HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Home Safety

  • Water Safety Tips You Need To Know

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Image of mother and young child in the pool.

    When the summer sun beats down, many people flock to water for cooling relief and fun. Swimming, boating and water activities are a favorite pastime for many Americans. But, it’s important to know the dangers of water and how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 3,500 people DROWN in the U.S.  each year in swimming (non-boating) related accidents.

    Most of these are children under the age of 14.

    And according to the U.S. Coast Guard,

    hundreds more die in boating-related accidents

    each year – and the majority of them are DUE TO DROWNING.

    Most drownings are preventable –

    so here’s what you should do any time you’re around water:

    *Keep pools gated and locked.Home pools should be enclosed with a locked fence that’s at least 4 feet high.

    *Always supervise.Children drown within seconds, not minutes. And, there’s typically no screaming, splashing, or other noise. Keep your eyes on children in the water at all times. Don’t turn your back, even for “just a minute.”

    *Wear life jackets.Many boating-related deaths could be avoided if all passengers wore U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Children should also wear them when swimming.

    *Consider swimming lessons.Children and adults can benefit from knowing how to swim, and it can reduce the risk of drowning.

    *Learn CPR.Giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save lives if given quickly after a water accident.

    *Stay sober.Alcohol and water don’t mix – so don’t drink if you’re boating, swimming or supervising children in the water.

    *Watch the weather.If there’s a chance of strong winds or a thunderstorm, stay out of the water.

    *Watch for rip currents in natural bodies of water.A rip current is a powerful current that you can’t see, but can quickly take even a grown adult underwater. If you feel one pull you down, swim parallel to the shore until you get free. Don’t try to fight it or swim toward the shore.

    *Know the boating laws.There are state and federal laws that boaters must follow. Learn about them atwww.uscgboating.org. You can also look into boating safety courses and safety checks for your boat on this website.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Aging In Place For Older Adults

    FAMILY LIFE

    Smiling, happy older couple.

    Many people have a loved one who is an older adult. Sometimes an older adult may wish to stay in their home as they get older. This is possible for many older adults with some support from family members or friends.

    Here are some ways to help an older loved one stay in their home:

    *Be sure they can get around.Some adults may need a walker or electric scooter. Sometimes Medicare will help cover the cost of these mobility aids.

    *Help them find things to do.It can be boring and lonely at home alone. Help them learn how to do video calls with family and friends. When it’s safe to do so, help them get involved at a local senior center.

    *Get them daytime help if needed.Some people may need help with personal care, such as washing their hair. If a family member can’t be there each day, consider hiring a trained aide that can help them with everyday needs.

    *Consider an emergency alert system.This can call for help if your loved one falls or gets hurt.

    *Keep nutrition in mind.Be sure your loved one can get healthy food from the grocery store. Consider meal delivery services in your area that may be free or low-cost.

    *Make sure they go to appointments.Regular checkups are important, especially if the person has any health conditions. Drive them to their appointments if needed.

    *Check up on bills.Make sure their bills for insurance, utilities and other needs are getting paid on time. Find out what bills they have and offer to help get them organized and paid. Talk to them about scams, too. Tell them not to give out their social security number or other information to anyone over the phone.

    *Get rid of fall hazards.Consider ramps instead of stairs at the front door. Put grab bars in showers and bathtubs. Put plenty of night lights around their house and remove loose rugs from the floor. Encourage them to wear supportive shoes or non-slip socks around the house.

    Source: National Institute on Aging

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine