HealthyLife Articles

Tag: ladder

  • Use Ladders Safely

    Home Safety

    Image of a ladder.

    Follow safety tips to keep you from an injury sustained on a ladder.

    *  Make sure your ladder is long enough for you to reach the job without standing on the top three steps or overextending your body.

    *  Check the ladder for cracks or weak spots before you use it. Metal ladders should have nonskid steps and footings. (Don’t paint a ladder; you’ll hide defects.)

    *  Make sure the soles of your shoes or boots are dry and have enough tread to prevent slipping.

    *  Always steady a ladder on firm ground or a flat board.

    *  Never place a ladder in front of a door that someone may open.

    *  Wear tools on a belt or keep them in your pocket so you can keep your hands free when climbing up or down a ladder.

    *  To avoid losing your balance while standing on a ladder, don’t lean too far back or to the side.

    *  Don’t use a ladder outdoors on a very windy day.

    *  To avoid electrocution, don’t use metal ladders near power lines.

    A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Use The L.A.D.D.E.R. Technique 2

    Healthylife® QuitWell™

    Part 5

    Image of two friends talking.

    This is a step-by-step way to become more assertive.

    L:Look at your needs, wants, rights, and feelings about the situation.

    A:Arrange a meeting that is convenient for you and the other person to talk.

    D:Define the problem clearly to the other person.

    D:Describe your feelings using “I messages.” I message statements let you take charge of your feelings. The other person is less likely to get defensive.

    E:Express your needs and desires in an assertive manner using a few clear sentences. Be aware of your eye contact, hand gestures, posture, voice, and facial expression.

    R:Reinforce your remarks by saying what positive outcomes will occur for you and the other person.

    Example:

    L:I could use support from my close co-worker while I’m quitting vaping and I don’t want him to give me a hard time.

    A:I’ll arrange to speak to him first thing tomorrow.

    D:“Jack, I’m trying to quit and can really benefit from your support. I want to be able to take breaks with you, but it’s tough for me to do that if you offer me your vape.”

    D:“I feel like I could really achieve my goal with your help. Quitting is really important to me.”

    E:“I would like to take a walk with you instead of vaping, if you will join me. Or, we’ll have to catch up after work. Standing next to you while you vape is tough for me right now.”

    R:“I love getting away from hectic stuff at work by taking a break with you. I think taking a walk will help us both clear our heads and feel more ready to tackle the rest of the day.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Use The L.A.D.D.E.R. Technique

    Healthylife® Weigh

    Part 4

    Group of friends enjoying a meal outdoors.

    This is a step-by-step way to become more assertive.

    L – Look at your needs, wants, rights, and feelings about the situation.

    A – Arrange a meeting that is convenient for you and the other person to talk.

    D – Define the problem clearly to the other person.

    D – Describe your feelings using “I messages.” I message statements let you take charge of your feelings.

    E – Express your needs and desires in an assertive manner using a few clear sentences. Be aware of your eye contact, hand gestures, posture, voice, and facial expression.

    R – Reinforce your remarks by saying what positive outcomes will occur for you and the other person.

    Example:

    L – I wish my partner would stop stocking the pantry with a food I tend to over-eat when it is available.

    A – I’ll plan to talk with him or her after dinner tomorrow.

    D – Tell your partner, “When cookies are in the pantry, it is hard for me to have just one. I appreciate the treat, but this makes it harder for me to stick with my goal.”

    D – “I feel I could stick with my goals with your help.”

    E – “Let’s keep cookies off the grocery list. I am starting to enjoy fruit as a sweet treat. Let’s get that instead! Also, a hug would be a wonderful treat from you!”

    R – “This change would help me to reach my goal. As I lose weight, I am able to do more physical activity comfortably. Let’s plan a hike together this weekend!”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine