Yearly Archives: 2012

General Safety Issues

TEN PUNISHMENTS FOR KIDS CAUGHT IN A LIE (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Paul Taylor, of Babysittingjobs.com

 The  entire topic of lying is a complicated one for parents to tackle, as the social necessity of tiny “white lies” makes the subject a murky one for kids to grasp. One thing that all parents agree on, regardless of parenting style, is the need to teach children that blatant dishonesty for personal gain is wrong. For repeat offenders, here are ten ways to teach the consequences of lying.

  1. Question Everything – Putting the fable of The Boy Who Cried Wolf into action, one way to impress the importance of honesty on a child is to vocally question other claims. When even their sincere statements are met with skepticism, kids are likely to be more careful in the future to tell the truth.
  2. Make it Personal – Some kids respond better to punishments that are customized to their personality, interests and needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. For instance, outdoor aficionados may revel in a punishment that involves raking leaves or yard work, while a bookish, indoorsy-type would loathe it.
  3. Take Away Privileges – One of the most effective ways to teach children that bad behavior has unfavorable consequences is to begin systematically stripping them of privileges. Withholding video games, cell phones and other items can be an effective way of getting your point across, but it should be paired with a conversation about consequences, rather than simply imposed and never explained.
  4. Tailor Punishment to the Lie – Kids that lie about homework might benefit from a punishment that involves keeping up with a homework journal and apologizing to their teacher, while kids that have trouble being honest about other things should have their punishments tailored to the situation in order to help them connect their punishment with their own actions.
  5. Double-Up Time Outs – Time outs or groundings can be doubled up, with an initial term for the original offense and an added term for the lie. For instance, a child who understands that she’s grounded for a week for not doing her schoolwork, and two weeks for lying about it, has a concrete example of how lying only makes bad situations worse.
  6. Writing a Letter of Apology – Writing a sincere letter of apology to the person affected by their dishonesty can be a great way of putting the importance of their truthfulness into perspective for kids. Putting their apology in writing forces them to look at their actions and the repercussions of them objectively.
  7. Compound Punishments For Repeat Occurrences – Increasing the length of a time out or the severity of a chore-based grounding for each repeat occurrence of lying can help kids understand that the stakes of being dishonest are too high to justify the risk.
  8. Increase Chores – Rather than time-based grounding that can be tedious for the entire household, increasing your child’s chore load and explaining that their list of duties has grown as a direct result of choosing to lie is another way of getting the point across to kids.
  9. Set Up a Penalty System – Creating a fund similar to a “swear jar” for lies is a great way for kids to watch their money or other rewards pile up with each infraction.
  10. Garnish Allowance – Kids who get an allowance can also be subjected to “fines” for lying or other misbehavior, helping them to attach a tangible loss to dishonesty. Knowing that one whopper can wipe out their entire allowance might be enough to motivate kids into honesty.

Lying is a learned behavior, and can be changed with hard work. A system of trial and error might be necessary to find what works best for your child, but it is possible to break the habit of dishonesty. And don’t forget the power of natural consequences. Sometimes the hurt feelings of the “lied to” that occur when a lie surfaces is enough to deter the lying party from telling a fib again.

Much of this also applies to grownups who also tend to tell “stories” sometimes! Pat

 

General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

OSHA RECORDS AN AVERAGE OF SEVENTY CONFINED SPACE FATALITIES PER YEAR (GUEST POST)

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By Jack Rubinger – Graphic Products responds with a Free Confined Spaces Best Practices Guide 

Portland, OR – About a million employees enter confined spaces every day, according to OSHA. In most cases, those workers complete their task without incident, but despite the many precautions in place, 70 workers per year never make it back out alive. Besides the ultimate price paid by workers, hefty fines arise if employers are found to be in noncompliance with OSHA regulations. In February of this year, a Texas-based energy company was fined more than $70,000 for confined space violations with hydraulic fracking tanks. 

Graphic Products, Inc., has made a business out of keeping workers safe worldwide. Determined to decrease this high count of confined space deaths, Graphic Products has released a free Confined Spaces Best Practices Guide to help workers, industrial hygienists and environmental health & safety coordinators deal with the very real dangers present in confined spaces. 

Confined spaces — which include storage tanks, ship compartments, pits, silos, wells, sewers, boilers, tunnels and pipelines — have limited or restricted means for entry or exit and it is not designed for continuous occupancy. Workers get trapped cleaning or doing repairs and maintenance in these spaces. Lacking a means of escape, their cries for help may go unheard. 

These spaces often have limited oxygen, or the air is toxic or combustible. This puts a ticking clock on the job and is the main reason workers don’t make it back out alive. Confined spaces that contain or have the potential to contain a serious atmospheric hazard should be classified as permit-required confined spaces and should be tested prior to entry and continually monitored, according to OSHA guidelines. 

Fully illustrated with photographs, diagrams, sample permits and signs and labels, this 18-page guide addresses: 

  • Identifying confined space locations
  • Sign and labeling materials for harsh industrial environments
  • Confined space permitting
  • Training programs
  • Supervisor and coordinator responsibilities
  • Entry and evacuation operations and procedures
  • Testing and monitoring equipment
  • The benefits of using industrial printers to create large format signs and labels that are more likely to be seen 

The new Confined Spaces Best Practices Guide is the most current resource in a growing collection which now includes the following free guides: 

  • Warehouse Safety Guide
  • Safety Inspection Workbook
  • Phosphorescent Marking Guide
  • Required PPE Guide
  • HCS/Hazcom 2012 Best Practices
  • Arc Flash Best Practices Guide
  • Medical Pipe Marking Guide
  • Marine Pipe Marking Guide 

Graphic Products, Inc. manufactures mobile and wide-format labeling systems used by sea shipping lines, distribution centers, mining operations and oil refineries worldwide. Customers include Amazon.com, Boeing, Intel and Toyota. With more than 50 types of labeling supplies, Graphic Products, Inc. helps companies solve communication problems in the toughest industrial environments. For more information, visit www.DuraLabel.com.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

MADD’S ‘TIE ONE ON FOR SAFETY’ 2012

MADD’s “Tie One On For Safety” Holiday Campaign Cautions Drivers as More Highway Deaths Caused by Drunk Driving

Thanksgiving was the Deadliest Thursday of 2010; Puts Spotlight on “Blackout Wednesday” — 

Press Release: PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — As we kick off the holidays with Thanksgiving, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is reminding adults to plan ahead for a safe way home if they’re planning to drink alcohol during the season’s festivities. Data show that the time period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day includes some of the most dangerous days for drunk driving deaths, and the numbers are getting worse in recent years — as annual drunk driving deaths have decreased, there has been an increase in the proportion of drunk driving deaths around the holidays. In addition, there’s a troubling trend of drunk driving fatalities in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving Thursday, following what’s becoming known as “Blackout Wednesday,” a time when people who are home for the holiday are choosing to celebrate with excessive amounts of alcohol. 

The proportion of people killed in drunk driving crashes (.08 BAC and above) over the Thanksgiving holiday spiked by 30 percent in 2010 compared to the rest of the year. Additionally, the number of drunk driving deaths increased by 24 percent compared with the year prior. Below are further details about fatalities over the holiday in recent years:

Thanksgiving Holiday (includes “Blackout Wednesday” and the weekend following Thanksgiving)

  • 2010*: 174 people killed (40 percent of highway deaths)
  • 2009: 140 people killed (34 percent of highway deaths)
  • 2008: 180 people killed (35 percent of highway deaths)

“These numbers are very concerning to MADD because the number of people killed in drunk driving crashes over Thanksgiving is up, along with the percentage of highway deaths caused by drunk driving during the holiday period,” said MADD National President Jan Withers. “Drunk driving is a complex problem, but the solution is simple: plan ahead for a sober designated driver if you’re going to drink alcohol.”

MADD’s Tie One On For Safety red ribbon campaign, now in its 26th year, is the organization’s signature public awareness project and is sponsored by National Presenting Sponsor Nationwide Insurance. Drivers across the country display MADD red ribbons on their vehicles as a pledge to drive safe and sober. The ribbons also signify support for law enforcement officers, who will be out in force as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

“During a time of year when some may choose to ‘tie one on’ in celebration of the holidays, MADD and Nationwide encourage drivers to Tie One On For Safety by displaying a red ribbon as a visible reminder to keep our roads safe,” said Bill Windsor, Nationwide Insurance Associate Vice President of Consumer Safety. “It’s about setting an example for your friends and family, co-workers and neighbors — if you drink, don’t drive.”

It’s not just the Thanksgiving holiday that can be dangerous. On average in 2010, 31 percent of highway fatalities were caused by drunk driving. However, this number spikes dramatically over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays too:

Christmas Holiday (includes Christmas Eve and the surrounding holiday weekend)

  • 2010: 96 people killed (37 percent of highway deaths)
  • 2009: 95 people killed (36 percent of highway deaths)
  • 2008: 138 people killed (32 percent of highway deaths)

New Year’s Holiday (includes the holiday weekend surrounding New Year’s Eve)

  • 2010: 143 people killed (48 percent of highway deaths)
  • 2009: 185 people killed (40 percent of highway deaths)
  • 2008: 175 people killed (41 percent of highway deaths)

New Year’s Day, as well,  is especially dangerous, with 57 percent of all traffic fatalities involving a drunk driver in 2010. 

If you don’t have a MADD red ribbon, put any type of red ribbon on your car in order to show your support for this serious campaign.  Read the statistics and don’t become one.  Enjoy your holiday season safely.

Source: PR Newswire/US Newswire

General Safety Issues

TEN FIRE DANGERS COMMONLY INVOLVING KIDS (GUEST POST)

 Submitted and shared by Tina Marconi, of babysitters.net. 

Few words strike fear in a parent’s heart like “fire.” There are many different ways for children to inadvertently start or be injured in a fire, and the potential for destruction is so great that the mere mention of fire can set off a panic among parents. Here are ten of the most common dangers of fire in relation to children.

1.    Matches and Lighters – Most children have a natural curiosity about fire that is paired with a limited understanding of the dangers that are typically associated with it. Access to matches or lighters can present a very real fire hazard as that curiosity takes hold.

2.    Attempts at Cooking – Many appliances and gadgets in the kitchen produce heat; from the stove to the toaster, there are several opportunities for a child to accidentally set a kitchen fire in their attempts to cook.

3.     Burning Candles and Horseplay – Kids, especially when there are more than one in the room, have a tendency to spontaneously burst into spirited play. However, rough-housing in a room with a lit candle can lead to serious problems. Should the candle be knocked to the floor or a flammable object fall into its wick, a small fire can quickly become a large blaze.

4.    Campfires – Camping is a part of childhood for many, and sitting around campfires is a cherished part of the experience. When proper caution is exercised, the potential for a devastating fire injury is reduced; be sure that kids have a good knowledge of campfire safety before sending them off into the great outdoors.

5.    Unattended Fireplaces – There are few things as homey as a crackling fireplace on a cold day, but leaving the fire unattended in a house with children can easily lead to injury and property damage. Curious kids might be tempted to throw things into the fire or engage in other unsafe behavior in the absence of an adult.

6.    Hairstyling Appliances – Older kids that are beginning to use heated hairstyling appliances like curling irons and straighteners can create a fire hazard by placing the appliance on a flammable surface or forgetting to unplug it when they’re finished.

7.    Lamps – When messy kids throw clothing over a lamp, or those with a penchant for decorating deliberately place scarves over lampshades, they are inadvertently creating a fire hazard in their own bedrooms.

8.   Overloading Electrical Outlets – As more and more of the modern child’s entertainment comes from electronic gaming and computer devices, there may not be enough outlets in the room to accommodate everything. This can cause kids to overload outlets with surge protectors and the like, which can pose a serious fire risk.

9.   Flammable Substances – The moment that a kid understands what flammable liquid is and the noticeable effect it has on an already-burning fire, curiosity can take hold and lead to very serious trouble. Educating kids about the dangers and repercussions of playing with fire is the best way to prevent this risky behavior.

10.   Smoking – Despite the many programs aimed at keeping kids away from smoking, there will always be a few that insist on sneaking cigarettes. The need for secrecy paired with a limited understanding of fire safety make cigarette-related fires among the most common.

Kids are never too young to start learning about fire safety and prevention; this ongoing lesson could be one that saves their life. Additionally, if you have concerns that your child has an unhealthy fixation or obsession with fire, there are programs through your local fire department that can point you in the right direction to get help.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

GETTING OUT THE TURKEY FRYER? TIPS FOR COOKING SAFELY

If you see your neighbor sporting safety goggles, safety mitts, and carrying a fire extinguisher, he’s really not headed to a fire, but getting ready to fry the turkey!  It has become quite a tradition to fry Thanksgiving or Christmas turkeys instead of the old-fashioned way, baking them in the oven.  But the aforementioned equipment might come in handy to keep the cook safe!  Despite the delicious outcome, make yourself aware that there are certain risks involved:

  • Most fryers do not have thermostats; therefore, temperature should be checked often because the oil could overheat to combustion. Never allow grease or oil to exceed 350°F.  Oil will ignite at 550°F to 700°F.
  • Turkeys that are not completely thawed could also cause oil to splash, threatening burns.
  • It is always important to follow manufacturer’s instructions and use extra caution when cooking with hot oil, which presents a fire hazard as well as a burn hazard.
  • Do not overfill pot with oil.
  • Never use inside an enclosed area (garage, patio) or under overhang of house.
  • Cooker should only be used on a level stable surface, away from wood decks, dry grass, shrubs, etc.
  • Keep propane cylinder at least 18” away from cooker while in use.
  • Keep an operable type BC fire extinguisher within easy reach.
  • Sides of pot can become extremely hot, so use mitts to prevent burns.  Goggles can protect ones eyes from oil splatters.
  • Never leave cooker unattended.  Keep children/pets away from cooker, even when through cooking, as the oil will remain very hot for a long period of time.
  • Cooker must not be operated in the rain.  Cover the pot immediately and turn it OFF.
  • If parts to the cooker are damaged, missing, or improperly installed, do not operate it.

If tasty fried turkey is your choice for the holiday, please keep these safety tips in mind.  Cook with care, and enjoy your feast! 

Happy Thanksgiving from Texas America Safety Company and Blog4Safety.

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection

FIVE SAFETY HAZARDS TO AVOID AT CONSTRUCTION SITES (GUEST POST)

Another great article sent to us by Saam Banai

Whether you work in construction, have construction going on in your home, or you commute by construction on a regular basis, there are many things that you should be aware of in order to stay safe from injury around construction sites.  Over the years, construction related injuries and deaths have decreased dramatically due to the federal efforts of OSHA towards “collaborative safety,” but we can still do our part to pay attention our own personal safety regardless of regulations outside of our control.

The Dangers of Heights

Perhaps the most dangerous element of construction sites is gravity.  Usually, heights are involved when constructing multi-floor buildings so it’s possible for workers to fall from high up.  This is when the need for fall protection equipment is imperative. It’s important to be aware of ledges and loose guard rails when working near the edge of a high story.  Additionally, it’s important to be aware of objects that are placed near these ledges.  Tools, boards, and metal pieces might fall on unsuspecting workers or bystanders, ones whom hopefully have access to the best injury lawyers.

Electric Hazards

Electricity is always flowing on construction sites.  Be aware of sockets and frayed wires when installing lights or working with power-tools.  If you’re doing work in your own home, do some research and talk to an electrician before digging into your walls.  There’s no sense in being a hero when repairing or installing electric components for yourself or your family.

Machines

Power-tools and large machines are obviously a source of danger on construction sites.  When operating heavy equipment like cranes or bobcats, be sure to understand all of the safety information in either the booklet or told to you by a professional.  Do the same when working with saws, nail guns, jackhammers, and soldering irons.

Chemical Hazards

Dangerous chemicals are perhaps some of the hardest hazards to avoid on construction sites, but only if you fail to have due diligence.  Asbestos, a cause for Mesothelioma, is one of the best examples of things to look out for.  Others include lead paint, varnish, solvents, and materials that are flammable.  Be sure to use masks and gloves when applicable.

Noise

This danger is less life threatening than others, but it can still cause unfavorable injury.  Constant work with jackhammers and other tools can result in loss of hearing.  That’s why it’s important to always wear protective ear guards when working with louder than normal equipment.  Noise can also prevent people from hearing the warning sounds of other dangers, like an approaching vehicle or falling object.

There are many things to avoid when working or walking around construction sites, and these are just a few.  If attention is paid, and regulations are followed, we can continue the trend of decreasing accidents over the years.  Everyone has to play their part though and be diligently aware of much that is going on while on the job.

Saam Banai is a freelance writer and editor.  He contributes this article for The Perecman Firm PLLC, some of the best injury lawyers in New York, specializing in construction accidents, workers’ compensation, wrongful death, and vehicle accidents.  They have helped victims of various accidents in New York City to obtain over $200 million in settlements and verdicts.

As Saam stated in this article, all types of occupational safety products are needed around construction sites.  Keep your employees safe at all times on the job. 

 

General Safety Issues

SAFETY ON THE ROAD (GUEST POST)

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 This article was sent to us by Kirsty Terry, referring to U.K. road safety.  Much of the information applies to U.S. drivers, as well. Kirsty later sent me a “Texas Friendly” version of the article, as I had no idea what a lorry was. (It’s a truck!) Pat

In recent years there has been a marked increase in the investment from the Government into Road Safety campaigns. And with the on-going encouragement to get more people cycling instead of driving the need to educate road users in all areas is far greater. There are a large number of potentially fatal hazards associated with driving – so here are some ways to help you drive as safely as possible…

Driver CPC – The Driver CPC is an EU course to help improve the quality of driving for truckers through their knowledge and skills.  The deadline for lorry drivers to have completed their CPC is September 2014. New drivers since 2009 have had to complete the course to get their licence.

Alcohol – any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive. If you have had alcohol within the past few hours it is advisable to seek another way home – always have a taxi number in your phone.

Mobile Phones – using a mobile phone while driving means you’re 4 times more likely to crash. It is also illegal. If you must be on the phone while travelling then always use a hands-free.

Tiredness – an estimated 20% of accidents on trunk roads and motorways are sleep-related – all those signs you see on the roadside about take a break? They are there for a reason! Don’t drive tired!

Seatbelt – not wearing a seatbelt can be fatal both for the driver and for passengers (even if you are sitting in the back seat).

Speed – speed limits are there for a reason, getting somewhere a few minutes faster is not worth risking a life over.

Physical modifications – Trucks have limited visibility from the drivers cab but there are a few ways in which to improve it. You could add a side-guard, side sensor or mirror system to your truck.

The key thing though is Awareness. Being aware of other road users is one of the most effective ways to drive safely so here are some tips…  Indicate well in advance of turning so anyone coming up beside you knows you will soon cross their path. Pass horses and riders slow and wide on country roads. Adapt your style of driving to the weather conditions – driving when the road is icy is worlds away from how you drive in dry weather. Know the height, weight and width of your vehicle – you don’t want to be one of those people pictured with their truck stuck under a bridge….

Safety should always be a priority for truck drivers – Fact. 

Finally a little bit about Milestone…

Milestone Operations is a Recruitment company specialising primarily in LGV driving work, we also have several Industrial and Commercial opportunities. This year at the Recruiter Awards for Excellence, Milestone were voted ‘Best Temporary Recruitment Agency of the year’. The company has gone from strength to strength in the last few years, experiencing rapid growth. We also have strong links with leading names in the logistics industry including DHL, Eddie Stobart and Norbert Dentressangle. Check out http://www.milestoneops.com/jobs_by_sector/HGV/ for more information

General Safety Issues

IT’S NATIONAL TEENS DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE WEEK!

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One week each November has been set aside to make teens more aware of the dangers of taking their eyes off the road for even a moment.  This year, it starts on November 18th and goes through November 24th.  The hazards of texting  are a serious threat to today’s youth with this escalating trend beginning to surpass the threats of drunk driving. Research states that “texting and driving slows down a driver’s response time to that of a 70 year old” according to University of Utah survey.  So talk to your teens (or others you know) about the dangers of driving and texting.  This message also applies to all drivers, of any age!

Texting Tips For Teens

1) How about just turning the phone off before starting the car?

2) Think about the risks you are taking!

3) Have a passenger text for you

4) If you must text while driving, stop the vehicle, then text

5) Avoid reading text messages; it’s as dangerous as sending text messages

6) Get your text or voice message when you reach your destination safely!

7) Is there any message worth losing your life, or taking someone’s life? 

Not only is the person who is texting distracted, but may lead them to cause an accident.  They are also not able to be a defensive driver which could help them avoid being hit by another driver.  Remind them to always pay attention to the road – it could save their life!   In addition, here is some good information regarding the subject from the Federal Communications Commission:

Give Clear Instructions – Give teen drivers simple, clear instructions not to use their wireless devices while driving. According to Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, the easiest way to say it is: “On the road, off the phone.” Before new drivers get their licenses, discuss the fact that taking their eyes off the road – even for a few seconds – could cost someone injury or even death.

Lead by Example – Children learn from their parent’s behavior. No one should text and drive. Be an example for your children and if you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a safe place. 

 
 
 
 
General Safety Issues

TRAGEDY MARS CELEBRATION FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES

 Owners of U.S. flags in Midland, Texas, have been asked by the mayor of Midland to fly them at half-staff until Monday, to honor the memory of the four Wounded Warriors that lost their lives in a parade/train wreck Thursday, November 15.  It was all planned to be a celebration, with two floats being pulled by 18-wheelers, all decorated with the names of the veterans.  The day’s event, including the parade, had been organized by Show Of Support, a local veterans group. The parade was scheduled to end at a “Hunt for Heroes” banquet honoring the veterans, who were then to be given a deer-hunting trip over the weekend. The events were canceled. 

Four of those killed were veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, including an Army sergeant who saved his wife’s life, by pushing her from the float.  Another vet, also lost his life, but saved his wife.  Those who were in wheelchairs were unable to escape injury.  Along with the four military veterans who died Thursday, seventeen more were injured.  Some have been released from the hospital, but one remains in critical condition.  There were 26 people on the flatbed when it was struck, police said.

Witnesses report that the train was going around 60 mph, (below the speed limit) when it hit the float.  There was so much noise from sirens, etc., that it is unsure that the participants even heard the trains’ whistle, and that the traffic arms came down on the first riders on the second float, according to reports. 

The National Transportation Safety Board will do a full investigation into the accident.  Questions raised included were the permits and everything in order, was the railroad notified in time, and if the timing of the crossing gates was changed to give vehicles time to cross the tracks.  They also are considering that the town’s traffic lights caused the driver of the first truck to slow down, not allowing the second one to cross soon enough.  The black box on the train will answer many questions.  Late Thursday, Union Pacific spokesman Tom Lange told reporters that a preliminary investigation indicated that the crossing gate and warning lights at the tracks were working. He said he did not know if the train crew saw the float.  Deborah Hersman, NTSB chairwoman, said the train was equipped with a forward-facing camera, which could provide images to help in the investigation.

Midland Mayor Wes Perry and pastors Patrick Payton and Roy Smith are scheduled to host a community prayer vigil for the victims and their families, officials said. Midland is about 300 miles west of Dallas.

According to officials, the parade was traveling westbound on Wall Street when it turned south on Garfield Street, crossing the train tracks. The last two floats in the parade were carrying the veterans and their spouses.

Our military and their families make sacrifices every day for us.  This celebration of their contributions turned into a very sad day for Americans.  Remember these brave persons and all who serve, both at home and abroad.  With Thanksgiving coming up, say an extra “thank you” for our military heroes and their families, who wait for their return home.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Shingles and Chicken Pox (Guest Post)

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Submitted by Sara Dawkins, of http://www.nannypro.com/.

 Shingles is a very painful skin rash that appears in a band or a patch of red bumps on your skin.  You can only get shingles if you have already had chicken pox.  The same virus that causes chicken pox stays in your body and can cause you to get shingles at any time.  To learn more about shingles, check out these 10 things that you may not have known about the rash.

  1. Shingles affects your nerve endings.  If you got chicken pox as a child, the virus will never really leave your body.  The virus attaches itself to your nerve roots and remains dormant until something affects your immune system.  If your immune system is weakened, Shingles can occur.
  2. Often shingles will only appear on one side of your body.  The Herpes Zoster virus (chicken pox) travels down the nerve to the spine and lies dormant.  Because that nerve only serves one side of your body, it is likely that the shingles will only appear on one side.
  3. You can get shingles at almost any age.  If a person has had chicken pox at one point in their life and they have an immune system that is compromised, they can get shingles.  Despite popular belief, children are not immune and it’s not just something that people over 50 get.  Shingles will often occur during chemotherapy treatments because of the compromised immune system, or during any other severe illness.
  4. Stress can bring on shingles.  While many things can compromise your immune system, it doesn’t have to be anything very dramatic.  Have you been under a lot of stress with work and family?  Who hasn’t, right?  Even stress like that can cause shingles, despite there being no other factors.
  5. Shingles isn’t that contagious.  Shingles is not contagious in most people.  It is possible to infect someone with the Herpes Zoster virus and give them chicken pox if they have never had them or have never received a vaccine for them.  However, this can only happen if that person comes in contact with the fluid from the blisters.  For the most part, you get shingles because you had chicken pox as a kid.
  6. The red bumps will turn into blisters if left untreated.  Shingles starts out as a band or patch of blisters that are red and itchy.  As the illness progresses, blisters will develop in the rash.  The blisters will then dry up and scab over before they will go away.  Some people will scar from the blisters and sores that form, which is why it’s important not to pick at the scabs.  You can soak the infected area to speed up the healing.
  7. Shingles is not related to Herpes simplex 1 or 2.  The Herpes Zoster virus causes both chicken pox and shingles.  Herpes simplex 1 causes cold sores, which are blisters around the mouth.  Herpes simplex 2 is the kind that causes genital herpes. 
  8. If you are over 50 you can get a vaccine for shingles.  The shingles vaccine helps prevent shingles in only about 50% of recipients, according to WebMD, and may decrease the pain and duration related to shingles if the virus is contracted after someone has been vaccinated.
  9. Your skin may feel like it’s been burned.  One of the first symptoms of shingles that you should watch for is a burning feeling on your skin.  The skin won’t look like it’s been burned.  The burn feels more like a chemical burn than sunburn because the skin is not hot.
  10. Treat the itching with calamine lotion.  There is considerable itchiness with the shingles rash, and it is typically treated with over the counter medicines like calamine lotion.  Other anti-itch medicines like cortisones can also help the itch.  Other home treatments can include cold compresses and ibuprofen for the pain.

If left untreated, shingles can be one of the most painful things to endure, but there is hope if you can recognize it early and seek treatment right away.  If you start on an antibiotic and antiviral medication from your doctor as soon as you realize you may have it, you could avoid getting the blisters altogether.  Instead of treating it for four or more weeks with possible scarring, you could cut that down to only a couple of weeks.  The trick is to seek medical attention early.  Shingles can also cause numbness in fingers, but that will most likely go away over time.