Monthly Archives: August 2012

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Uncategorized

TEN WAYS TO INTRODUCE WHOLE FOODS INTO YOUR FAMILY’S MENU (Guest Post)

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While trying to eat healthier, one way you can do so is by consuming more whole foods.  By eating more whole foods you are helping to strengthen your body’s immune system, which allows it to fight off colds and other illnesses more easily, as well as providing it with plenty of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.  Have you ever wondered why certain people never seem to get sick while others always seem to be sick?  People may chalk it up to good genes, but much of the time it’s because they eat a healthy diet rich in whole foods.  Here are 10 ways you can incorporate more whole foods into your family’s diet and get on the path to healthier living.

1. Portion out fruits and veggies and keep them in the fridge for snacking.  Kids and adults alike will readily grab a snack from the fridge if it’s convenient. The problem is that most of the time the most convenient options are chips and other unhealthy snack foods that come pre-portioned. Keeping pre-portioned baby carrots, apple slices, and other whole foods in individual containers in the fridge make them easier to grab, which makes them much more likely to be eaten. Eliminate the bad snack choices and offer only the healthy choices instead. 
2. Add fruit to every meal.  Most people like fruit because it’s a sweet snack option, but in a natural and healthy way.  The FDA recommends that half your plate be filled with fruits and veggies.  Fruit can also be mixed into a smoothie or consumed as a 100% juice.  However when you can, choose whole fruits, because the fiber content of whole fruits is very important to a healthy diet according to the American Dietetic Association.
3. Make a salad for lunch.  Instead of filling the kids up with white bread sandwiches for lunch try fixing them a salad.  By adding things like dried and fresh fruit, nuts, hard-boiled eggs, and lots of different veggies to the lettuce base it becomes a tasty meal.  By incorporating some of the kids’ favorites they will be more likely to eat the salad.  If you are worried about protein feel free to add in some beans or lean meat.
4. Set aside one night a week to eat vegetarian.  Call it Meatless Monday or Tofu Tuesday and make it a fun experience for your family.  Make vegetarian lasagna using thinly sliced eggplant instead of pasta, and top it with plenty of low-fat cheese. Your family will be pleasantly surprised at how much it tastes like their old favorite.  Soups are another easy way to go meatless, as are other pasta or casserole options.

5. Instead of a starch, serve two vegetables.  An easy way to get more vegetables into your family’s diet is by making two veggies with dinner.  Leave out the pasta or potato that you might normally fix and serve a green salad and asparagus with a proper portion of meat instead.
6. Sweeten food with pureed fruit instead of sugar or syrup.  If the kids normally enjoy waffles with syrup for breakfast, change it up so that they are eating whole grain waffles and some pureed strawberries or blueberries in place of the syrup. The natural sweetness from the fruit will make a nice alternative to the regular syrup topping.
7. Eat fruit for dessert.  Sliced fresh fruit in a bowl with a little honey drizzled over it will make a light and refreshing end to any meal.  To save money, try to look for fruits that are in season, or choose a good quality frozen fruit or fruit canned in its own juice.  During the summer try grilled fruit for dessert.
8. Serve smoothies to your family for an on-the-go breakfast choice.  Start with frozen fruit and you won’t need to add ice to the blender.  If your kids don’t like veggies, you can easily hide them in a smoothie and they will never know, and for some extra protein blend in some Greek yogurt.  These sweet concoctions can be made for four people just as easily as they can be for one, and offer a healthy option that’s perfect for the most important meal of the day.
9. Whole foods aren’t limited to just fruits and veggies.  Anything that is consumed as close to how it appears in nature is considered to be a whole food.  For instance, a baked or grilled chicken breast is unprocessed and unrefined, so it is a whole food and a very healthy protein choice, as are eggs and fish.
10. Add beans to everything.  Okay, maybe not everything, but kidney beans can be added to sautéed ground turkey to make chili, and black beans can be added to some lettuce with some whole kernel corn, and fresh tomato salsa for a southwest salad. Beans are an easy, healthy way to bulk up nearly any savory meal.

Our thanks to Suzanne Cullen, who works with Aupair.org for sending this very useful advice on healthier eating.  Many companies encourage their employees to eat healthy and participate in fitness programs.  If we would all get on the bandwagon, and teach our children to get in the habit of grabbing a piece of fruit rather than chips or cookies, we’d have a healthier generation coming up! 

 

 

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO IMPLEMENT WINDOWS SAFETY MEASURES (GUEST POST)

While other people are mastering in looking for the most fashionable trends in window installation, others are alarmed of the news of how great the number of people, mostly children, who fall out of their windows. According to a research, roughly about 5,000 children nearly every year in the United States experience this unfortunate incident, and that which 28 percent of that number, required a hospital stay, and another who approximately died. Yes, this is a heartbreaking event, but also a thriving consequence for people who yearned for fashion, rather than safety. There’s always been a dichotomy to this matter: Safety vs. Fashion – which one would you choose? 

Designs for windows often turn into a challenge or major investments. Let’s face it! If you continue to accent windows in favor of a complex idea, you’ll never get an assurance of your child or any member of your family’s safety. It is time to hold a little back in fashion, and muse more on the preventive precautions you can associate with your windows. In that way, you’ll meet both in half- ways. 

Here are some tips you could do to secure safety in your home:

1.       Remember that an open window is always an invitation to a child. You should check if all windows have safety devices installed in them and that they are in good working order. These devices come with new windows, but you may purchase the devices alone. These could be wireless window transmitters that send coded commands to the window mechanism for open and close activity or a barrier bar alarm switch which is a deterrent made for basement windows, apertures, chimneys, and all other openings where your child can reach, and potentially fall.

2.       Educate your children on the risks provided when leaning against window screens. Screens are designed for the exchange of air and to keep insects out, not children.

3.       You may put up window guards. These are screwed into the sides of your window frames and have bars to support them. They are sold in different sizes for various size windows and may adjust for width.

4.       Strategic landscaping may reduce the degree of injury acquired in the event of a fall. Shrubs can help cushion potential falls, thus, cutting down accidents.

5.       Finally, while you’re childproofing your windows, take a moment to secure the curtain pulls or blind cords that are out of reach. They may play with it, and in an event, may strangle themselves. 

These are just some of the many helpful means of keeping your home safe by modifying your windows function and design, and being a little more careful. Remember to take no chances with windows safety. Home security is a must. 

Author Bio: John Anderson, a Southeastern American, graduated from Tennessee State University. He specializes in home improvement and is now, the online content coordinator for securitysytemspro.com. You may follow him in Twitter @ JohnAnderson090.

General Safety Issues

PREVENTING SUMMER INJURIES (Guest Post)

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Summer is the time of increased activity and all-day outdoor fun, but it can also be the season of injury and mishap when excited kids become reckless in their enthusiasm. Parents and childcare providers can spend the dog days patching up contusions and rushing to the emergency room, or they can take a few simple steps to help prevent the most common summer injuries.
  • Ban Trampolines – Few backyard toys scream “summertime” quite like a big, bouncy trampoline. Unfortunately, kids run a significant risk of getting hurt every time they catch some air; The American Academy of Pediatrics even goes so far as to say that “parents should never purchase a home trampoline or allow children to use home trampolines.” Falls from the surface of a trampoline can cause impact injuries, springs can pinch, tear and cut delicate flesh, not to mention the inherent risk of injury due to collision when kids share a trampoline. Supervision only allows parents or caregivers to be present immediately following an injury; the nature of trampoline play makes it almost impossible to ward off an impending accident before it occurs. Installing a net and instituting a “one at a time” rule might prevent some injuries, but are by no means foolproof.
  • Use Sunscreen Religiously – Sunburns may seem like par for the kiddie summertime course, but parents should understand that they are, in fact, injuries. The Skin Cancer Foundation asserts that a single severe sunburn during childhood could double the risk of a skin cancer diagnosis in adulthood, not to mention the ease with which a “minor” sunburn can become one that blisters and causes serious discomfort. Sunburns that present with blisters are actually second-degree burns, and are absolutely preventable injuries. Apply sunscreen before kids go outside, and reapply frequently. Swimming and sweating heavily can wash away even “waterproof” formulas over time, so be sure to keep slathering it on kids that are particularly active or playing in water.
  • Be Vigilant About Pool Safety – The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that almost 75% of child drowning deaths occur in youngsters under the age of five, and that an annual average of 390 pool or spa-related drownings of children under the age of 15 drowned between 2007 and 2009. Kiddie pools are no exception. During summer months, 1 child dies every 5 days in a kiddie pool. Parents and childcare providers are urged to practice “touch supervision,” meaning that they are never out of reach of a child in water. Outlaw running in pool areas, horseplay and risky activities to prevent injury, and become certified in CPR to prevent tragedy when accidents aren’t avoided.
  • Keep Kids Cool and Hydrated – Sunshine and summer heat are part of what makes the outdoors appealing; free from restrictive layers of warm clothing that are de rigueur in winter, kids can climb, run and play to their hearts’ content. Unfortunately, the heat and increased activity also puts kids at risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which they’re already more susceptible to than their adult counterparts. Little bodies generate more heat and sweat less, so parents and caregivers are urged to dress kids in light clothes, make sure that they stay hydrated and avoid prolonged and intense activity in the summer heat. Encourage kids to take breaks, provide plenty of fluids, such as water and Gatorade and keep your eyes peeled for signs of heat exhaustion, which include cramps, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and fainting. Kids suffering from heat exhaustion may also deny that they feel hot, so it’s imperative to watch for other symptoms.
  • Enforce Strict Helmet Rules – Older kids may like to shuck their bicycle helmets the moment they’re out of your sight, but it’s still important that parents and caregivers do their best to enforce those rules without exception. Head and brain injuries are common causes of hospital visits for children, often due to bicycle accidents in which the head is not protected by a helmet. Make it a policy never to let your child ride without a helmet.
  • Get a Mouth Guard For Summer Sports – Community sports leagues and teams are often formed during the summer months, allowing kids to play without worries about the demands of schoolwork and keeping them active during what could easily become a very sedentary, unhealthy time. Enrolling kids in these programs is a wise idea, but parents should always invest in a quality mouth guard to protect kids’ mouths. Not only does this help to prevent tooth loss; mouth guards also provide protection for the tongue, jaw and lips.

Some scrapes, cuts and bruises are simply inevitable; children at play have a tendency to trip, fall and run into things. However, the most common, serious injuries are almost always preventable, so adopt an active approach to supervision during the summer months.

Carrie Dotson, summernannyjobs.com

Please follow these tips, as summer as far from over in several parts of the world. pb

 

General Safety Issues

BOOST SAFETY IN YOUR WORKPLACE WITH A SCISSOR LIFT (Guest Post)

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Are you looking for that piece of equipment to promote safety in your place of work? Then scissor lift tables and or pallet trucks may be the choice for you. The scissor frame, which is the trademark of the equipment, means that when the load is being raised, the wheels are elevated from the floor. Resulting in the fact that the lift or table will not wander and that means less accident and equipment damage. 

Pallet trucks

A pallet truck allows the easy transportation of heavy materials around the worksite, safely. Smooth running wheels are attached, so that is easy to manoeuvre the truck, resulting in less injury from overexertion. The largest models can generally hoist, at maximum, a thousand kilograms of materials. If you overload the truck from its normal capacity, it may become a hazard. It is fitted with an ergonomic handle which when used, determines the movement of the forks. 

Lift tables

These tables come in many different sizes to suit your needs. The larger sizes can hold up to four thousand kilograms. Both the lift tables and the pallet trucks can contain electrical motors which lift the load at a simple push of a button. Some are semi-electrical and others are devoid of the motor and need to be manually used.

Most tables also come with guards on the rollers to prevent injury, when moving the table about. The wheels are made from polyurethane which gives them more grip, which means that the table more user friendly. 

Make sure that both Truck and table are CE certified and that you purchase the right weight measurements to suit your needs. Never overload the equipment or it may become damaged and other things may be harmed as well.  

If you are searching for either of these products then look no further than Bluetruck leading scissor lifts, Pallet truck and lift table providers. Their products are supplied by German company HanseLifter, a brand which is widely trusted throughout Europe, so you can be assured that a purchase from them, is a high quality purchase.   

The scissor frame, which is the trademark of the equipment, means that when the load is being raised, the wheels are elevated from the floor. Resulting in the fact that the lift or table will not wander and that means less accident and equipment damage. 

Pallet trucks

A pallet truck allows the easy transportation of heavy materials around the worksite, safely. Smooth running wheels are attached, so that is easy to manoeuvre the truck, resulting in less injury from overexertion. The largest models can generally hoist, at maximum, a thousand kilograms of materials. If you overload the truck from its normal capacity, it may become a hazard. It is fitted with an ergonomic handle which when used, determines the movement of the forks. 

Lift tables

These tables come in many different sizes to suit your needs. The larger sizes can hold up to four thousand kilograms. Both the lift tables and the pallet trucks can contain electrical motors which lift the load at a simple push of a button. Some are semi-electrical and others are devoid of the motor and need to be manually used.

Most tables also come with guards on the rollers to prevent injury, when moving the table about. The wheels are made from polyurethane which gives them more grip, which means that the table more user friendly. 

Make sure that both Truck and table are CE certified and that you purchase the right weight measurements to suit your needs. Never overload the equipment or it may become damaged and other things may be harmed as well.  

If you are searching for either of these products then look no further than Bluetruck leading scissor lifts, Pallet truck and lift table providers. Their products are supplied by German company HanseLifter, a brand which is widely trusted throughout Europe, so you can be assured that a purchase from them, is a high quality purchase.   

Our thanks to Kate Dohren, for sending this very informative article, and we encourage everyone who works around scissor lifts to be trained in the operation of this type of equipment, and outfitted with the personal work safety productsrequired while operating the scissor lift or working in the vicinity.  pb

 

General Safety Issues

IMPORTANT THINGS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS TO KNOW ABOUT PEANUT ALLERGIES

Between 1997 and 2008 the number of children diagnosed with a peanut allergy more than tripled. This alarming trend, aside from creating a need for parents to be extra-vigilant about the foods their children are exposed to, has also made it necessary for nannies to educate themselves as thoroughly as possible on the subject. As the number of afflicted children continues to rise, the likelihood of a nanny encountering at least one allergic child over the course of her career also grows stronger. In the interest of providing a quick peanut allergy primer, here are a few of the most important facts for nannies to keep in mind.

  • Peanuts Aren’t Really Nuts – Despite the name, peanuts aren’t really nuts at all. They’re actually legumes, which means that they’re part of the bean family. In some cases, those who suffer from a peanut allergy may also be allergic to other substances in the legume family. Be sure that you exercise extreme caution when allowing a charge with peanut allergies to eat any legumes, even if they’ve never had a reaction before. Though they’re likely to continue eating such foods without incident, you can never be too vigilant when it comes to food allergies.
  • Learn to Recognize the Signs of Exposure – Reactions to peanut exposure in allergic kids can run the gamut of symptoms. After eating or even coming into contact with peanuts, allergic kids may begin to form rashes or hives, have gastrointestinal reactions including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, suffer from respiratory symptoms that include everything from sniffles to wheezing and difficulty breathing, and cardiovascular symptoms that cause the sufferer to feel faint or lightheaded. Being able to recognize these symptoms quickly is essential to providing treatment in a timely manner.
  • Reactions Can Be Severe – Some reactions to peanut exposure can be relatively mild, only causing discomfort and irritation. In other cases, however, exposure can cause anaphylaxis, which is a very severe and potentially life-threatening reaction. Kids who are prone to or at risk for anaphylaxis should be monitored especially well to prevent a harmful or even fatal reaction to peanuts.
  • Keep a Close Eye on Labels – Caring for a child with peanut allergies means that you will have to read each and every label on any food item that your charge plans to eat. Labels that state that the package’s contents were processed in a facility that also processes nuts should be treated as if they contain whole peanuts; even a trace amount is enough to cause a serious reaction in kids with severe peanut allergies. This applies to lotions, shampoos, and other personal care products as well; peanuts and their byproducts can be lurking in some downright surprising places and products.
  • Take Extra Precautions in Restaurants –Taking kids with peanut allergies out to eat is a risky proposition, but it is also one that can be managed without incident as long as you exercise the right amount of caution. Before ordering a dish, request allergy information and inform your server that your charge has a severe peanut allergy. Because some restaurants use peanut oil for deep frying, it’s prudent to also ask about the type of cooking oil a restaurant uses.
  • Sharing Food is a Major No-No – Little ones love to share their food and trade lunches. However, very young and enthusiastic little ones may forget about their dietary restriction and accidentally take a bite of the PB&J his pal is having. The best way to avoid potential exposure through traded lunches and shared food is to institute a “no sharing” policy with meals. Explaining to your small charge that he can’t share food because some things make him sick can clear up some of the confusion he’s sure to feel when he’s instructed not to share something after being told repeatedly that he must share his toys.
  • Learn to Administer Epinephrine – Though you’ll hopefully never need it, you should have a working knowledge of epinephrine auto-injectors, including their proper use and correct storage. In the event of an anaphylactic episode, administering epinephrine while awaiting emergency medical attention may make the difference between a merely scary moment and a tragic one.

Though a study at Duke University and Arkansas Children’s Hospital indicated that immunotherapy might be effective in treating and even eliminating peanut allergies in some children, it is absolutely never recommended for parents or caregivers to attempt immunotherapy at home. Even minute traces of peanut oils or proteins can be very problematic for an allergic child; steer allergic kids clear of any product that might contain peanuts, and have a set plan of action for situations in which they may have been exposed to them.

 

Sent to us by Sara Dawkins from NannyPro.com

 

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

TEN THINGS TO DO DURING A HEATWAVE (Guest Post)

Debbie Denard  http://www.nanny.net/blog

During a heat wave, or a prolonged period of hot and often humid weather, it can be hard to keep the kids cool and entertained. Since a heat wave can pose a serious health risk to those who are exposed to the scorching temperatures, especially babies and young children, it is essential that parents and caregivers know what to do when the weather dictates that everyone stays cool and takes it easy.

If you’re facing a heat wave, consider these 10 things:

1. Avoid the heat. Stay out of the sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If you do venture out, be sure everyone has sunscreen and hats on.

2. Turn on the AC. Air conditioning can be a real lifesaver for those facing a heat wave. If you don’t have air conditioning, fill a pan with ice, put a box fan in front of it, and sit in front of the cool air.

3. Stay hydrated. During a heat wave it is essential that everyone stays adequately hydrated. Be sure to drink and offer lots of water and fruit juice. Adults should avoid anything with caffeine or alcohol, as both are considered diuretics.

4. Wear loose clothing. Light, breathable clothing will help keep you cool during hot and humid weather. Remember, the looser the fabric weave, the less protection it offers from the sun.

5. Shut the windows and draw the shades if it’s hotter outside than it is inside. If it is cooler inside than it is outside, keep it that way by closing the windows and shades. Light colored drapes may be more effective at keeping the heat out than darker or metallic colored ones.

6. Take cool baths or showers. Don’t underestimate the power of a cool bath or shower. A cool bath or shower can offer a refreshing break to the heat.

7.  Avoid strenuous activity. Don’t overdo it during a heat wave. During a heat wave, you’ll want to skip yours and the kids exercise routine and keep active outdoor activity to a minimum.

8. Create indoor fun. From playing board games to doing arts and crafts, there are lots of fun things you can do inside with the kids during a heat wave. Older kids may enjoy playing card games and younger kids may enjoy coloring, cutting, and pasting to make their own artful creations. Watching movies together is another way to beat the heat.

9. Eliminate additional sources of heat.  Incandescent light bulbs, appliances, and computers can throw off heat. Shut off and unplug all nonessential electronics during a heat wave to minimize the extra heat that is added to the environment. Instead of turning the oven on to cook, opt for simple suppers like cereal, sandwiches, or other items that don’t require using the oven or stove.

10. Head out for cooler fun.  If the kids get cabin fever, consider heading out for an indoor adventure. Head to a family movie, go for a walk around the mall, take a swim at an indoor pool, or visit other family-friendly, air conditioned venues for something fun to do.

Whatever you do, be sure that everyone keeps cool and hydrated to avoid heat stroke and other heat related illnesses.  Since babies, children, the elderly, and others with preexisting medical conditions are especially vulnerable to heat, be sure to care for them with extra caution during a heat wave.

 Debbie: these are good common-sense ideas, and we appreciate them very much.  It is important that persons of any age protect themselves from the sun and heat as much as possible, by wearing sunscreen,  protective sunglasses, hats, and long-sleeve clothing.  Keep cool by staying inside as much as possible!  Thanks again. pb

General Safety Issues, High Visibility Safety

FIVE STEPS FOR RUNNING OUTDOORS SAFELY (GUEST POST)

It’s not uncommon for a runner to choose to run alone, whether they’re seeking solidarity or trying to hit training run paces, and many don’t think twice about choosing to lace up and hit the pavement by themselves. However running solo can open the door to many safety risks, and there are some running safety rules that runners should keep in mind as they head out alone:

1.      Always let someone know where you’re going and how long you expect to be gone. If no one knows that you’re going out for a run then hours can pass before anyone may realize that you’re missing. You should always let someone know where you’re planning to run at and how long you plan to be out there, and then tell them when you’re back to your car safe and sound. That way if you don’t show up when you’re supposed to, whether it’s because you’ve hurt yourself or you’ve been abducted, someone will notice right away.

2.      Run with your cell phone. It may be a little cumbersome to have to carry your phone with you while you’re running, but that small inconvenience can end up being a lifesaver if you’re hurt out on a trail and are unable to get yourself back to your car.

3.      Wear bright colors and say hello to everyone you pass. You should acknowledge the people that you run past for three reasons: 1. They’re more likely to remember you if you say hello to them, 2. Making eye contact and showing that you know they’re around can be a deterrent for people with less than friendly motives, and 3. It’s just nice practice. Wearing bright clothes in addition to acknowledging other runners will also help make you more memorable to anyone you pass by should something happen and you go missing.

4.      Only carry mace if you know how to use it. While having mace on you is a great way to fend off attackers, if you don’t know how to use it then it can easily end up being used against you. Practice using it before you run with it.

5.      Run without music. It may be hard at first to switch from running with music to running without it, but running with headphones on makes it hard to hear any cars or people coming up behind you and makes you less aware of your surroundings. When you’re out by yourself you need to be very aware of anything and everything happening around you.

If you choose to run alone then you need to be aware of the risks that come with it and take any and all necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Failure to take the necessary safety measures has consequences that extend far past listening to your favorite song while you run or not wanting to bother anyone with your schedule.

Author Bio:

Roxanne Porter is a freelancer & a regular contributor for nanny classifieds.  She helps in providing knowledge about nanny services & love writing on nanny related articles. She helps in giving a fair knowledge about nanny Jobs to the community. You can be in touch with her at roxanne.porter1@gmail.com.

General Safety Issues

SAFETY TIPS WHILE HANDLING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (Guest Post)

Safety Tips While Handling Electrical Appliances sent by Penny Cooper.  ‘Penny is an expert associated with Pass Ltd., providers of PAT training and PASS training & development courses in and around England. Click here for more information.’

Taking precautionary measures when you handle electrical equipment is highly imperative. If you aren’t careful and don’t follow best practices, there is a high risk of injury resulting from electrical shock to you and those around you. Whether it’s your home or your workplace, accidents can happen at any time if you do not follow the safety rules properly. Safety and health training teaches people how electrical equipments and sources can be dealt with in a responsible and safe manner. It is important to follow these rules to keep electrical dangers at bay. Following is some crucial information in safety and health training. 

There should be no moisture around electrical equipment or cords. You should not use damp hands to handle electrical equipment. Doing so can cause an electric shock or fatal injuries. Torn or broken cords must be replaced immediately. Workers must familiarise themselves with the exact location of circuit breakers and fuses in a building. This could be very important in times of crisis or an emergency situation. Safety posters with procedures for electrical safety must be put up in rooms that are prone to electrical hazards. 

The importance of testing and maintaining electrical equipment  

Make sure that you get conductors and circuits tested before a worker can handle them. You should also put tag-out and lockout procedure into place when you handle electrical equipment. These methods play a major role in ensuring your safety and keeping you away from injuries. You must test and maintain electrical equipment on a daily basis so as to ensure safety. When electrical sockets are not being used, it is important to cover them with safety covers. This reduces the risk of getting an electrical shock. 

Check for signs and eliminate hazards  

If you want to ensure that your home or workplace is free from electrical dangers, you must look into a few things. Check for signs of overheating or burning when you are using any electrical equipment or cords. See if you get small jolts of shock when you use a certain electrical appliance. Make sure that all of your electrical equipment is working fine, and if not, ensure that only certified electricians are carrying out the task of repairing them. Make sure that all extension cords and wires are arranged properly so as to ensure that no one trips and falls. Also make sure that all appliances that are being used are properly grounded.

 Training courses for health and safety will encourage you to pay attention to the electrical outlets and ensure that not too many plugged items are overloading them. These courses will also teach you how an electrical burn injury must be dressed. If someone is stuck to an electrical current, the training teaches you to find the source of power and then shut the electrical current as soon as possible in such situations. If you’re afraid of shutting off the current directly, you may use anything that is made from wood to move the person away from the current.

General Safety Issues

FIVE STEPS TO SECURING YOUR FIRST NANNY JOB (GUEST POST)

Editor’s Note:  As it’s almost time for school to begin, many parents may be searching for someone to care for their toddlers.  We receive many good tips from nanny and babysitting blogs that pertain to the care of our children, so from time to time you will learn important information about the care of your child/children.  This particular post is for those who may be considering a change in careers, and what career is more important than to be trusted with the most precious possessions we are blessed with, our children.  pb

Securing a job as a nanny may not be as easy as you may initially think. Perhaps you’ve raised your own children and feel qualified to help others raise theirs, or maybe you’ve been laid off from work and think working as a nanny is a quick way to earn an easy buck.  The reality, however, is that many parents and placement agencies will only work with nannies that have several years of documented childcare experience. So while landing your first job isn’t impossible, it’s definitely going to take a concentrated effort.

So you’d like to secure your first nanny job. Now what?

Step 1.  Gain childcare experience. To be considered as a viable nanny candidate, you must have some prior experience working with children.  If you’ve done limited babysitting, consider expanding your client base and doing more. You could also gain experience by working as a “mother’s helper” or as an au pair. If you are not yet 100% confident in caring for children on your own, consider volunteering as an assistant in your church nursery or preschool, or connect with other organizations that service young children. There you’ll likely have experienced role models to learn from. 

Step 2. Expand your training, knowledge and skills. If you aren’t yet CPR and first aid certified, make getting so a high priority. Consider taking early childhood education courses at your local community college or participating in a distance learning program especially for nannies or childcare workers. Attending conferences geared towards early childhood educators can also help you acquire knowledge and strengthen your skills. Read books on child development, subscribe to parenting magazines and educate yourself on best practices for nannies. Joining a local nanny support group or professional nanny association, like the International Nanny Association, can provide you with nanny specific resources. 

Step 3. Secure letters of reference. As you gain childcare experience, either through volunteering or working, gather letters of reference. Keep a childcare journal and be sure to document the hours that you spend caring for children, along with the dates of care, parents contact information, children’s ages and your specific duties and responsibilities. In addition to childcare related references, secure a written character reference or two from a reputable member of your community that knows you well.

Step 4.  Create a resume and portfolio. Put together a resume that outlines your work history, educational background and child care experience. Include a letter of intent that states why you wish to work as a nanny. In your portfolio, include any certificates that you have earned and letters of reference that you have gathered. You may also wish to include some photos that show you interacting with the children in your care (with their parent’s permission of course), as well as photos of any special projects you and the children have done.

Step 5. Use all available resources. Once you are ready to secure your first nanny position, let the world know. Tell your friends and family members, create a profile on eNannySource.com, contact your local placement agency, and put flyers in places where parents and children frequent. Not every parent will consider hiring a nanny that doesn’t have nanny experience. Cast your nets wide to find the parents that will.

Like with any career, getting your foot in the door is always the hardest part.  Once you secure your first nanny job, provided you excel at it, getting future ones shouldn’t be so hard.

Sent by Martina Keyhill at (http://www.becomeananny.com/blog/5-steps-to-securing-your-first-nanny-job/)

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

BREATHE EASY (GUEST POST)

Breathe Easy – Unknown Health Problems Identified

By Samuel Ott 

When you’re at home, do you find yourself having constant headaches, swollen and itchy eyes, or low grade fevers? Common diagnoses such as Asthma, Emphysema, or sinus infections may actually be misdiagnosed. Mold exposure can be the cause of this misdiagnosis due to it being an environmental problem. This why you’ll only feel sick while being at home. If you think this is the case for your symptoms, maybe it’s time for some mold removal or at least a home safety inspection to ensure if it is mold-free or not. 

This why you’ll only feel sick while being at home. If you think this is the case for your symptoms, maybe it’s time for some mold removal, or at least a home safety inspection to ensure if it is mold-free or not.  (For more information on the professional mold removal process, visit this website.) 

Mold removal is a process that needs to be taken seriously. If not treated properly or completely, the mold damage can continue to spread leading to worsened or continued health problems. It is important to note that killing the mold is only half of the process. Since dead mold is still allergenic and potentially even toxic, complete mold removal is the only way to get your health and your home back to normal. 

Mold occurs where there is moisture. Bathrooms, for example, are windowless, allowing no circulation, and most of the time small, which means they are at a higher risk for mold in the walls. Leaky pipes or anything else that can cause water damage, but may remain hidden, are what you’ll want to check up on. 

Whether you’re uncertain about mold being in your home, it’s best to be safe. Home is your place for safety and relaxation. Make sure it gives you both, so you can breathe easy.

Thank you for this information about mold, Samuel.  If persons try to tackle removing mold themselves, they should take the necessary precautions to protect their health by using the right safety products.