HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Personal Health & Safety

  • Lawn Mower Safety

    Personal Safety

    Image of lawn mower cutting the grass.

    Getting sliced by a lawn mower blade and being hit by rocks or other propelled objects are the two most common lawn mower-related injuries. (Mower blades rotate at nearly 200 miles per hour, and seemingly harmless sticks and stones often become dangerous missiles when picked up and hurled at that speed.) To mow grass safely:

    *  Before you start to mow, clear the lawn of sticks, stones, toys, garden hoses, and so forth.

    *  Don’t use electric mowers on wet grass.

    *  Wear heavy-duty shoes and long pants to protect your legs.

    *  Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. Wear ear protectors (like those worn on shooting ranges) to protect your hearing.

    *  Push the mower, never pull it (if you have a push mower).

    *  Mow across a slope, not up or down, so the mower doesn’t slide or fall on top of you. Look several feet ahead when mowing.

    *  Turn off the engine if you have to check the blade, or clean or adjust the mower. Never fuel a lawn mower when the engine is hot. Spilled fuel or fumes can result in an explosion or fire. Instead, allow the engine to cool before refueling.

    *  Never allow children to operate a power mower, and keep small children far away from a mower that’s in use.

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

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • A Safer Way To Shovel Snow

    Personal Safety

    Image of a person shoveling snow.

    Many people know that shoveling snow can put many at risk for back injury or a heart attack, but think, “It won’t happen to me” and shovel anyway.

    Shoveling snow strains the back, because you bend at the waist to lift a load. And shoveling can trigger a heart attack in three ways. The increase in activity requires your heart to work harder. Also, without realizing it, you may hold your breath as you lift, which can trigger a sudden rise in heart rate and blood pressure. And cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict, so the heart has to pump more blood.

    If you have a history of back problems or heart problems, don’t shovel snow, period. Have someone else do it. If you’re over age 40 and overweight, if you have high blood pressure, if you smoke, or if you lead a sedentary life, check with your doctor before lifting a shovel.

    The following hints can help make a tough job easier, even if you’re not at special risk for back or heart problems.

    *  Dress properly. Protect your head and hands from the cold, and don’t bundle up so much that you overheat or can’t move freely.

    *  To prevent back strain, keep your knees slightly bent and both feet planted firmly on the ground or pavement.

    *  Consider removing snow with a snowblower or plow instead of a shovel-it’s far less stressful and gets the job done quickly.

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

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Keep A Survival Kit In Your Car

    Personal Safety

    Image of a car kit.

    No car should be without a survival kit of items that you might need in the event you’re in an accident, run out of gas, have a breakdown, or get stuck. Items to include:

    *  First-aid kit.

    *  Flares.

    *  White cloth, for distress signal.

    *  Flashlight with spare batteries.

    *  Snow shovel.

    *  Knife or other basic tools.

    *  Empty gas can, for purchasing gas.

    *  Small fire extinguisher.

    *  Paper and pencil.

    *  Blanket.

    *  Change, for phone calls and tolls.

    *  Food and water, for long trips through unpopulated areas. Whistle.

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

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Keys To Physical Well-Being Are Healthy Habits

    Personal Safety

    Couple eating watermelon.

    *  Eat nutritious foods.

    *  Get to and maintain a healthy weight.

    *  Be physically active.

    *  Get enough sleep and rest.

    *  See that you and all family members age 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine. It is the single best way to prevent getting seasonal flu.

    Dos

    *  Balance work and play.

    *  Wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer containing 60% alcohol.

    *  Avoid secondhand smoke.

    Don’ts

    *  Don’t be a workaholic.

    *  Don’t be around people who have the flu.

    *  Don’t use tobacco in any form.

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

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Wellness Gifts 2

    Personal Safety

    Fitness tools shaped into a Christmas tree.

    Give presents that promote a healthy lifestyle. Keep their well-being and self-care in mind when making your list and checking it twice.

    Action Step:There are many thoughtful and joyful gifts to choose from that will enhance well-being, for adults and kids.

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

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Breaking Bad Habits Now

    WELL-BEING

    Doctor holding an apple in hand wrap with a tape measure.

    If you’re hoping to make a change, these tips may help:

    Avoid.If certain places or people make you want to engage in unhealthy habits, try your best to stay away.

    Replace.Focus on what you can do instead of the bad habit. For instance, take a walk or drink a glass of water.

    Plan.If you know you’ll be tempted with a bad habit, practice what you can do. Picture yourself not giving in. Have a plan for yourself.

    Buddy up.Ask a friend or family member to support you. They can cheer you on and encourage you when you need it.

    Source: National Institutes of Health

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Drowsy Driving: Know The Signs

    WELL-BEING

    Women yawning while driving.

    Drowsy driving is the combination of driving a vehicle and being overly tired. It might happen if you didn’t sleep well the night before. It can also happen if you take medicines that make you tired. Sometimes people who work long shifts or the night shift are drowsy when they drive home from work.

    What’s the big deal?

    Experts believe drowsy driving causes tens of thousands of car crashes each year.

    Driving when you’re drowsy is a lot like driving drunk. Drowsy driving can:

    *  Make you less aware and less attentive

    *  Slow down your reaction time

    *  Make it hard for you to make decisions while you’re  on the road

    How do I know if I’m drowsy?

    Signs of being too tired to drive include:

    *  Yawning or blinking a lot

    *  Not being able to remember some of your trip

    *  Missing your turn or exit

    *  Drifting out of your lane or off the road

    *  Hitting rumble strips

    What to do

    If you think you’re driving while drowsy, pull over in a safe place. If you can, get some coffee or a caffeinated drink. Then lock the doors and take a 15- to 20-minute nap in your vehicle. The caffeine and nap combination may help you be more alert.

    Opening the windows and loud music don’t help you stay awake. When your body needs sleep, it will do almost anything to get it.

    Prevent drowsy driving

    The best way to prevent crashes from drowsy driving is to:

    1. Get enough sleep. If you can’t get the sleep you need, have someone else drive you to your destination.

    2. See your doctor if you think you might have a sleep disorder.

    3. Never drink alcohol before driving.

    4. Never take medicines that make you drowsy before driving.

    Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Sleep Foundation

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Hand Washing Or Sanitizer?

    WELL-BEING

    Close up image of person washing hand with soap and water.

    If there’s one habit that’s good for everyone’s health, it’s hand washing. But is hand sanitizer just as good as soap and water? Maybe not. Hand sanitizers:

    *  Do not get rid of all germs.

    *  Don’t work well when hands have dirt or grease on them.

    *  May not remove dangerous chemicals, like pesticides and heavy metals.

    Hand washing does all these things – when you use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds.

    Use hand sanitizer when you can’t get soap and water. But always choose the sink and soap when you can!

    Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Prevent Firework Injuries

    WELL-BEING

    Two hands holding sparklers.

    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

  • Q & A Blood Donation

    WELL-BEING

    Close up of hands holding a piece of paper shaped as a blood drop.

    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