HealthyLife Articles

Tag: caution

Campfire Safety

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

January 23, 2026
Drugs & Drug Safety

Substance Use & Abuse

After alcohol, the most common drugs used are tobacco and marijuana. Other drugs used are amphetamines (uppers); barbiturates (downers); hallucinogens, such as LSD; inhalants; and narcotics, such as cocaine. On the increase is the use of substances known collectively as “club drugs.” These are used at all-night dance parties, such as “raves” or “trances,” dance clubs, and bars. Examples are MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine, methamphetamine, and LSD.

The safest use of drugs is no use of drugs!

Cocaine

This drug is also called blow, crack, crank, “C”, coke, nose candy, rock, and white girl.

Dangers of Use

Increases pulse rate and blood pressure. Causes insomnia, irritability, and paranoia. Can result in severe depression, convulsions, heart attack, lung damage, hallucinations, brain damage, risk of infection (hepatitis, HIV from using contaminated needles), coma, and death.

Depressants

Examples are alcohol, barbiturates, sedatives, tranquilizers, downers, ludes, reds, and yellow jackets.

Dangers of Use

Causes drowsiness, slurred speech, drunkenness, memory loss, sudden mood shifts, depression, and lack of coordination. Can result in shallow breathing, dilated pupils, clammy skin, weak pulse, coma, and death.

Ecstasy

This is MDMA. Other names are Adam, Clarity, Lover’s Speed, and K.

Dangers of Use

Euphoric state initially, but depression can occur after taking the drug. Also carries the risk of a heat stroke from lack of fluids and sweating from dancing too long, especially in the hot environment of a club. May lead to a heart attack, seizure, and stroke.

GHB and GLB

GLB is a similar drug that turns into GHB in the body. Other names are: Grievous Bodily Harm; Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid Sex, Georgia Home Boy, and Scoop.

Dangers of Use

Common date rape drug that results in nausea, vomiting, a feeling of intoxication, and amnesia-like symptoms. The drug slows the heartbeat, reduces blood pressure, and can cause the user’s breathing to stop. Overdose results in unconsciousness, coma, and eventual death. There is little difference in the dose that can get someone high and one that can cause death.

Inhalants

Examples are vapors from: Solvents, such as gasoline; aerosols, such as hair sprays; anesthetics, such as ether, chloroform, nitrous oxide; and spray paints, especially gold and silver.

Dangers of Use

Slows heart rate, breathing and brain activity. Can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, lack of coordination, slurred speech, blurred vision. Can result in suffocation, heart failure, unconsciousness, seizures, brain damage, and even death.

Ketamine

This drug is also called: Special K, K, Vitamin K, and Cat Valium.

Dangers of Use

Causes dream-like states and hallucinations. Can cause delirium, amnesia, impaired motor functions, high blood pressure, depression, and breathing problems that can result in death.

LSD

This is also called acid, bloomers, and yellow sunshines.

Dangers of Use

Causes hallucinations, dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, sleeplessness, dry mouth, and tremors. Nausea, weakness, numbness or trembling are common. Long term use can cause persistent psychosis and what used to be called “flashbacks” – re-experiencing symptoms of past hallucinogen use even though not taking the drug at the present time.

Marijuana

This is also called pot, grass, reefer, herb, jay, joint, smoke, weed, and AMP (marijuana with formaldehyde).

Dangers of Use

Can result in feelings of panic, impaired short term memory, decreased ability to concentrate, fatigue, paranoia, and possible psychosis. Also causes lung damage. Synthetic marijuana, such as K2 can have serious side effects, such as extremely high blood pressure, very fast heartbeat, paranoia, delusions, seizure, and hallucinations.

Methamphetamine

This drug is also called speed, ice, chalk, crystal meth, crack, fire, and glass.

Dangers of Use

Can result in memory loss, agitation, aggression, and violent or psychotic behavior and potential cardiac and neurological damage. Can contribute to higher rates of transmission of hepatitis and HIV, if injected. Can result in heart attacks, seizures, and death from overdose.

Rohypnol

This is also called R-2, Rib, Roofies, Rope, and Forget-Me Pill.

Dangers of Use

Common date rape drug. Used in sexual assaults. Results in decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, visual disturbances, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. When mixed with alcohol or other drugs, this clear, odorless, and tasteless drug can cause death.

Signs of a Drug Overdose

Signs of an overdose depend on the type of drug used. Call 9-1-1 or get emergency care for one or more of the following:

* Unconsciousness. This means the person is hard to rouse and can’t be made aware of his or her surroundings. This can be brief, such as with fainting or blacking out. It can put a person into a coma.

* No breathing or slow and shallow breathing. This means 10 or fewer breaths per minute or time lapses of more than 8 seconds between breaths.

* Slow pulse rate (40 or fewer beats per minute).

* Suicidal gestures.

* Seizures.

* Tremors.

* Sudden hostile personality or violent behavior.

* Very rapid pulse rate (140 or more beats per minute) and/or extreme anxiety or paranoia.

Resources

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) World Services

Gives names and phone numbers for local AA groups. Gives materials on the AA program.

www.aa.org

Al-Anon/Alateen World Service Office

A self-help program for families and friends of alcoholics. Also a referral line.

888.4AL-ANON (425.2666)

www.al-anon.org

American Council for Drug Education

A substance abuse prevention and education agency for youth, college students, parents, employers, educators, and health professionals.

800.488.DRUG (488.3784)

www.acde.org

Cocaine Anonymous (CA) World Services

Gives names and numbers for local self-help meetings.

310.559.5833

www.ca.org

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) World Services Inc.

Gives names and phone numbers for local self-help meetings and mails out literature on narcotics to hospitals and individuals.

818.773.9999

www.na.org

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Provides a free treatment referral service to link people with community-based substance abuse services they need.

800.662.HELP (662.4357)

www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Eat, Drink, And Be Wary

Healthy Travel

It’s been said that travel expands the mind and loosens the bowels. One-third of visitors to developing countries suffer from travel sickness, or turista. This includes diarrhea, cramps, fatigue, and sometimes fever and nausea. Food and water contaminated with bacteria are usually to blame. Here’s what to do.

* If you plan to travel outside the United States, check with the local tourist board to find out if the water is safe for foreign visitors to drink. Often, natives who are used to the local water can drink it with no ill effects, but outsiders experience nausea or diarrhea (or both).

* If you know or suspect the water is unsafe, drink and brush your teeth with bottled water that has a sealed cap. The same goes for making ice cubes, washing fruits and vegetables, or cooking.

* Carry an immersion coil so you can boil your water. Boil the water for at least 10 minutes, and allow it to cool before you use it.

* If you can’t boil your water, use purifying tablets, such as Halazone or Potable Aqua tablets, which you can buy at most drugstores and many sporting goods stores.

* Drink beverages served in original bottles, cans, etc. Don’t use ice made from tap water.

* Don’t eat raw fruits or vegetables (including salad). The exception: fresh fruit you peel yourself.

* Don’t order undercooked meat. Beef, pork, chicken, and fish should be cooked thoroughly.

* Don’t eat raw or undercooked shellfish.

* Avoid smorgasbords and buffet meals, where food is often left out for long periods of time, giving disease-causing microbes plenty of time to grow.

* Avoid unpasteurized milk and cheeses in countries outside the United States and western Europe.

* If your choice of safe foods is severely limited, take a daily multiple vitamin and mineral capsule to supply the nutrients you may be missing out on.

Ask your doctor about taking diarrhea medicine with you. Ask what product you should take and in what doses. (Note: Don’t take Pepto-Bismol if you’re allergic to aspirin. Don’t give Pepto-Bismol to anyone under age 19. Like aspirin, it contains salicylate.)

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Safe Use Of Medications

Medication

* Things to tell your doctor:

– Things you have had an allergic reaction to.

– If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

– If another doctor is also treating you.

– If you have diabetes or kidney or liver disease.

– If you use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

* See that your doctor has an up-to-date list of all the medicines you take. This includes prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) ones, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Keep an up-to-date list in your wallet.

* Ask your doctor these questions: What is the medicine for? When should I take it? How long do I need to take it? Should I take it with or without food? Can I crush the pill or open up the capsule if I can’t swallow it whole? Write the answers down.

* Give a list of all medicines and supplements you take to your local and mail order pharmacist. Harmful mixtures with other drugs and with foods can be identified.

* Get prescribed medicines from a licensed pharmacy.

* Keep medicines in their original containers or in ones with sections for daily doses.

* Let your doctor know about your past reactions to certain medicines. As some people age, they may be more sensitive to some medications, such as painkillers or sedatives.

* Ask about the possible side effects of a medication. Find out what you should do if you have any.

* Ask if you can drink alcohol while taking the medication(s). Alcohol can lessen the effects of some medicines. Other medicines, such as sedatives, can be deadly when used with alcohol.

* Don’t take someone else’s medication.

* Safely discard unused and expired medicines. Use a community drug take-back program. Or, take medicines from their containers and mix them with used coffee grounds or kitty litter. Put this in a sealable bag and place it in the trash.

* Try to reduce the need for some medications, such as sleeping pills or laxatives. A warm bath and a glass of milk might help you fall asleep. Having more fiber in your diet can reduce or replace the need for a laxative. Check with your doctor on ways other than medicines to help treat your problem.

* Even if you feel better, don’t stop taking a prescribed medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Also, don’t skip doses.

Resources

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

www.fda.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Avoiding Stranger Danger Isn’T Just For Kids

Home Safety

Always be on alert and aware of your surroundings.

You don’t have to be paranoid that people are out to get you, but you should be cautious to avoid being robbed, carjacked, raped, and even killed for nothing more than a pair of shoes. Protect yourself and those you love.

At home:

* When you move into a new home or apartment, change all locks right away.

* Use deadbolt locks on doors. Secure windows so they can’t be opened more than five inches from the outside.

* Keep shades or curtains drawn after dark and turn on outside lights.

* Install motion sensor lights that turn on when someone passes by.

* Don’t open your door to anyone you don’t know.

* Don’t list your first name in the phone book. Keep your name off your mailbox.

On the go:

* Carry a cell phone with you. Make sure it’s charged.

* Walk tall on the streets and stay alert. Avoid walking alone at night, dark alleys, and people who look suspicious.

* Carry a whistle or stickpin.

* Make sure your car has plenty of gas.

* If your car breaks down, call for help. Stay inside with the doors locked and the windows up. Turn on your flashers and wait for police or other help to arrive.

* If someone approaches your car, crack your window and ask him or her to call for help. Don’t let the person into your car.

* Don’t hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.

* If you are going on a date with someone you just met, meet him or her in a public place.

Action Step

Use common sense. Don’t jog, bike, or hike alone in secluded areas day or night. Instead, join a club or ask a friend who shares the same interests to join you.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
When In Doubt, Throw It Out

Home Safety

Take steps to avoid foodborne illnesses.

If it looks good, and smells good, it’s safe to eat. Right? Not always. Harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses can hide very well in foods. Keeping foods safe to eat can prevent stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and other dire symptoms caused by eating spoiled food.

Store foods safely:

* Separate raw, cooked, and ready-to-eat foods when you shop for and store them. Follow instructions on package labels.

* Refrigerate foods that can spoil within two hours (one hour if the room or outdoor temperature is above 90°F).

* Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or lower; the freezer at or below 0°F.

* Wrap meat and poultry securely to prevent leakage onto other foods. Use foil or freezer wrap.

* High-acid canned foods, such as tomatoes and pineapple can be stored for 12 to 18 months. Low-acid canned foods, such as most vegetables will keep two to five years if kept in a cool, dry place.

Prepare foods safely:

* Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.

* Rinse raw fruits and veggies under running tap water before eating, cutting, or cooking.

* Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers with a clean produce brush.

* Use clean utensils and clean surfaces.

* Thaw frozen foods in the fridge or in cold water. You can also use the microwave if you are going to cook the food right away.

* Cook foods to a safe temperature.

Leftovers, anyone?

* Quickly refrigerate leftovers.

* Freeze ones that you do not intend to eat within two to four days.

* Reheat leftovers on the stove or in the oven or microwave until an internal temperature reaches 165°F.

* Keep hot foods higher than 140°F. Keep cold foods at 40°F or lower. Bacteria grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40°F and 140°F.

Action Step

Find out about food recalls and alerts from your local news, national news, and from

www.FoodSafety.gov.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Cautions About Sinus Rinsing

SELF-CARE CORNER

Little teapots with long spouts have become a fixture in many homes for reasons that have nothing to do with tea.

Called neti pots, they are used to rinse the nasal passages with a saline (salt-based) solution and have become a popular treatment for congested sinuses, colds and allergies, and for moistening nasal passages exposed to dry indoor air.

The FDA has concerns about the risk of infection tied to the improper use of neti pots and other nasal rinsing devices. The agency is promoting safe practices for using all nasal rinsing devices, which include bulb syringes, squeeze bottles, and battery-operated pulsed water devices.

These devices are generally safe and useful products, but they must be used and cleaned properly.

Most important is the source of water that is used with nasal rinsing devices. Tap water that is not filtered, treated, or processed in specific ways is not safe for use as a nasal rinse.

Some tap water contains low levels of organisms, such as bacteria and protozoa. These include amoebas, which may be safe to swallow because stomach acid kills them. But these “bugs” can stay alive in nasal passages and cause potentially serious infections, according to the CDC.

The procedure for nasal rinsing may vary slightly by device, but generally involves these steps:

* Wash and dry hands. Check that the device is clean and completely dry. Wash the device with distilled, sterile, or boiled and cooled tap water. Then dry the inside with a paper towel or let it air dry between uses.

* Use the appropriate water to prepare the saline rinse, either with the prepared mixture supplied with the device, or one you make yourself with distilled or sterile water, which you can buy in stores. The label will state “distilled” or “sterile.” Boiled and cooled tap water-boiled for 3 to 5 minutes, then cooled until it is lukewarm may be used. Previously boiled water can be stored in a clean, closed container for use within 24 hours. Or use water passed through a filter with an absolute pore size of 1 micron or smaller, which traps potentially infectious organisms. CDC has information on selecting these filters, which you can buy online or from some hardware and discount stores.

* Lean over a sink, tilt your head sideways with your forehead and chin roughly level to avoid liquid flowing into your mouth.

* Breathe through your open mouth. Insert the spout of the saline-filled container into your upper nostril so that the liquid drains through the lower nostril.

* Clear your nostrils, and then repeat the procedure, tilting your head sideways, on the other side. Some people like to do this procedure in the shower.

Nasal rinsing can remove dirt, dust, pollen and other debris, as well as help to loosen thick mucus. It can also help relieve nasal symptoms of allergies, colds and flu.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026