WELL-BEING
Humans need social contact. Having good social connections can help you feel better and live a healthier life. These are some ways to meet people and have fun with others.
* Join a group or class. Book clubs, wood carving, music and hiking are a few options.
* Get involved. Attend a neighborhood clean-up or gardening effort.
* Volunteer. A local charity, library or hospital may need your help.
Source: National Institutes of Health
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
WELL-BEING
Fireworks are all fun and games until someone gets hurt. In fact, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year and cause thousands of injuries. However, those facts still don’t deter many people from buying and setting off fireworks each summer. To keep yourself and your family safe, practice these fireworks safety tips.
Leave it to the professionals
If you can, allow professionals to set off any fireworks. Attend a public fireworks event over trying to set up your own fireworks display.
Keep children away
If you are setting off your own fireworks, do not allow children to help and make sure everyone is at a safe distance.
Say no to drugs and alcohol
Do not set off any fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Or, ask someone else who is not impaired to set off the fireworks for you.
Handle with care
Do not hold the fireworks in your hands or set off indoors. Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material. Do not point or throw fireworks at another person and never ignite devices in a container.
Stay away from defective fireworks
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak both used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding. Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or use in case of fire.
Sparklers are scary
This popular pastime for children has proven to be one of the most dangerous. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. They can ignite clothing and severely burn children who drop them on their feet. Safer alternatives to consider are glow sticks, confetti poppers and colored streamers.
Source: National Safety Council
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
WELL-BEING
Staying motivated to make healthy choices can be challenging. That’s why connecting with others who share your goals can be so effective. Getting involved in a wellness program helps you stay on track and successfully make positive changes.
* Take advantage of your workplace wellness activities and programs.
* Take an exercise class at a local fitness center or park district.
* Look for wellness offerings through local churches, libraries, and community centers.
* Start your own group by gathering like-minded friends, family, and coworkers.
* Remember, wellness isn’t just exercise! Look for programs on cooking, gardening, mindfulness, spirituality, emotional health, book clubs, and self-care, and more!
* Ask your doctor to recommend wellness programs.
* Set yourself up for success by choosing programs that fit comfortably into your schedule.
* Connect with an online wellness community or program.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
WELL-BEING
Whether roasting marshmallows or sitting up late to tell ghost stories, a campfire is a comforting and enjoyable way to spend time together. However, a fire should always be handled with caution. It’s essential to be smart when dealing with open flames. Here are three ways to stay safe around the campfire:
1.Choose the campfire spot wisely.If possible, always use a fire pit designed for proper fire containment. Campfires should be located at least 15 feet away from any buildings, tents, or shrubs.
2.Keep the area clear.There should be 10 feet of cleared space around the campfire, so remove any branches or debris. Keep all clutter clear of the site. And, of course, watch the kids closely. It’s never too early to teach them how to be safe around a fire.
3.Douse the fire correctly at the end of the evening.Pour water over the fire until all coals are extinguished. Once the fire is completely out, stir the ash and test by carefully holding your hand above the area to be sure there is no residual heat. Repeat the process if needed.
Source: Recreation.gov
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
WELL-BEING
Many substances that are safe for people may be toxic to pets. To care for your pet’s health, be aware of these hidden dangers.
* Over-the-counter and prescription medications can be highly toxic to animals. Store them in sturdy containers that cannot be chewed through.
* Prescription animal medications are made to be tasty. Keep them well out of reach.
* Certain foods, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic, are toxic to pets.
* Products intended to kill rodents are particularly dangerous to pets. Choose pet-safe traps instead of chemicals.
* Paint, glue and cleaning products are toxic. Curious pets may mistake them for food. Keep these products safely stored and out of their reach.
* Bug spray and foggers are poisonous to pets. Because they have smaller bodies, it takes less of a product to cause problems.
* Certain house and garden plants may be toxic or irritating when consumed, depending on your pet. Check online to find out what plants are safe.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
WELL-BEING
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Doctors prescribe pharmaceutical fentanyl to treat severe pain. However, illegal fentanyl is often mixed with other illicit drugs, such as heroin and cocaine.
Rainbow fentanyl is an illegally manufactured drug dyed in bright colors and shaped to mimic legitimate medication. It only takes a small amount of fentanyl to overdose.
* It’s impossible to know how much fentanyl may be present in a rainbow fentanyl pill.
* Fentanyl-laced drugs are among the most common drugs implicated in overdose deaths.
* The bright colors of rainbow fentanyl may increase the appeal among teens and young adults.
* Rainbow fentanyl is extremely dangerous. All it takes is one to be at risk for overdose.
* Signs of an overdose include pinpoint pupils, limp body, choking or gurgling sounds, loss of consciousness, and slow or weak breathing.
* Call 911 at the first sign of overdose.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
WELL-BEING
It’s a good idea to regularly disinfect surfaces in your home. This can help prevent you or others from getting sick. Here’s how to do it safely:
* Check that your disinfectant is EPA-approved. Look for an EPA registration number on the product.
* Read all the directions and warnings on the package.
* Use soap and water first if the surface is dirty. Then apply your disinfectant.
* Let it sit for the “contact time” listed on the package. Make sure the surface stays wet for the whole time.
* Wear disposable gloves when using disinfectants. Throw them away after each use.
* Wash your hands when you’re done.
* Keep all disinfectants out of reach of children and pets.
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
WELL-BEING
Every day, people need life-saving blood transfusions. These transfusions are possible because people donate their blood. Despite the need for donated blood, many people are afraid to donate. They may have fears about the process, needles or even their own health. Get the facts about blood donation so you can make an informed decision.
More than 4 million lives are saved each year because of blood donations.
Q: Is blood donation safe?
A: Yes. Each donation uses a new, sterile needle that is thrown away after one use. You may also be given a quick health check to be sure you’re healthy enough to donate. This may include taking your temperature, blood pressure and pulse.
Q: What if I don’t like needles?
A: Many people have a fear of needles. But blood donation is a quick process that can help save up to three lives. Facing your fears can mean the world to another person. Try listening to relaxing music, deep breathing or reading a book during your donation. Drinking fluids before donating will make donation easier and faster.
Q: Will I faint afterward?
A: Some people feel lightheaded after donating blood. But most people feel fine afterward. If this concerns you, you can have a few extra minutes to sit or lie down. You can also lower the risk of this happening by eating a healthy meal before your donation and drinking at least 16 ounces of water. When you feel well enough, slowly sit up. Blood donation only takes about 1/10th of the blood from your body. Your body replaces this lost blood quickly.
Q: Don’t they only need rare blood types?
A: Sometimes there is a public appeal for certain blood types. But all blood types are needed and valuable. If you don’t know your blood type, you can find out after your donation.
If you have any health conditions, you can ask your doctor whether blood donation is right for you.
Source: American Heart Association
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
WELL-BEING
Many people have their phones in pockets or purses all the time.
Is this safe?
Cell phones and RF waves
When they are turned on, cell phones give off radiofrequency (RF) waves. When a person holds a cell phone up to their ear, they are exposed to the RF waves from the phone.
At very high levels, RF waves can cause heat. This is how microwave ovens heat food. But the energy given off by a cell phone isn’t enough to cause a person’s body to heat up.
Most stuides say “NO”
Studies on rats have found that exposing their entire bodies to RF waves for long periods of time may increase the risk of a certain type of tumor. The levels used in this study were much higher than what a person would experience from normal everyday cell phone use.
Most studies on humans have found that people who have brain tumors do not use cell phones more than people who don’t have tumors. Other human studies have found that brain tumors don’t happen more on the side of the head where people hold their cell phones. Both results seem to suggest that cell phones do not cause brain tumors.
But a few studies have found an increased tumor risk on the side of the head where a person usually holds their cell phone.
Researchers believe we need more studies to find out for sure whether cell phones could be linked to cancer.
What should I do?
The American Cancer Society says RF waves are not as strong as different types of radiation like x-rays and UV light. X-rays and UV light can damage DNA. RF waves from cell phones are much weaker and don’t cause DNA damage. This means they would not make changes that could cause a tumor to form.
But, if you want to avoid exposure to RF waves, you can:
* Keep your phone away from your body. Don’t keep it in your pocket when it’s turned on.
* Use the speaker function or an earpiece when talking on the phone.
Source: American Cancer Society
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
WELL-BEING
A heart healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These little changes can make a big difference:
1. Lower blood pressure with fruits and veggies. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Swap out sweets or deep-fried foods for fruits and vegetables. They contain plenty of potassium, which is a mineral that helps to naturally lower blood pressure. Try to get 2.5 cups of veggies and 2 cups of fruit each day.
2. Favor healthy fats. The right kind of fats can be good for your heart. Fatty fish such as salmon contain omega-3 fats, which may prevent sudden death from a heart attack. Olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds all contain heart healthy unsaturated fat that can help lower bad cholesterol and may raise good cholesterol.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine
