

Rhythm Programming: Partha Majumder

Flute: Jalal

Bass Guitar: Tanim

Studio: Dream Desk

Recording engineers: Sajjad, Antu and Tanim

Mixing and Mastering: Sayed Hasan Tipu

Studio Crew: Jalil, Babu, Sohel and Sohag.

Total songs: 10

Songs: 1) Bristi - Shakila Zafar and SI Tutul (lyrics and music by Lutfar Hasan), 2) Ami Thakte Chai - Fahmida Nabi and Tipu (lyrics by Tipu and TI Antar and music- Tipu), 3) Ek Chilte Rode - Bappa Majumder and Toni (lyrics by TI Antar and music by Tipu), 4) Amar Kabya- Fahmida Nabi and SI Tutul (lyrics by Zahid Akbar and music by SI Tutul), 5) Achena Bhalobasa (1) - SI Tutul (lyrics by Zahid Akbar and music by Rajib), 6) Rong - Tipu and Toni (lyrics by TI Antar and music by Sayed Hasan Tipu), 7) Avimaner Panshi - Shakila Zafar and Bappa Majumder (lyrics by Zahid Akbar and music by Rajib Hossain), 8) Khub Beshi Ki - Fahmida Nabi and Tipu (lyrics by TI Antar and music by Sayed Hasan Tipu), 9) Bhul Chilo - Toni (lyrics by Sayed Hasan Tipu and music by Rajib Hossain) and 10) Achena Bhalobasa (2) - Fahmida Nabi (lyrics by Zahid Akbar and music by Rajib Hossain).

4) DOYAMOY

Genre: Modern Quawali by Hasan Shihabi

Musician: Siraj

Pad drum: Mintu

Key-board: Sohel

Base guitar: Asad

Guitar: Selim Reza

Dhol: Md Masum

Tabla: Kartik Chandra Sharma

Harmonium: Md Shakur

Co artistes: Md Anwar Hossain (Anu) and Md Yahia (Hira)

Lyrics: Md Sirajuddin and Hasan

Total songs: 10

Songs: 1) Gausul Azam (5:37), 2) Priyo Nobiji (5:27), 3) Bimar Hoyle (6:34), 4) Iya Khawja (6:11), 5) Phul Phote (3:52), 6) Abu Zafar (6:58), 7) Dojahaner (5:57), 8) Amra Sobai (5:52), 9) Phul Phote (3:52) and 10) Maa (7:36).

There are three keys to managing any emergency: don't panic, protect yourself from injury, and prepare in advance.

When faced with an injured or severely ill pet, it is important that you spend a moment to assess the situation. Determine if the pet needs to be moved immediately. Decide if there is a danger of further injury to the pet or to first aid givers. For example, great care must be used before assisting a pet injured on a busy roadway. It may be safest to call for help so that traffic can be diverted before anyone provides first aid. You must insure that you won't be injured yourself - either by the surroundings or by the injured animal. Prepare in advance by knowing the location and numbers of emergency animal care facilities. These guidelines should help.

1. Behavior Knowledge. Understanding how to approach an injured pet safely is critical. Animals may respond to fear and pain instinctively, even if they know you well. You cannot assume that your own pet won't bite you, because pain or fear may provoke even a docile animal to aggression. Preventing a bite to yourself or other assistants must be your first goal.

How to Approach an Injured Pet Safely

If you encounter a dog in need or injured in some way, your first reaction may be to run to help. That's a common reaction - most people don't want to see an animal in pain. But without taking the proper precautions, you could get injured. And being injured along with the animal won't help the situation.

It is important to remember that even the sweetest dog may bite if she is frightened or in pain. Here are some guidelines for approaching an injured pet.

Assess the Situation

Use common sense: Remember that your safety comes first.

If the animal is in the middle of the road, watch for traffic before going to assist.

If there is a house fire, do not enter the house until the fire department has eliminated the danger - very likely firefighters will rescue the pet.

If your pet has fallen, make sure no more items are ready to fall on you.

If your pet is covered in a toxic substance, do not touch the animal unless you are wearing protective gloves or can cover him with plastic (or some other protective material).

If your pet is covered in blood, do not touch the animal without protective gloves. Even though there are few diseases you can get from animal blood, there is no guarantee that human blood is not mixed in from someone else. That person's blood may have spilled onto the animal, and with the threat of HIV, hepatitis or other illnesses, exposure to any blood is not recommended.

Determine if the Dog is Aggressive

If the animal shows signs of fear or aggression, muzzling him is essential before helping. As you approach the animal, pay attention to his body language and any sounds he is making. Use a soft, gentle, calming voice. Avoid direct eye contact with an injured pet since some will perceive this as a confrontation or threat. A wagging tail is irrelevant. Some dogs with wag their tails throughout an attack.

Here are some body language signals to look out for:

Growling

Snarling with teeth exposed

Hair along back standing on end

Ears straight back and flat against head

Tail tucked between legs

Lunging toward you with snapping jaws

Intense staring

Submissive behavior such as lying on ground with belly exposed (these dogs can quickly become fear-biters)Remember, keeping yourself safe and uninjured is just as important as helping the injured animal. You cannot be much help if you also need medical assistance. If the animal you are trying to help is aggressive and there is a risk that you may get injured, do not try to administer treatment. Call a local animal shelter, humane society, veterinary clinic, animal control officer or police department. Try to stay nearby to watch where the animal goes and to assist when help arrives. If necessary, direct traffic away from the injured animal until further help arrives.

How to Make and Place a Muzzle

Injured animals are usually in pain, and an animal in pain may lash out. One of the most important things you need to do before helping an injured animal is to place a muzzle on the mouth. Even your own sweet dog may bite if frightened or in severe pain. There are several methods to muzzle an animal but never muzzle one that is vomiting, has difficulty breathing or is coughing.

Muzzles can be purchased from pet stores or veterinary clinics. These muzzles come in a variety of sizes. Having a muzzle to fit your own pet should be included in your pet's first-aid kit.

If you do not have a manufactured muzzle, you can make a temporary muzzle out of tape, nylon stocking, neckties, thick string, belts or strips of fabric.

Tie a knot in the middle of the material. If you're using tape, fold the tape lengthwise, so there are no sticky edges.

Make a large loop in the material.

While standing behind or alongside the animal, slip the loop over the animal's nose.

Once the loop is over the nose, quickly and snugly tie the loop on top of the nose.

Take the 2 material ends alongside the nose and twist one time underneath the nose.

Take the 2 ends and pass each behind an ear and tie behind the head.

For breeds with short noses, you may need to take an extra piece of material and tie a connection between the loop over the nose and the tie behind the head. Make sure the muzzle is snug. Be prepared for the animal to struggle against the muzzle. Some animals will even be able to get out of the muzzle. If the animal develops breathing problems or appears to be trying to vomit, remove the muzzle immediately.

2. Veterinary Telephone Number and Address. Keep the name and phone number of your family veterinarian and local veterinary emergency facility handy. This simple guideline can help save the life of your pet. Most veterinarians are open during normal business hours - 8 am to 5 pm. Determine how your veterinarian handles emergency calls. Some have emergency pagers, and in larger metropolitan cities, many contribute to or use an emergency facility for after-hour emergency calls. Calling first can often answer simple questions or prevent a trip in the wrong direction. Even in situations that are not apparently life-threatening, your questions or concerns may be best considered by a professional who can advise you whether or not to come in.

3. Names and Telephone Number of a Friend. If possible, have a friend assist you, especially if your pet needs to be hospitalized. In the car, it is best to have one person keep the pet calm or settled while the other drives to the emergency clinic or veterinary hospital.

4. Heimlich Maneuver. Though not a commonly used or needed skill, knowing how to perform the Heimlich maneuver for your dog can be a life-saving skill. Only perform the Heimlich if you are absolutely certain your pet is choking on a solid object (such as a toy), and you have been properly trained in the technique. Improperly used, the Heimlich can cause injury to your pet.

Many people confuse difficulty breathing with choking. If you witness your pet ingesting an item and then immediately begin pawing at the face, the throat, acting frantic, trying to cough and having difficulty breathing, only then should the Heimlich maneuver be considered. If your pet is not really choking, the Heimlich can cause serious injury.

After determining that your pet is choking, remove any item that may be constricting the neck. Examine inside the mouth and remove any foreign object you see. Do not blindly place your hand down your pet's throat and pull any object you feel. Dogs have small bones that support the base of their tongues. Owners probing the throat for a foreign object have mistaken these for chicken bones. Do not attempt to remove an object unless you can see and identify it.

If your pet is small and you cannot easily remove the object, lift and suspend him with the head pointed down. For larger animals, lift the rear legs so the head is tilted down. This can help dislodge an item stuck in the throat.

Another method is to administer a sharp blow with the palm of your hand between the shoulder blades. This can sometimes dislodge an object. If this does not work, a modified Heimlich maneuver can be attempted.

Grasp the animal around the waist so that the rear is nearest to you, similar to a bear hug.

Place a fist just behind the ribs.

Compress the abdomen several times (usually 3-5 times) with quick pushes.

Check the mouth to see if the foreign object has been removed.

This maneuver can be repeated one to two times but if not successful on the first attempt, make arrangements to immediately take your pet to the nearest veterinary hospital.

Even if you are successful in removing a foreign object, veterinary examination is recommended. Internal injury could have occurred that you may not realize.

5. Bandaging. A bandage helps to cover or apply pressure to a wound to protect or control hemorrhage. Bandages can be fabricated from towels, washcloths, paper towels, or just about any piece of fabric.

You and your pet are far from help (perhaps camping or hiking), and your pet hurts himself. Would you know how to stabilize him until you could reach a veterinarian? This article provides some guidance in case of such an emergency, but it does not replace the skill and expertise of your veterinarian. If possible, it is better to let a trained expert treat your pet than yourself.

6. Stopping Bleeding. If there is an obvious source of bleeding, apply pressure to control the hemorrhage. Pressure is best applied with a clean cloth or towel applied directly to the wound.

7. Towels or Blankets. Blankets and towels can aid in picking up an injured pet or to control bleeding. You can use a towel to wrap a frightened pet or cover a wound. Frightened pets are often relieved by the dark calm enclosure of a blanket.

8. Board, Stretcher or Strong Blanket. Strong sturdy instruments are important to help move or transport severely injured pets that are unable to walk. A small board, a sturdy wool blanket, a piece of canvas or a hammock can be used. Gently roll or move the pet onto the device. Typically, two people are needed to pick up and move the pet when using a stretcher. Be careful as this procedure may cause pain to an injured pet, and exposes the helpers to the risk of bite injury.

9. Finances. Probably the last thing people think about during an emergency is how to pay the bill. Emergency clinics and veterinary practices are no different than other small businesses, and they need to pay their own bills to survive. Expect to leave a deposit when admitting a pet and be prepared to pay for services rendered. Veterinary insurance can be most beneficial in these situations; however, often the veterinary clinic will require that you pay the bill and the insurance company will reimburse you after the invoice is submitted. Most veterinary clinics do accept major credit cards, and there are some veterinary clinics that offer other financial alternatives through banks.