National Home Safety Week is 8/27-8/31

Do you ever stand on a chair to change a light bulb? Do you have small children in the home and cleaning products accessible via a kitchen sink cabinet?  

Did you know these home safety facts:  

More serious injuries occur at home than at work! 

#1 cause of accidental fatalities in the home with children is poisoning! 

#1 cause of accidental fatalities in the home with adults is slips and falls! 

Costs of home-related injuries are higher for employers than work-related injuries through payouts of employer-provided health plans, lost productivity, and absence from work! 

Home-related injuries adversely affect family and personal quality of life. 

Maybe you knew some of these  DIY safety tips and maybe you are guilty of doing things that jeopardize your safety or your families. So every year we are reminded things can go wrong at any time.   

Just today I was walking down a spiral staircase in my home in a new pair of socks. And don’t you know my feet came out from under me and I skipped two stairs, banged up my feet, but, smartly, not luckily, was holding onto a railing which prevented me from crashing down. I tell my kids every time they go up or down the stairs to hold on. 

For years I’d plead…OK, yell at my wife, to not get on a kitchen chair to water the plants. I even bought a step ladder and put it in the kitchen closet for her to use. And it was only when I threatened to throw away the plants if she did it again that she started to use the stepstool.  

Don’t take home safety for granted. A constant vigilance is essential to keep your family safe.  

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Bath Safety: Advantages of Hand Held Shower Heads

Here I am an accomplished Senior Care Professional dedicated to working with the unique needs of an aging population and people with disabilities.  I help people maintain their independence and remain safely in their homes and communities whenever possible.  Yet, my folks have been one of my greatest challenges! Did you ever hear the expression ‘the shoemaker’s kids have no shoes?’ I can say that over the last few months my parents began paying more attention to bathroom safety.  In the last eighteen months they have four different friends who ended up in the hospital followed by rehab due to falls in their own homes.  Still, this did not generate any action to make the necessary changes to ensure their personal safety.   

Then it happened, my Dad slipped and fell in the bathroom.  He went sliding across the floor and fell into the shower door.  Ouch! Thank goodness he was more shaken than anything else.  It was the wake-up call they needed to get started.  So, we applied a skid resistant solution to their bathroom and shower floors, decorative grab bars in the appropriate places, installed a comfort height toilet, replaced towel bars by their sinks with decorative grab bars and then it came to the hand held in the shower.  My Mom was completely against it.  She said a shower head is too much like a handicap shower and I do not want it!  I did my best to explain that it has nothing to do with being handicapped.  To the contrary, it actually is a bit of a luxury in that it provides more control over the shower experience and allows you to direct the water without getting your hair wet.  Nothing seemed to work. 

You can pretty much guess what happened next.  My Mom called me on Friday.  She slipped in the shower and wrenched her back.  Like my Dad, my Mom is very lucky and she didn’t need to use her medical alert system. She is sore but nothing is broken.  We arranged to meet and select the right handheld shower. It is being installed immediately. 

Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of using a handheld shower head.  As the name suggests, you can hold this device in your hand, and simply put, it offers ease of use. No matter the size of the person, the shower head will reach all areas of the body with ease. It is especially effective for children or seniors because the shower head's spray can pinpoint each area of the body effectively. Most important, an older person does not need to twist his or her body to direct the water. A handheld shower heads allow you to shower while seated, a wonderful option for folks with limited mobility or those who have difficulty standing.  A child can hold the handheld and feel way more in control of his own shower experience.  What a great way to teach cleanliness and independence at the same time!  A very tall person will not be faced with having to duck his head underneath a shower head that is not high enough for his use and all the while enjoy the warm water as it runs all over his body. It allows you to relax conveniently and relieve your sore muscles. It sounds great so far right? 

Is it difficult to install a hand shower in an existing shower? The answer is no. Many attach easily to your existing shower arm or to a tub spout with a hand shower diverter. Be sure and look for a hand held with a pause control button for ease of use and better control of your shower experience.  There are some nice units made that even include a massaging feature which provides a more spa-like experience.  .  

Remember, a handheld shower head brings the shower to you, rather than moving to stand under a fixed shower, all the while decreasing the risk of falls and injury. It is always best to be safe, not sorry. 

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Household Safety: It’s Mold Awareness Month!

House mold is no joke. Mold makes you sick, makes your house sick and ruins properties if left untreated. Keeping mold under control is critical for household safety.

The Department of Health in New York defines mold as “Molds are microscopic organisms that live on plant or animal matter. They aid in the breakdown of dead material and recycle nutrients in the environment. Present virtually everywhere, they can be found growing on organic material such as soil, foods, and plant matter. In order to reproduce, molds produce spores, which spread through air, water, or by insects. These spores act like seeds and can form new mold growth if the conditions are right.”

Mold gets into your house as a result of moisture. That moisture can come from a flood, leaky roof, plumbing leaks, cooking steam, heating steam, humidifiers, wet clothes drying inside a home, or condensation accumulating inside crawlspaces from any of the above.

For your family safety, here are the most important things you should know about mold, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Ten Things You Should Know About House Mold 

Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints. 

There is no practical way to eliminate all molds and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. 

If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. 

Fix the source of the water problem or install a water leak detector to prevent mold growth. 

Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning. 

Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. 

Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced. 

Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation. 

In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation). 

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

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Home Security Test Part 2: Debunking Myths about Home Protection

Take this TRUE or FALSE quiz to hone up on your skills for protecting your loved ones and your home and property; 

6)  When you go out of town, you should leave your interior lights turned on so it will look like someone is home, especially at night. 

The answer is false. Rather than leaving your house dark or keeping the lights burning all day and night — a sure sign that no one is home, and a waste of electricity — you should set some interior and exterior security lights to go on and off at different times during the day and night. Use timers and/or install photosensitive lights that automatically turn on after dark and shut themselves off at daybreak. For an added dose of reality, you can even put the TV or radio on a timer so it will sound like someone is home as well.    

7)  Taking a visual and written inventory of your possessions can increase the odds of recovering them if they are stolen. 

The answer is true. Having photos, videos and serial numbers of your valuables can be extremely helpful in identifying your stolen goods. It's also a good idea to engrave your driver's license number on any expensive electronic equipment.     

8)  To protect small valuables such as jewelry and cash, hide them in unusual places such as dresser drawers, in the freezer or under a mattress. 

The answer is false. While it may sound odd to hide jewelry in the freezer or keep cash in a bag of flour, enough people do it that burglars will search all the usual (and unusual) hiding places. You are better off having a safe professionally installed in your home or a home alarm siren to protect your valuables.   

9)  Only the presence of a large-breed dog will deter a burglar. 

The answer is false. A burglar doesn't want anything to bring attention to him, and barking dogs can draw notice. Thus, even a tiny yappy breed can deter a burglar if it makes enough noise.     

10)  When you go out of town, you should record a new message on your home answering machine to let callers know where you are and how long you’ll be gone in case there is an emergency. 

The answer is false. Never record a message on your home phone indicating that you are away from home. If a burglar obtains your phone number, it's an open invitation for them to break in and help themselves.  

Let’s please remember that “Security and Life Safety is a Family Matter”.  We can truly make a difference when we are able to talk to one another to remind each other that the little things we can do can make a world of difference to having a more secure and safe environment.      

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How to Bully Proof our Kids

Yesterday, my kids got their class list and teacher assignments.  This not only caused a mad dash to text and call friends to discuss “who got who,” but a little anxiety about whether a bully or mean girl was in their class.  Even at the elementary school level, there are kids that our children intuitively know to stay away from.  Sometimes, however, they don’t have a choice.

That’s why it’s becoming more and more important to “bully proof” your children from a young age, so they will neither become a bully nor succumb to the damaging behavior of bullies.

While bullying prevention might seem like an impossible task, you are probably asking yourself,how do I even begin to do that? 

First of all, it’s most important to set a good example for your children! Kids constantly mimic what they see, and if they see their parent bullying someone, bad mouthing someone, or just being mean, chances are that they will do it too, and worst of all think it is completely okay.

Teach your children to be confrontational. Dr. Susan Lipkins, a child psychologist who specializes in bullying, reports: "Fifty percent of the time, if you just say no to a bully, they'll stop.” Teach your kids from a young age to politely tell someone if they do not like something they are doing to them and to be proactive in feeling comfortable in their surroundings. 

For your child’s safety, immerse your children in something they love doing. Allowing them to have an outlet that they enjoy will build their happiness and confidence. From a young age, socialize them via activities such as music classes, art workshops, or joining a soccer team. This not only allows them to learn how to play well with other children but provides them with a way to find their interests.

Finally, teach your children to laugh-off jokes about them rather than get upset about them or combat them with comebacks. It seems in today’s world, we are raising kids that can be overly sensitive or feel that when someone ridicules them, it is appropriate and right to make fun of them right back. This does nothing but perpetuate the bullying problem our society faces and it is useful to teach our kids that sometimes, it is both healthier and easier to simply laugh it off.

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Improving Bathroom Safety with Shower Chairs

My husband and I enjoy a large walk-in shower in our master bathroom.  We have a wonderful showerhead and handheld shower and at the end of a hectic day it certainly provides a few glorious moments of sanctuary.  I have easy access to all the products I use in the shower so I am squeaky clean when my shower is done!  I am always careful when I enter the shower and I have everything arranged so that I feel safe from falls. The other evening I was running behind with all the things I needed to do and I was rushing to get done showering.  Suddenly, as I bent my body to shave my leg, I lost my balance and slipped.  Luckily, I did not fall but my head hit the shower wall very hard and I was startled.  The thud must have been pretty loud because my husband came running into the bathroom.  He helped me to the bench we have in the bathroom when it dawned on me that this was certainly the wake-up call I needed to come up with a simple DIY safety solution.  I shopped for a shower chair the very next door. Since that experience, I use the shower chair each time I need to shave and on the nights I am tired I sit down to wash my hair. I embrace the shower seat and I am happy that I was wise enough to accept that I need it. 

Can you imagine if you are that much older in years how it may feel when you are in the shower?  Most often, balance is the issue or should I say lack of balance? Yet, some of my clients are still reluctant to use a medical alert system  and a shower chair.  I gently guide and we discuss all the ways that the bath chair may help them enjoy their shower experience and make it safer at the same time. Sometimes, all that is needed for an older person to remain independent is a bath and a shower stool. For most people independence is the key issue.   

Bathrooms within residences differ in floor plans and size and you will find a selection of shower chairs to fit your needs. There are shower benches; shower chairs, shower seats with or without arms, wall-mountable shower chairs, tub transfer benches for simple slide-transfer, and some of the nicer chairs have compartments to hold shower products and a handheld shower. There are rolling shower chairs with wheels which are ideal for walk in showers, and can be easily wheeled in-and-out around the shower stall. Folding shower chairs are just right for small bathrooms. They can be folded-up and placed against a shower wall or in a cabinet out of the way after use. A bariatric shower chair is the correct choice for people who are heavy. It supplies a wider and deeper seat surface than the typical shower chair and is ideal for those who need additional stability within the shower.  

Even in cases where an older person requires assistance from a caregiver, shower seats for elderly may provide that bit of self-confidence that the shower experience is comfortable and safe. It otherwise may have instilled fear and apprehension.  For any one of us who is finding it a bit harder to approach the shower nowadays, shower chairs make it less difficult and a whole lot safer to enjoy the shower.  Remember, it is always best to be safe, not sorry. 

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What Every Student Must Know About College Security and Personal Safety

It’s always important to be aware of your immediate surroundings. Stay alert and be prepared at all times. Whether you are walking across campus or to a nearby parking lot, it's important to stay alert. Never have the mindset into thinking that crime will never happen to you. You can minimize your risk, by following some basic, yet very important personal safety tips. 

  

Use the Buddy System 

We often hear “use a buddy system”. There is power in numbers so travel to your destination with a group rather than to be alone. For your personal safety, make certain that your cell phone has preprogrammed emergency numbers which includes the campus police. Another good security practice is to have an extra phone charger to carry at all times (your car, backpack, etc.) in case your battery needs charging should you need to use your phone for any reason-especially in the case of an emergency. 

  

If You See Something, Say Something 

Always let someone know where you're going, who you'll be with, and when you expect to return. This is so important when traveling off campus and going on dates. And should your plans change, contact your friends so they know where you’re headed. Avoid traveling across unpopulated, remote shortcuts across campus, especially at night. Should you see any suspicious activity, people, or vehicles, report this to campus security the moment you notice it. Remember, “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING”. It's better to say something and be wrong than to keep quiet and risk harm to you and others. 

  

Secure your Dorm Room 

Try to secure your dorm room when you first settle in. It doesn’t matter whether you live in a dorm room or share an apartment or house; you need more than good Grade A locks to stay safe. Strongly consider having a basic alarm system installed; an alarm that is monitored is your best bet. Wireless alarm systems are a great choice because they can be very affordable, they are generally installed quickly, and the service can move with you should you choose to take it to your next residency. 

  

Protecting Yourself from Break-ins 

Remember that your entrance door is the barrier between you and someone trying to get in.  Shore the door of your dorm room with some form of security door bracing-but make certain you do not break any fire codes.  Ensuring the main entry door of your dorm room, apartment, or home is secured is extremely important, as this is the most common entry point for criminals. With such a device in place, it can make your door virtually impossible to break through, even by the strongest of burglars or predators.  

  

Personal Safety Tips 

Personal safety begins with you. Never attend a party alone. Always bring a trusted friend with you. Never accept a drink from a stranger or any other person you don't know. If you didn’t see the drink being made- don't drink it.  Always stay in contact with your drink. Never let your drink out of your sight. Never participate in a Hazing!  College is a time for learning and discovering what it means to be a responsible adult. Staying vigilant and taking responsibility for your security and personal safety is a great way to add to your positive college experience; not to mention that your parents and family members will look favorably and feel more at peace knowing that you have taken responsibility for your campus security and personal safety matters. 

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Driving Safety - When Should Elders Stop Driving?

The topic of “senior citizens and driving” is definitely a topic that sparks a lot of debate - after all, it is not marked in black and white what age at which elderly drivers should stop driving (unlike the minimum age of 16 or 17).   Some folks in their 60s suffer from health problems that preclude their ability to drive safely, while some older people drive well and capably well into their 80s.  It is normal to struggle with when it is right to take the keys away from aging parents, and whenever it happens it is not easy.

Removing some of the emotional baggage from this struggle by identifying warning signs is helpful in making the decision to encourage your parent or another senior to stop driving.  When it comes to driving safety, there are a great deal of signs to look out for that should come as a warning sign that someone’s health is making it dangerous for him or her to continue driving. When someone’s health is making it dangerous for them to continue to drive, they are putting not only their own personal safety at risk, but the public as well.  We wouldn’t let a person that we knew was drunk drive, would we? 

Here are some tips and warning signs to look for in elderly drivers:  

Check all prescribed medications to ensure that none of them conflict with affect the person’s ability to drive safely.  

Vision problems can seriously impair someone’s driving. Experiencing blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or having trouble driving in the dark all make it harder to react while behind the wheel.  

Having trouble hearing is another red-flag when it comes to this topic. Not being able to hear clearly can cause drivers to miss important cues needed to remain safe, such as someone honking a horn or emergency sirens. 

If you notice that a senior has problems with memory, it may be time for them to stop driving. When someone has trouble remembering what exit to get off, what direction to go, or experiences a pattern of getting lost, urge them to consider alternate modes of transportation. 

Finally, slowed reflexes may mean it is time to give up the keys. Being able to react quickly is one of the most important skills of driving, and having slowed reflexes could lead to a driver becoming flustered, confusing the break and gas pedals, and many more safety issues  

While it is certainly never an easy decision of when to intervene with a senior citizens driving situation, it is important to look out for these driving safety tips and act upon them appropriately - for the sake of that person as well as everyone else on the road!   My friend’s grandfather, in early stages of Alzheimer’s, backed up into a bank and nearly ran someone over. He became so belligerent when asked to stop driving his car that his doctor had to intervene and have his license revoked. 

When to stop driving is definitely a sore issue for many seniors as it may signal to them that they are losing their independence and freedom.  Tread carefully with your loved one and remember that you have everyone’s personal safety in mind. 

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