HealthyLife Articles

Tag: safety

  • Stay Safe When Holiday Shopping

    FINANCIAL HEALTH

    Image of female on laptop with credit card in hand.

    The holidays are often a time for celebrations, get-togethers, and lots of shopping for gifts. Unfortunately, theft can happen any time of year, including during the holiday season. To keep yourself and loved ones safe when holiday shopping, consider these tips from the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC):

    At malls and stores:

    *  To keep your money safe, carry your purse close to your body. Wallets are better kept in a front pocket, where they are harder to pickpocket.

    *  Have your keys ready when walking to your vehicle. Glance at the back seat and be aware of your surroundings before getting in.

    *  Don’t leave packages or valuables in your car where they can be seen. Take them home immediately, if possible, or keep them in the trunk.

    *  When shopping with children, teach them to go to a meeting place in case you get separated. Talk to them about finding store security guards or employees to help, if needed.

    When online shopping:

    *  Be sure you update anti-virus and anti-spyware software on your computer. Visitwww.bytecrime.org.

    *  Never give out your password or credit card information in response to emails. Valid companies will never ask for this type of information.

    *  Make sure the website is secure: look for a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the address at the top.

    *  Use secure payment methods, such as PayPal or Apple Pay, whenever possible. If using a credit card, check your transactions regularly and alert your bank if you notice anything suspicious.

    *  Check reviews of online stores to ensure the company is credible.

    Warm-up thefts are in season

    During the winter months, many people start their cars and let them warm up while they wait inside. This can be a prime opportunity for someone to steal your vehicle or items inside it, according to the NCPC. Here’s how to avoid these situations:

    *  Never leave your car running or keys in the ignition if you’re not in it, even for a minute.

    *  Always keep your car locked, and use anti-theft or alarm devices if you have them.

    *  Keep valuables out of sight (and preferably out of your car), such as phones, purses and electronics.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Fainting

    Women’s Health

    Fainting is a brief loss of consciousness. It can last from seconds to 30 minutes.

    Signs & Symptoms

    Just before fainting, a person may feel a sense of dread and feel dizzy. She may see spots and have nausea. Her face may turn pale, she could go into a cold sweat, and she could fall over.

    If a person falls and can’t remember the fall itself, she has fainted.

    Causes

    Fainting is due to a sudden drop in blood flow or glucose supply to the brain. This causes a temporary drop in blood pressure and pulse rate. Medical reasons for this include:

    *  Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is common in early pregnancy. It can also occur in diabetes, in persons on severe diets, etc.

    *  Anemia.

    *  Any condition that causes a rapid loss of blood. This can be from internal bleeding, such as with a peptic ulcer, a tubal pregnancy, or a ruptured cyst.

    *  Heart and circulatory problems, such as abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, or stroke.

    *  Eating disorders.

    *  Toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

    *  Seizures.

    Other Causes of Fainting

    *  Any procedure that stretches the cervix, such as having an IUD inserted.

    *  Extreme pain.

    *  A sudden change in body position, such as standing up too fast.

    *  Sudden emotional stress or fright.

    *  A side effect of some prescription drugs, such as some that lower blood pressure.

    *  Recreational drugs or excessive alcohol.

    *  Being in hot, humid weather or being in a stuffy room.

    Know what to do when someone faints.

    Dos

    *  Catch the person before she falls.

    *  Lie the person down with her head below the level of the heart. Raise the legs 8 to 12 inches to promote blood flow to the brain. If the person can’t lie down, have her sit down, bend forward, and put her head between her knees.

    *  Turn the person’s head to the side so the tongue doesn’t fall back into the throat and to prevent choking on vomit.

    *  Loosen any tight clothing, but keep the person warm, especially if the surroundings are chilly.

    *  Apply moist towels to the person’s face and neck.

    Don’ts

    *  Don’t slap or shake anyone who’s just fainted.

    *  Don’t try to give the person anything to eat or drink, not even water, until she is fully conscious.

    *  Don’t allow the person who’s fainted to get up until the sense of physical weakness passes. Then be watchful for a few minutes to be sure she doesn’t faint again.

    Questions to Ask

    Self-Care / Prevention

    *  When you feel faint, lie down and elevate both legs. Or, sit down, bend forward and put your head between your knees.

    *  Get up slowly from bed or from a sitting position.

    *  Follow your doctor’s advice to treat any condition which may lead to fainting. Take prescribed medicines, but tell your doctor about any side effects, so he or she can monitor your condition.

    *  Don’t wear tight clothing around your neck.

    *  Avoid turning your head suddenly.

    *  Stay out of stuffy rooms and hot, humid places. If you can’t, use a fan.

    *  If you have fainting spells often, avoid activities that can put lives in danger, such as driving a car.

    *  Drink a lot of fluids, but drink alcoholic ones in moderation, if at all. Eat small, frequent meals.

    When Pregnant

    *  Get out of bed slowly.

    *  Keep crackers at your bedside and eat a few before getting out of bed.

    *  Eat small, frequent meals instead of a few large ones. With each meal, have a good source of protein, such as lean meat, low-fat cheese, milk, etc. Avoid sweets. Don’t skip meals or go for a long time without eating. Drink plenty of fluids.

    *  Don’t sit for long periods of time. Elevate your legs when you sit.

    *  When you stand, as in a line, move your legs to pump blood up to your heart.

    *  Take vitamin and mineral supplements, as your doctor prescribes.

    *  Don’t lay on your back during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of your pregnancy. Lie on your left side. When you can’t, lie on your right side.

    Women's Self-Care book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Burn Notice

    SELF-CARE CORNER

    Close-up image of a doctor wrapping up a burn on a patients arm.

    Follow this simple advice from the Home Safety Council and H2otStop to help reduce the risk of burn and scald injuries at home:

    Bathing

    *  Set your water heater at 120ºF or just below the medium setting.

    *  Fill the bathtub. Run your hand through the water to test for hot spots. Then help children get in. When children are in or near the tub, watch them closely. Young children and older people have thin skin. They burn more quickly.

    *  Install special tub spouts and shower heads that prevent hot water burns. These can sense if the water gets hot enough to cause a burn and shut off the flow of water.

    Cooking

    *  Wear long oven mitts to protect your skin when cooking or handling hot food.

    *  Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so children cannot pull them down. Use back burners when cooking. Keep children away from the stove when you are cooking. Put tape on the floor around the stove/oven to help children learn to stay out of the “no-kid-zone.”

    *  Food cooked in the microwave can get very hot and cause a burn. Use oven mitts when you take off the lid. Stir and test the food before serving to make sure it is cool enough to eat.

    *  Keep hot drinks away from the edge of tables and counters. Do not use tablecloths or placemats because young children can pull them down. Use a travel mug with a tight-fitting lid for all hot drinks. This can help prevent a burn if the cup tips over.

    *  Do not hold or carry a child while you have a hot drink in your hand. Put only cold drinks in the cup holder of your child’s stroller and child safety seat.

    If a burn occurs:

    *  Cool it with running water. Do this right away.

    *  Keep the burned area in cool water for 3 minutes or longer. Do not put ice, butter, or lotion on the burn. This could make it worse.

    *  Call your doctor or 911 if the burn looks bad.

    © 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

  • Fire & Burn Awareness

    First Aid

    Dental hygiene products, tooth brush, tooth paste, mouth wash, etc.

    Fires & burns are a leading cause of unintended home injuries & related deaths.

    Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher mounted securely and in plain sight.

    Install smoke detectors. If you use space heaters, keep them 3 feet away from items that can catch fire. Never smoke in bed.

    Loose-fitting clothing can easily catch on fire if it gets too close to burning candles or hot burners.

    If your clothes catch on fire, don’t run. Motion fans the flames. STOP where you are. DROP to the ground. ROLL back and forth, again and again, until the flames go out.

    To use a fire extinguisher, think of the acronym PASS:

    Pull the pin. Aim the nozzle or barrel at the base of the fire, not at the flames. Squeeze the handle. Sweep back and forth at the base of the fire.

    Health at Home Lifetime book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Choose The Right Summer Camp For Your Child

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of child at summer camp.

    When school’s out for the summer, what will the kids do? Many families choose summer camp options for school-age children to help make summer an educational and fun experience. But choosing the right camp for your child can seem daunting with so many choices.

    To simplify your decision, consider these factors:

    *What type of camp works with your child’s personality?Some children only want to be gone for a day camp and come home in the evening. Others want to do overnight camps. This may depend on the child’s age and whether they are accustomed to being away from home.

    *How many children attend the camp?Some kids do better in small groups, while others enjoy the excitement of being around many people.

    *What are your child’s interests?Some camps focus on particular activities, such as sports, cooking, music or art. Some offer programs for special needs children. Look for one that offers activities they like to do.

    *How will your child get there?Is there a bus or other transportation offered?

    *What is your budget?Be sure you understand the total cost of the camp. Some may have extra charges for food, special outings, or transportation.

    *How are the staff trained on safety, supervision, and other issues?If your child will be near water, discuss life guards and safety precautions for swimming.

    Once you’ve decided upon a camp, ask about a packing list, particularly for overnight camps. Even day camps often ask the children to bring a bathing suit, water bottle, snack, sunscreen, or other supplies.

    Source: American Camp Association

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Talk To Your Child About Abuse

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of parents talking to their child.

    Parents generally teach their children about “stranger danger” from an early age. They are told not to talk to, walk with or take gifts or candy from strangers. But statistics show danger often lurks closer to home.

    According to the National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, the vast majority of children who are sexually abused are abused by someone they know-most often a family member, an adult the family trusts or, in some instances, another child.

    Parents can help protect their children from sexual abuse by talking frankly to them about abuse, starting at a young age with age-appropriate information, advises Kay Knaff, clinical services program manager for Youth Villages.

    How to talk to your child (starting about age 3 or 4) about sexual abuse:

    *  Tell your child about good touch-a hug or a pat on the back-and bad touch, when someone is touching private areas.

    *  Tell your child nobody-no family member, teacher, other child or adult-is allowed to touch him or her in the areas covered by a bathing suit because these are private areas. Exceptions are a parent bathing a young child or helping the child with using the bathroom, as well as a doctor or nurse when examining the child.

    *  Tell your child he or she has permission to tell any adult who touches them in their private areas, “No!”

    Tell your child that if anyone ever touches him or her in any way in their private areas, he or she should tell mom, dad and or grandma/grandpa or another trusted person about it immediately.

    Get help immediately. If you suspect your child has been abused, act immediately. Either call your local police, your local rape crisis center, child protective services or the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453), then push 1 to talk to a hotline counselor.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Getting Help For Violence And Abuse

    Women’s Health

    Violence uses force, power, or threats to cause physical or emotional harm on purpose.

    Abuse is one form of violence. It can be emotional, physical, financial, and/or sexual.

    It may not be easy to admit that you are the victim of abuse. You may be confused about what to do or how to find a way out.

    Time to Get Help When

    It is time to get help if the person you love, live with, or work with does any of these things:

    *  Puts you down in public.

    *  Criticizes you for little things.

    *  Keeps you from seeing or talking to family, friends, or co-workers.

    *  Monitors what you are doing all of the time.

    *  Keeps accusing you of being unfaithful.

    *  Destroys things you own or care about.

    *  Gets angry when he or she drinks alcohol or uses drugs.

    *  Blames you for his or her angry outbursts.

    *  Threatens to hurt you, children, or animals. Beats, chokes, hits, kicks, pushes, shoves, or slaps you or them, or hurts you in any way.

    *  Says it is your fault if he or she hurts you, then promises that it will not happen again.

    *  Threatens to or uses weapons against you.

    *  Forces you to have sex against your will. {The Department of Veterans Affairs uses the term military sexual trauma (MST) for sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurred while a Veteran was in the service.}

    Causes

    Violence and abuse are ways to gain and keep control over others. Persons who commit violence or abuse come from all ethnic groups and backgrounds. Often, they have these problems:

    *  Poor skills to communicate.

    *  Past family violence. They may have been abused in the past. They may have seen one parent beat the other.

    *  Alcohol or drug problems.

    Regardless of the cause, no one deserves to be abused! Most often, persons who abuse others or commit violence, find it hard to change their behavior without expert help. If you are a victim of violence or abuse, get help and support.

    Getting Help

    *  If you are assaulted or threatened or need emergency help, call 911!

    *  If you are not in immediate danger, have a plan for times you feel unsafe or in danger or when you decide to leave the abusive setting.

    – Decide who you will call (e.g., police, neighbors, relatives, and a shelter). Make a list of these telephone numbers. Memorize the numbers, too.

    – Decide where you will go. If you have children, plan how you will take them with you. Have a plan for where they should go if you can’t get away. Practice these safety plans with your children. Plan how you will take your pets, too, if you can.

    *  To help recover from sexual assault or trauma, contact your doctor or health care provider for proper counseling and treatment. {Note: Veterans can receive free treatment for military sexual trauma (MST) at all VA health care facilities.}

    Be prepared to leave an abusive setting. Keep important items in a safe place (unknown to the person who is abusing you) until you are ready to leave or if you have to leave quickly. Get these items together ahead of time.

    *  Extra keys to your car, house, and safety deposit box.

    *  Cash. Credit cards and ATM card. Checkbook, bankbooks, and investment records or their account numbers.

    *  Jewelry or other small objects that you can sell in case you need money.

    *  Cell phone, a phone calling card, and phone numbers that you need.

    *  Personal papers for you and your children. These can be the original forms, copies of them, or information, such as numbers and dates written on paper. Items include:

    – Birth certificates and social security numbers.

    – Driver’s license, state ID, and passports.

    – Car registration, title, and insurance information.

    – Medical ID cards and medical records for you and your children.

    – Marriage license, divorce papers, legal papers for custody, restraining orders, etc.

    – House deed or lease agreement.

    Resources

    National Domestic Violence Hotline

    800.799.SAFE (799.7233)

    Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)

    www.rainn.org

    National Sexual Assault Hotline

    800.656.HOPE (656.4673)

    National Sexual Assault Online Hotline

    https://ohl.rainn.org/online

    Women's Self-Care book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Choosing Quality Child Care

    FAMILY LIFE

    Image of Asian baby.

    Today, more children than ever live in households where both parents work. As a result, child care is a necessity for many families. You can make an informed choice with a little homework and preparation.

    First, think about the type of care you’d like.

    In general, your choices will include daycare centers, family child care homes and in-home care like a nanny, babysitter or au pair. There is no right or wrong answer, and no one option works for everyone. Consider your and your child’s personalities, as well as the cost of each choice.

    See it for yourself.

    If you’re considering a child care center or family home, ask about coming in for a visit. Seeing the environment yourself can often give you a better feel for the caregivers and the atmosphere. Do the children get constant supervision? Do they receive positive discipline?

    Look at group size.

    Each state has required caregiver/child ratios. See if you’re comfortable with the size of the group and ask about their typical ratios. Infants need one caregiver per four children at a minimum. The ratios get higher as the children get older.

    If you’re looking for a nanny or au pair, prepare for interviews.

    You should talk with each candidate to get a feel for their personality, child care philosophy and their training and education. You may wish to write a list of questions in advance, and take notes during each interview so you can refer to them later.

    Check health and safety guidelines.

    Caregivers should be up-to-date on CPR certifications. Ask about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and childproofing all areas for safety.

    Discuss illness prevention.

    Find out whether policies are in place to prevent the spread of illness. This may include requiring children to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to care, as well as other policies on specific symptoms and illnesses. Caregivers should thoroughly wash their hands after each diaper change  or using the bathroom, and before  preparing any food.

    The ultimate goal for any child care is to find one that keeps your child safe, healthy and happy.

    Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Child Care Aware

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine