Have you tried everything but still can’t swallow a pill, remove a splinter or prevent heartburn? If so, here are a few tips to help you do those and most other things better:

Swallow a pill

Common mistakes include taking too many pills together or tossing them back, which can lead to choking or having the medication become lodged in your throat.

How-to tips: To make sure a pill goes down smoothly and completely, take it when you’re sitting up or standing and with cool water instead of a hot beverage or soda. Prepare your throat by taking a few sips of liquid. After placing the pill on your tongue as far back as you can, take a big gulp to wash it down your throat. Finish with a full glass of water. Don’t lie flat for at least a 30 minutes after taking a pill, as this may delay its progress through the esophagus and into the stomach. Avoid gel capsules, which become sticky when wet and harder to swallow.

See a professional if you continue to have problems. Ask the pharmacist if a liquid or powder form of the medication is available.

Remove a splinter

Despite what you’ve been told, being aggressive with a needle can cause tissue damage, which translates into more pain and a higher risk of infection.

How-to tips: To ease removal, first soften the skin by soaking it in lukewarm water and cleanse it with rubbing alcohol. Using sterilized tweezers, grasp the end of the splinter and slowly pull it straight out.

See a professional if the splinter appears too deep to attempt at-home removal, you have been able to remove only a portion of the splinter, or the area gets infected and becomes red, swollen, warm and tender.

Halt heartburn

People often mistakenly lie down too soon after eating, which encourages the acidic contents of the stomach to back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation.

How-to tips: Stand for at least two to three hours after eating. Avoid tomato products, citrus fruits and juices, chocolate, some spicy foods, fried or fatty foods, coffee or other beverages with caffeine, and carbonated or alcoholic drinks. Also try over-the-counter medications.