HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Home Safety

  • Do-It-Yourself Spring Cleaning Guide

    WELL-BEING

    Image of various cleaning products.

    Germs grow and invade your privacy. Bathrooms are one of their popular spots. They gather in the bathtub, shower, toilet-just about everywhere.

    “People these days just don’t take time out from their busy schedule to clean,” said Donna Duberg, lab science and germ expert at Saint Louis University. Duberg offers some simple ways to do your spring cleaning and make your bathroom germ-free.

    Simplify cleaning:Engage in basic cleaning such as disinfecting and removing visible dirt regularly, to make spring cleaning less cumbersome. As spring sets in, brace yourself to clear the scum and lime scale-mostly found on your shower curtains-and mold stuck in and around your bathtub. They hold on to bacteria and can cause fungi to grow.

    Don’t overkill:If you use too many cleaners and don’t dilute them, you risk the chance of inhaling the fumes of the cleaners, which can affect your lungs. Keep the windows open while cleaning or plug in fans to avoid breathing in the chemicals. Read the label carefully to understand how to use a product.

    Instead of harsh chemicals, use the magic ingredient:Vinegar, when mixed with water can do wonders for the surfaces. Spray a mixture of one part white distilled vinegar mixed with 9 parts water to see a nice shine on your bathtub or floor. Undiluted white distilled vinegar mixed with baking soda can be used to remove scum. The fewer the cleaning products, the better. Vinegar is inexpensive, is not harmful to kids and pets, and always leaves a shine.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Garage Door Safety

    WELL-BEING

    Image of garage door opener.

    Follow this safety advice from the Overhead Door Corporation:

    *  Keep the garage door opener control button out of the reach of small children. And do not let children play with garage door remote controls.

    *  Never place fingers between door sections. Explain the dangers to children and consider pinch-resistant door panels.

    *  Consult the owner’s manual and learn how to use your garage door’s emergency release feature.

    *  Each month, inspect the springs, cables, rollers and pulleys for signs of wear. Do not try to remove, adjust or repair these parts or anything attached to them. These parts are under high tension and should only be fixed by a trained door technician.

    *  Test the reversing mechanism, monthly, too. Place a 2×4 board or a roll of paper towels in the door’s path. If the door does not reverse after contacting the object, call a qualified professional for repair. If the garage door opener has not been replaced since 1993, get a new one that has safety beams and an auto-reverse as standard features.

    *  Do not leave the garage door partially open. When activated again, it may travel downward and come in contact with an object in its path. This also compromises a home’s security.

    *  Never leave the remote control in the car when given to a parking attendant. A stolen remote leaves you more susceptible to home invasion. Always lock your car when left unattended. Store the remote out of sight.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Gas Leak

    WELL-BEING

    Illustration of 911 Emergency written.

    Be aware of all the possible signs of a gas leak, including a distinct unpleasant smell. The odor is added to natural gas to help identify leaks.

    If a leak is suspected:

    *  Stay calm.

    *  Don’t light a match, candle, or cigarette, and don’t turn any electrical devices on or off, including light switches, or use any device or equipment that could cause a spark.

    *  Immediately evacuate the area where the leak is suspected and from a safe location call your gas company or 911.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Is Your Home Safe From Radon?

    MEDICAL NEWS

    Image of hand holding an illustration of a home.

    Indoor radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Breathing it over long periods can present a significant health risk to families all over the country.

    Radon is an invisible radioactive gas that seeps into homes undetected through foundation cracks. It can reach harmful levels if trapped indoors. It travels up from underground sources of uranium in the earth’s crust.

    The radon threat is preventable with some simple steps. In existing homes, families can begin protecting themselves by buying an easy-to-use radon test kit to find out if a high level exists. If so, a high level might be lowered simply with a straight-forward radon venting system installed by a contractor.

    In new homes, builders can easily and economically include radon-resistant features during construction. Home buyers should ask for these. The EPA also recommends that home buyers ask their builder to test for radon gas before they move in.

    According to the EPA, 1 in every 15 homes nationwide has a high radon level. Test your home for radon every 2 years. Retest for it any time you move, make structural changes to your home, or occupy a previously unused level of a house.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Moving Away: Tips For Families

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of couple holding moving boxes.

    Moving is a major change for all members of the family. Whether you’re buying a house across town or heading across the country, a new home can be stressful, fun and confusing at the same time. Kids – and parents – of all ages may need some help during the transition:

    *Plan in advance.Sometimes moves have to happen quickly due to a new job or other situation. But if you can, give your kids plenty of time to tell their friends about the move and to say goodbye. Get addresses, emails and phone numbers so they can keep in touch. Take pictures with friends and at your old home.

    *Talk about it and support each other.Be open with your child, teen or spouse. It’s okay to miss your old home or town. Ask them how they’re feeling. Having good communication can help relieve stress and work through tough feelings.

    *Keep your routine.As much as possible, do the same things you used to do once you’re in your new home. Cook familiar dishes for dinner and keep family activities the same. This can help everyone adjust.

    Essential moving items

    When you’re moving, you may feel like you don’t have anything you need at your new place. Make sure you pack these important items to get by until you’re settled in:

    *  Keys, wallet, purse and cell phone

    *  Chargers for electronics

    *  Medicines

    *  Toiletries, such as soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and deodorant

    *  Toilet paper and tissues

    *  Shower curtain

    *  First aid kit

    *  Sheets and pillows

    *  Plates, cups, utensils  and napkins

    *  Dish soap and hand soap

    *  Easy meals and snacks

    *  Favorite books or toys for kids

    *  A few changes of clothes and laundry detergent

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Mow Safely

    WELL-BEING

    Image of person mowing the lawn.

    Lawn mowers are powerful machines. Careless injuries harm children and adults alike each year, according to these concerned medical groups: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (the docs who reattach fingers!).

    Prevent injuries by following these lawn mower safety tips:

    *  Only use a mower with a control that stops the mower blade from moving if the handle is let go.

    *  Children should be at least 12 years of age before operating a push lawn mower and age 16 to operate a driving lawn mower.

    *  Wear sturdy shoes (not sandals or sneakers) while mowing.

    *  Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as stones or toys, by picking up objects from the lawn before mowing begins. Have anyone who uses a mower or is in the vicinity to wear polycarbonate protective eyewear at all times.

    *  Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary, and carefully look for children behind you when you mow in reverse.

    *  Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, inspecting or repairing lawn mower equipment, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas.

    * Use a stick or broom handle (not your hands or feet) to remove debris in lawn mowers.

    *  Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers and keep children out of the yard while mowing.

    *  Drive up and down slopes, not across to prevent mower rollover.

    *  Keep lawn mowers in good working order. Before using a lawn mower for the first time in a season, have it serviced to ensure that it is working correctly.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Prevent Clothes Dryer Fires

    WELL-BEING

    Image of a man cleaning dryer duct.

    Built-up lint blocks air flow in your clothes dryer, which leads to high heat and a potential fire. Thousands of fires occur each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

    Take these simple steps to keep your home safe:

    *  Clean the lint screen every time you use the dryer.

    *  If you use fabric softener, wash the screen in warm soapy water periodically to get rid of film build-up that restricts air flow.

    *  Make sure the lint screen has no tears (otherwise lint gets into the duct system and restricts air flow).

    *  Inspect the duct, dampers, and access covers for damage every 3 months. Clean all removable parts. Vacuum the duct to remove excess lint build-up.

    Don’t dry items that have been cleaned or soaked in gasoline, dry cleaning solvents, vegetable or cooking oil, machine oil, or other chemicals such as mop heads, which can be explosive when heated.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Preventing Falls In The Winter

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of family walking outside in the snow.

    Most of us can recall a time when we slipped in the winter snow or on an icy sidewalk. You may have gotten away with just a bruise or a sore spot for a few days.

    But, slips and falls can be serious – especially for older adults and those with health problems. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults. Some falls can even be fatal.

    Colder temperatures mean slick surfaces –  and dangerous falls. Follow these suggestions to help avoid falls in the winter, and share them with the older adults in your life.

    Vehicle safety

    Getting in and out of a car is a prime time for slips and falls.

    *  Look at the surface before you step out of your car.

    *  Keep three or four “points of contact” when getting in and out. This means put both feet on the ground, and have one or two hands on a stable part of the car before you try to move.

    Walk safely

    People who have a high fall risk may need to avoid walking outdoors when it’s icy. But for those who can’t avoid walking in the winter weather, follow these tips:

    *  Get rid of old footwear. Shoes and boots that have worn soles are more likely to lose their grip and slip.

    *  Wear boots with deep cleats or use ice cleats on the outside of boots. These are available at most sporting goods stores.

    *  If you use a cane for walking, consider getting an ice grip that attaches to the tip of your cane.

    *  Wear warm gloves or mittens. Don’t keep hands in pockets, as this makes it harder to keep your balance.

    *  Keep hands free by using a backpack or cross-body purse in place of a handbag.

    *  When possible, choose surfaces that have been salted and that are in direct sunlight.

    *  Keep a small bag of kitty litter in your purse or pocket. If a surface looks icy, scatter some of the litter in front of you before walking.

    *  Don’t be afraid to go “off road.” If a sidewalk looks icy, consider walking on the grass next to it. This can work if you can see that the ground doesn’t have hazards like holes or uneven surfaces.

    *  Use ice melting salt or sand on your sidewalks and around entries to your home. Older adults may need a loved one or a neighbor to help apply this every time it snows or gets icy.

    Source: National Council on Aging

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Take Mowing Seriously

    WELL-BEING

    Image of mower, cutting grass.

    More than 37,000 Americans are injured by power lawn mowers each year. Even a minor cut can become a problem if it gets infected. And, it’s possible to get severe injuries and even lose a toe if proper safety steps aren’t followed. Avoid getting hurt with these tips:

    *  Don’t mow when the grass is wet. Wet grass can be very slippery, leading to falls and injuries.

    *  Never mow barefoot. Wear heavy shoes or work boots when mowing.

    *  Don’t mow up and down hills. Mow them side to side to keep control of the mower.

    *  Keep children and pets away from running lawn mowers.

    *  Use a mower that turns off when you let go of the handle. Never pull the mower backward while it’s running.

    *  Keep the clippings bag attached to prevent injuries from flying sticks and other debris.

    Source: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • This Home Fix Can Save Your Life

    WELL-BEING

    Illustration of a house.

    It’s odorless, colorless, and causes lung cancer. You could be breathing it every day and not know it. It’s radon, and it’s a major health threat in nearly all areas of the country.

    What is radon?

    Radon is a naturally occurring gas that is found in soil. It makes its way into buildings through cracks, joints, and gaps in the basement or foundation. Once inside, it can build up and result in dangerously high levels. High levels of radon can cause lung cancer. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. today. Only smoking causes more deaths from lung cancer.

    The CDC estimates that more than 20,000 people die every year from lung cancer caused by radon. Even people who have never smoked can get lung cancer from radon. But, if you smoke, your chance of lung cancer is even higher.

    How do I know if my house has radon?

    The only way to detect radon in your house is through a radon test. Many hardware stores carry these tests, or you can get a test through your state’s radon office. Follow the instructions exactly as listed on the test. The tests are not expensive and are easy to use. Usually you need to leave the test in your house for a set amount of time. Then, you’ll follow instructions to mail it to a lab to get your results.

    No level of radon is safe. But, if your test shows a level of 4 or higher, you need to fix your house.

    How do I get rid of radon?

    There is an effective way to get radon out of your house and keep it from coming back. A radon mitigation system involves putting a special pipe device in your basement. The pipe has a fan inside that blows the radon back outside.

    Every state has radon removal companies who can install these systems. The Environmental Protection Agency says you should use a company that is accredited by the National Radon Safety Board or the National Radon Proficiency Program.

    Radon is one health problem no one should live with. Get a radon testing kit today. Your health and life are worth it.

    Take action against radon

    To order a radon test kit, call: 1-800-SOS-RADON

    (1-800-767-7236)

    For answers to radon questions, call: 1-800-55-RADON (557-2366)

    For questions about fixing radon levels in your house, call: 1-800-644-6999.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine