Category Archives: First Aid Safety

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO PREVENT NECK INJURIES WHEN PLAYING SPORTS (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Saam Banai. 

 Sporting events are a common source of injuries, and neck injuries are common in sports involving significant impact. In more serious cases, they can lead to paralysis, or death. Preventing neck injuries is important, but it is also more difficult than preventing other types of neck injuries.
The Nature of Neck Injuries

Neck injuries while playing sports can occur in various ways and with different levels of severity. Blows to the head and severe trauma are not the only sources of neck injuries; overexertion and even compression can also cause injury.

Overuse can lead to a strained or sprained muscles or muscle spasms. In these cases, the ligaments and muscles stretch excessively; ligaments will usually stretch and the muscles will tear. Such injuries usually manifest themselves as a feeling of fatigue or dull aching, followed by gradually increasing pain levels as the muscle is used. In the case of a spasm, the muscle involuntarily contracts, causing brief pain.

These injuries are common. Fortunately, these injuries are easy to resolve. When a muscle or ligament is causing problems, the best solution is to avoid aggravating the injury, keep use of that muscle or ligament to a minimum, and take a pain reliever. With time, these injuries normally heal on their own. These injuries rarely cause serious long-term problems.

Excessive force applied to the neck can cause more serious injuries. Impacts can cause nerve damage, respiratory problems, and even broken or fractured vertebrae. Treating a neck injury caused by a specific blow to the neck is a serious matter. Athletes who suffer nerve damage, damaged vertebrae, or damage to the windpipe should consult a local medical professional.  In some cases, where there has been significant damage to the body or financial loss due to the misstep of another, our personal injury attorney in Atlanta Georgia suggests that legal advice be sought.  

Playing Sports

Avoiding neck injuries from overuse is a relatively simple affair. The athlete should not overuse the muscle. Avoiding overuse becomes easier if the athlete warms up beforehand; adding simple neck-stretching exercises to a warm-up routine is a simple and effective way to prevent excessive neck strain.

With the pressures of team sports and competition, athletes will often play through injuries. Athletes who choose to play through minor muscle injuries should ensure that they are getting enough protein, as protein will help muscles recover more quickly from excessive strain.

Avoiding physical injury is more challenging. Protective gear is the obvious choice to prevent physical injury. In some cases, gear used for neck protection can be valuable. A neck brace can prevent the head from violently thrashing back and forth, causing serious neck injuries, and also prevent contact with fragile body parts.

Unfortunately, neck braces restrict the athlete’s ability to look up and down; hence, neck braces are rarely seen outside certain sports, such as automobile racing. If the athlete has the opportunity to wear a neck brace, he or she should do so. To avoid serious long-term damage from impacts to the neck, athletes should avoid repeat injuries and not take unnecessary risks when it comes to excessive neck movement.

Preventing neck injuries while playing sports can be difficult, as most sports make it difficult to protect the neck from physical injury. Athletes should stretch before games and intense practice sessions to prevent the tearing of muscles and ligaments that would otherwise be tense.  Eliminating the possibility of a neck injury is impossible, but athletes can reduce the potential for them to occur. 

Saam Banai is a freelance writer, editor, and sports enthusiast. He contributes this article for Buddoo & Associates P.C., a personal injury attorney in Atlanta Georgia who deals with personal injury cases of all sizes, which are often settled to the clients benefit before trial. Using over a decade of experience, they devote themselves personally to each client, each case and each accident victim with professionalism and care.

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

SEPTEMBER: NATIONAL CAMPUS FIRE SAFETY MONTH

September is designated as National Campus Fire Safety Month, and by now your college student is settled into his/her dorm or apartment . We want to present fire safety information for students and parents.  Each year college and university students, on- and off-campus, experience hundreds of fire-related emergencies nationwide. There are several specific causes for fires on college campuses, including cooking, open flame, and intentionally set fires. Overall, most college-related fires are due to a general lack of knowledge about fire safety and prevention.  With new independence comes new responsibilities. It is important that both off-campus and on-campus students understand fire risks and know the preventative measures that could save their lives.

Since January 2000, to the present, 79 fatal fires have been documented that occurred on a college campus, in Greek housing or in off-campus housing within 3-miles of the campus – claiming a total of 114 victims.

Sixty-six fires have occurred in off-campus housing claiming 95 victims; Seven fires have occurred in on-campus building or residence halls claiming 9 victims; and Six fires have occurred in Greek housing claiming 10 victims.

Of the 79 fires documented:

  • Fourteen were intentionally set claiming 22 victims; Thirty-five were accidental – includes cooking, candles, smoking or electrical claiming 47 victims, and Thirty of the fires the cause was never determined – or the cause was not available at press time. These fires claimed 45 victims.

Safety Tips for Students:

Candles – Avoid using lighted candles!

Cooking – Cook only where it is permitted.

  • Keep your cooking area clean and uncluttered.
  • If you use electric appliances, don’t overload circuits.
  • Never leave cooking unattended.
  • If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.

Smoking – Smoke outside only.

  • Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out. Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash can.
  • After a party, check for cigarette butts, especially under cushions. Chairs and sofas catch on fire fast and burn fast.
  • Be alert – don’t smoke in bed! If you are sleepy or have been drinking, put your cigarette out first. 

Escape Planning

  • If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit.
  • Before opening a door, feel the door. If it’s hot, use your second way out.
  • Use the stairs; never use an elevator during a fire.
  • If you’re trapped, call the fire department and tell them where you are. Seal your door with rags and signal from your window. Open windows slightly at the top and bottom; shut them if smoke rushes in from any direction.
  • If you have a disability, alert others of the type of assistance you need to leave the building.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are approximately 18,000,000 students enrolled in 4,100 colleges and universities across the country. Approximately two-thirds of the students live in off-campus housing.  There are five common factors in a number of these fires:

  • Lack of automatic fire sprinklers
  • Missing or disabled smoke alarms
  • Careless disposal of smoking materials
  • Impaired judgment from alcohol consumption
  • Upholstered furniture fires on decks and porches

On-Campus Fire Safety

In cases where fire fatalities have occurred on college campuses, alcohol was a factor. There is a strong link between alcohol and fire deaths. Alcohol abuse often impairs judgment and hampers evacuation efforts.  Many other factors contribute to the problem of dormitory housing fires including:

  • Improper use of 911 notification systems delays emergency response.
  • Student apathy is prevalent. Many are unaware that fire is a risk or threat in the environment.
  • Evacuation efforts are hindered since fire alarms are often ignored.
  • Building evacuations are delayed due to lack of preparation and preplanning.
  • Vandalized and improperly maintained smoke alarms and fire alarm systems inhibit early detection of fires.
  • Misuse of cooking appliances, overloaded electrical circuits, and extension cords increase the risk of fires. 

Safety Precautions for Colleges and Universities

  • Provide students with a program for fire safety and prevention.
  • Teach students how to properly notify the fire department using the 911 system.
  • Install smoke alarms in every dormitory room and every level of housing facilities.
  • Maintain and regularly test smoke alarms and fire alarm systems. Replace smoke alarm batteries every semester.
  • Regularly inspect rooms and buildings for fire hazards. Ask your local fire department for assistance.
  • Inspect exit doors and windows and make sure they are working properly.
  • Create and update detailed floor plans of buildings, and make them available to emergency personnel, resident advisors and students.
  • Conduct fire drills and practice escape routes and evacuation plans. Urge students to take each alarm seriously.
  • Make sure electrical outlets are not overloaded and extension cords are used properly.
  • Learn to properly use and maintain heating and cooking appliances.

 Questions to Ask Before Moving in or Signing a Lease

  1. Are working smoke alarms installed? (Preferably in each bedroom, interconnected to sound all if any one detects smoke)
  2. Are there at least two ways to exit your bedroom and your building?
  3. Do the upper floors of the building have at least two interior stairs, or a fire escape?
  4. Is a sprinkler system installed and maintained?
  5. Are the existing electrical outlets adequate for all of the appliances and equipment that you are bringing – without the need for extension cords?
  6. Are there EXIT signs in the building hallways to indicate accessible escape routes?
  7. Does the building have a fire alarm system installed and maintained?
  8. Has the buildings’  heating system been inspected recently (in the last year)?
  9. Is the building address clearly posted to allow emergency services to find you quickly in the event of an emergency?
  10. Does the sprinkler system or fire alarm system send a signal to the local fire department or campus security?

The above questions are important not only for students to ask, but anyone that is preparing to move into an apartment.  The owners should be able to provide adequate and honest information about the safety of the building. 

One last tip: a fully stocked first aid kit should be an item that every student takes with them to college.  Chances are, it will be needed for minor emergencies, sooner or later. pb

Source: U.S. Fire Administration/FEMA

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR DISASTER (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Nancy Parker.  Her bio follows this article. pb

There are many different kinds of disasters and they are always out of human control. As an adult you know how to prepare and what to do during a disaster, but what about the children? Some adults neglect to teach their child what to do base on the fact it could ‘never happen’ to them. Before it’s too late, here are ways to help you prepare your child for a disaster:

Educate: It is always good to keep your child informed of possible and potential disasters. Now this doesn’t mean that you educate them to the point where they live in fear but that they understand the potential disaster. When teaching them about disasters, keep the conversation upbeat and positive by stating that there is a solution to the disaster. Keep the conversations short, allow for questions and answer honestly.

Prepare:Always be prepared, that is the best advice for a disaster. Get the supplies that you need to help yourself during a disaster. For example if it’s preparing for bad weather, gather the tools you need like candles, emergency radios, food, water, and a first aid kit.  Teach your child what is needed in certain disasters so that they know what is available for them, if ever needed.

Plan:You should always have an emergency plan for you and your child for any dangerous situation. Teach them the first they should do for different disasters. Write out a simple and easy list that they can read. Typically that emergency plan should start with “listen to an adult’s advice and/or call 911”.

Practice:Once you have purchased the correct safety tools and figured out the right plan, practice. Practicing with your child what to do during a disaster will help them if the time comes. Explain during the practice the procedures that they need to take and why. Practice this emergency plan every few months.

Reaction: The most important advice that regency officials can give people during a disaster is to remain calm. Teach your child to remain calm during emergencies. You can do this by leading by example, if you remain calm you child is more likely to remain calm. Disasters have the potential to be worse if there is fear and panic to cause confusion and difficulty.

Disasters can’t be avoided but they can be lessened the more you are prepared and ready for one. Teaching your child this will help you and them in any future events. Remember above anything else, remain calm and work with them on the emergency plan.

 Author Bio

Nancy Parker was a professional full time nanny and she loves to write about wide range of subjects like health, Parenting, Child Care, Babysitting, nanny background check tips etc. You can reach her @ nancy.parker015 @ gmail.com

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

AVOIDING CUBICLE DISASTERS (GUEST POST)

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For those who work in high risk jobs, workplace safety is a topic that stays close in mind. In truth, even the most placid of occupations and workplaces can lend themselves to some dangerous moments — the coffepot inferno or the Acme anvil that cascaded through the heavens to eventually collapse poetically onto one of the copy-editors —  when disaster strikes, it’s best to be prepared.

One of the main keys to safety in the workplace is to have an escape plan in place in the case of a fire, a bomb threat, or any other reason that makes it necessary to evacuate the building. Whether there are a large number of people in a workplace or just a few, proper organization is key when it comes to keeping everyone safe. Without it, it’s easy for employees to become panicked and the likelihood of injury increases substantially.

One of the first things that should be done long before any emergency situation occurs is choosing a leader. Because dealing with an emergency is not the same as dealing with everyday business needs, this may not be a person normally in a management role. Whoever this leader is, it’s important they’re able to remain calm and are capable of presenting themselves as an authority during a stressful situation. Because there may be many different ideas on what the appropriate procedure should be during an emergency, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) has developed regulations that help assure that certain regulations and standards are upheld during a workplace emergency.

  • Have a procedure for reporting emergencies.

It’s important to know what is going to happen in the event of an emergency before it happens. There may be fire alarms to pull, a plan to call 911 or an internal emergency number. Especially for larger workplaces, this should link to an intercom system so everyone knows an emergency is actually happening and isn’t a drill. For those who may be hearing impaired, another inaudible alarm, such as a flashing light, may be used to assure everyone is aware of the situation.

  • Have an emergency action plan in place.

It’s not enough to alert everyone that there’s an emergency. It’s important that employees know what to do depending on the type of emergency. In instances of a fire or gas leak evacuation procedures should be followed, and if there is a storm or some threat outside the building, seeking shelter inside is better. Larger companies often use a stairwell, smaller buildings might congregate in a closet, break room or restroom.

Often in an emergency situation, a power outage may take place, so having emergency lighting in place helps avoid potential catastrophe and keep everyone safe.

  • Designate a clear chain of command

It’s likely that your leaders in a business strategy meeting will not be the same as those who will lead the employees and visitors in a company to safety should an emergency occur. However, whoever takes on the role should be able to take it on completely. By practicing various worst case scenarios, employees will get to know and understand who they must follow in an emergency situation. Those chosen for these leadership roles should be skilled in first aid and respiratory aids such as CPR or have the ability to operate respiratory masks. 

While OSHA provides standards and guidelines for how companies should prepare from potential emergencies, having arrangements beyond those requirements are certainly recommended. Where a new business is concerned, establishing and notifying everyone of these procedures needs to be made a priority. During orientation procedures, employees should meet those who take on leadership roles in an emergencies.

Whatever emergency action plan a company puts in place, it should be tailored towards the size and type of the business. In a smaller store, one or two people in a leadership position will likely be enough in order to prevent chaos during an emergency situation. A larger corporation will need several people and will likely need to organize those persons with in a way that fits the seating arrangement of employees. Manufacturing plants, or other workplaces where there’s a lot of noise, may need to rely more heavily on the use of lights to communicate an emergency. Those who work outside, such as construction workers, may want to designate a trailer or some other safe place to go in the event of a storm or other inclement weather. The particular risks will vary depending on the size and nature of the business, so making sure the appropriate risk assessment is made is important.

In most cases, workplace emergencies will be rare, but because there is a potential of serious consequences it is important that they are treated as a real possibility. Even with all the proper plans and procedures in place, the ability of all employees to remain calm and professional is important to keeping everyone safe.

Sent by Jessica Stark

Ergonomics, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

AVOIDING INJURIES DURING THE MOVE (GUEST POST)

Tips to Stay Safe When You Are Moving

How to Stay Safe and Fit As you Move?

Moving to another location can get exciting when you think about meeting new people and settling down in a totally different place. However, the stress involved in planning the move, packing and unpacking can take a toll on your health. Apart from the stress involved in moving, there is every possibility of suffering from minor and severe injuries.

Injuries are common due to lifting, loading and unloading items during the moving process. It is therefore important to consider certain safety tips prior to the big move in order to avoid injuries and have a smooth move. Keeping yourself safe during the move requires great attention. Here are a few safety tips to help you take care of yourself during the moving process.

Avoid Back Injury

Most of the injuries occur when you lift heavy items. You can hurt your back when lifting heavy items. In order to avoid back injury, you need to make use of legs for lifting items instead of your back. The best way to lift heavy items is by squatting down, grasping the item and lifting it with your legs, exerting pressure on leg muscles.

Distribute weight of boxes equally by packing items in various boxes, instead of dumping all items in one single box. This will make lifting boxes much easier.

Carry Filtered Water Bottles

A strenuous exercise like moving that involves lifting, packing and unloading heavy items dehydrates the body. In order to keep the body hydrated, it is vital to drink plenty of water during the moving process. Carry filtered water in a bottle in case the new place does not have water turned on.

Check Out for Risky Walkway Areas

Check out the areas around your home, particularly for bumpy sidewalks and dangerous walkway areas. There is every possibility of getting injured when loading items due to the risky walkway areas in your home. Ensure that the steps leading to your home are clearly seen and it is not slippery. The best way to avoid slippery areas is by placing mats on them, so that you don’t walk on such areas.

Besides, this there are other things you must duly consider for a safe move. These include poles, tree branches and pillars that can be a major obstruction during the moving process. It is imperative to get rid of these obstacles completely by removing them or marking the area with bright colored tiles.   

In order to move special items, you must hire professional movers. Moving items like refrigerator, TV set, furniture and other large appliances require the help of professional movers.

Don’t forget to keep a safety aid kit with you when moving. This will help you treat minor injuries during the move. Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged and it has all numbers of people to be contacted during emergency in case you are seriously injured. I hope these safety tips will help you avoid injuries and allow you to have an enjoyable moving experience.  

Author Bio:

 Rony Mikal is a blogger and freelance writer. He writes extensively on topics related to environmental issues, business, moving, household removals and storage and removal services London. Apart from writing, Rony takes keen interest in traveling and photography. He is an avid traveler and spends quality time with family and friends.

http://www.aussieremovals.com

 http://www.ward-thomas.co.uk

 

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HELMETS FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS (GUEST POST)

Helmets are very necessary whenever you are riding a two wheeler. In most of the states, they are even mandatory. This is because helmets serve the basic purpose of protecting your head while riding or in case of a crash. Moreover, they also keep you comfortable when you are riding a bike. Most of the people think that helmets are only for your protection. But, it is very important to keep comfort in mind because you will be spending most of the time in riding the bike rather than crashing it somewhere. 

In most countries, motorbike helmets are divided into four different categories. Helmets also have to be certified through various tests. These may be associated with DOT or SNELL or other departments. You should make sure that you always buy genuine helmets so that you are completely protected and comfortable while riding a bike. In this article, we will discuss different types of helmets which are used in places all around the world. These helmets are the most commonly used motorcycle helmets. 

Different Types of Motorcycle Helmets 

1) Full face helmets – These type of helmets are recommended by most of the experts. They are completely safe and comfortable. Full face helmets cover your whole head and face so that you are comfortable while riding and protected even if you crash. Most of these helmets have a flip up visor which can even be easily removed. Visors come in tints as well as with total clarity. These helmets also come in different styles, which you can choose from according to your needs and preferences. 

2) Modular or Flip face helmets – These helmets lie somewhere between the comfort of a 3 / 4 helmets and the protection of full face helmets. The visor is attached to the lower part of the helmet which can be flipped up. Most of the people find these helmets neither comfortable nor completely safe. But, modular helmets look quite different and stylish. This is the reason why most people buy them. Moreover, modular helmets are considered to be safer than 3 / 4 helmets. You should always go for these helmets if you think that full face helmets are not for you. 

3) 3 / 4 helmets – These helmets were extremely popular a couple of decades back. Full face and modular helmets are usually heavy and bulky. Therefore, people use 3 / 4 helmets because they are very comfortable. 3 / 4 helmets come in various different colors and give a trendy look. But when you think about safety and protection, 3 / 4 helmets are not a wise choice. They expose your chin and lower face leaving them unprotected. 

4) Half helmets – These helmets are also known as brain buckets or puddle cups. These helmets are not very safe if you crash. They almost expose your whole face while you are crashing or even riding. Your face is even exposed to dirt when you are riding a bike. Half motorbike helmets are usually used by only cruise riders. However, these helmets should be avoided if you have other options.

 “Sachin is a freelance writer and he loves to follow the latest social trends. He writes on different topics such as adventure, fashion, technology, safety and tutorials. He loves to travel and make new friends all around the world.” 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

TEN COMMON ACCIDENTS KIDS HAVE AROUND THE HOUSE (Guest Post)

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Trying to protect your kids from harm can seem like a constant battle. Fortunately most of the accidents that happen to kids at home are not serious and many can be averted completely. Creating a safe home for your kids is possible, but only up to a certain degree. Kids are going to have accidents, despite your greatest attempts to avoid them. We’ve listed a few of the more common ones below.

  1. Falling down stairs – If your home has no stairs, this is one less thing you have to worry about. If you do have stairs then you will need to keep an eye on your kids. It goes without saying that the smaller the kids are the more you need to secure the stairs so they won’t be climbing up or down without adult supervision. As they get older, you will need to make sure that the stairs are kept clear. Many accidents occur because someone left a toy or other item on the stairs.
  2. Slipping in the tub – Soapy water can be a dangerous thing where kids are concerned. When kids stand up in the tub, there is always the chance that they could slip and fall. Adding a bath mat or non-slip decals to the bottom of the tub will make bath time a lot safer.
  3. Choking on food – Unfortunately, many parents still haven’t learned that you shouldn’t give small children hot dogs or grapes unless they are cut in small pieces. The same goes for other food as well. It doesn’t take a large piece of food to get caught in a little windpipe. Keep that in mind when cutting up your child’s food into bite size pieces.
  4. Falling out of trees – The adventurous child may have a penchant for climbing trees, especially those near the house that may have a view of a second story window. There are many family stories about the time little Jimmy broke his arm because he climbed up the tree to wave to someone in the bedroom and fell out of the tree.
  5. Slipping on polished floors – Many homes are now sporting beautiful wooden floors. Keeping those floors polished and looking gorgeous can also make them very slippery. Make sure your kids wear slippers or socks with gripper bottoms so they don’t wipe out when taking a cruise down the hall.
  6. Tripping over toys – Many times it’s the adult that trips over the toys, but kids fall too. Of course the remedy is to make sure the kids clean up after play time and put all the toys away; at the very least, get them out of traffic areas.
  7. Falling out of the high chair – Leaving toddlers unattended in their high chairs can lead to a serious accident if the child falls out or tips the chair over. Some very active kids learn to rock their high chairs and this can ultimately lead to a nasty fall. The solution is to never leave your kid unattended when their sitting in the high chair.
  8. Falling off the roof – As kids get older they like trying new things, like seeing what’s on the roof. Roofs are also accessed when they go up after a ball or some other object that got tossed up there. What ever the reason, make sure your kids know not to go up on the roof unless there is an adult supervising.
  9. Accident in the pants – These accidents occur often for toddlers, and fortunately, other than some inconvenience and perhaps a little embarrassment on the part of your child, there are no injuries involved. Just be aware that for some kids who are really working on potty training, an accident like this can actually seem like the end of the world. Sympathy and compassion on your part will do a lot to heal the wounded ego.
  10. Breaking something of value – Always an accident and usually due to horsing around or just not paying attention, this situation calls for patience and restraint on your part. Your child is already going to feel terrible about breaking the object, and how you handle the situation will make a big difference in your child’s life and self esteem.

Kids are going to fall down, scrape knees and elbows and some will break bones. All of those things will most likely heal nicely. A child’s self esteem and ego are a little more fragile, so you will want to be careful not to shame your child or place unnecessary blame on them for their accidents. Making your home safe is not just about the physical things you need to do, it also includes the psychological and emotional environment that makes a child feel safe. 

Sonja Bogart http://www.aupairs.org/blog

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFETY ADVICE FOR LABOR DAY, 2012

For the United States and Canada, Labor Day (Labour Day), is officially celebrated on the first Monday of September.  Other countries observe their Labor Days on May1st, or other chosen dates annually.  In the U.S. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894.  This day was to celebrate workers and improve their working conditions.  It was a day of celebration and/or rest. 

Now, Labor Day describes the last major holiday before Thanksgiving, and the last chance for a long weekend to wrap up summer activities.  Despite the high cost of gasoline, many choose to travel at least more than 50 miles from home.  It is predicted by AAA that approximately thirty-three million Americans will be on the roads between Thursday, August 30th, and Monday, September 3rd.   Eighty-five per cent of them will go by car, an estimated eight per cent will fly, and others will be on trains, buses, or cruise ships. 

If you drive, please observe speed limits, no use of cell phones or alcohol while driving, and obey the law.  State troopers will be watching, to ensure that you do just that.  Be sure all passengers are buckled up and leave early enough that you don’t have to rush to reach your destination.  Have someone riding with you to “man” the cell phone; if you are alone, just turn it off and get your messages later.  If it’s off, you won’t be tempted to text and drive! 

There are plenty of things we can do to be entertained at home or gatherings with our friends.  It is wise to stay off the roads during this holiday, which has been shown to be the second deadliest holiday of the year, with Thanksgiving #1.  Volunteering is always a great day to spend a holiday, and many folks can use the help! Should you plan a barbecue or picnic, keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot and don’t invite the insects.  Keep some insect repellent handy wherever you are, remember, West Nile Virus has hit pretty hard in places such as north Texas.  Pack the usual necessities for picnics, hiking, cookouts, boating, camping, fishing: along with insect repellent, add sunscreen, a first aid kit, sunglasses, and a NOAA weather radio, just in case of a rapid change in the weather. 

There still remain thousands of workers who haven’t found work, so let’s hope that they have something to celebrate next Labor Day – a job!  Have a safe holiday, and return home safely.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Health Issues, Protective Clothing

NOW’S THE TIME TO GET OUT THE BUG REPELLENT!

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Every summer time, we are “bugged” by those pesky critters……flies, gnats, mosquitoes, bees, yellow jackets, wasps – you name it, we have it!  At this time, however, the biggest culprits are mosquitoes, those that are carrying a disease called West Nile Virus.  West Nile Virus causes an infection that is spread by certain kinds of mosquitoes.  They become infected when they bite infected birds.  Then, they spread the virus when they bite people or animals, such as horses.  This virus cannot spread from animals to people or from person to person  through casual contact. 

West Nile Virus causes an infection that can lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), the spinal cord (myelitis), or the tissues surrounding it and the spinal cord (meningitis).  There is no specific treatment available.  Mild infections go away on their own, with the use of mild pain  relievers.  Persons who are more susceptible to the virus are those over age 50 and those who have cancer, diabetes and kidney disease, or those with underlying health problems, as well as those who have received organ transplants.  

Dallas County, Texas’ second most-populated county, authorized aerial spraying of insecticide on Friday for the first time in almost five decades to help fight the mosquito-born illness.  Thus far, 12 North Texas residents have died.  This year, the Texas Department of State Health Services has tracked 214 cases of the neuro-invasive West Nile, the most serious form of the illness.  Because it is just now becoming the peak season for the illness, agency officials fear the state will break the record number for such cases, which was 438, reported in 2003.  Texas isn’t the only state reporting this virus, so persons everywhere should take precautions. 

People should do everything they can to avoid mosquitoes.  Some ways to control them around your home are:

            Remove their habitat (where they live and breed.  Eliminate standing water in rain gutters, tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys or any other container where they can breed.  Also, empty and change water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week to destroy potential mosquito habitats.  Keep swimming pool water clean and circulated.  Drain or fill temporary pools of water with dirt.

            To prevent your exposure to mosquitoes: use EPA-regulated mosquito repellents when necessary and follow directions and precautions closely.  Head nets, long sleeves and long pants should be worn if you are going into areas with high mosquito populations.  Stay inside during the evening when mosquitoes are active.  Be sure your window and door screens are “bug tight.”  Replace outdoor lights with yellow “bug” lights, which tend to attract fewer bugs than ordinary lights.  Remember the yellow lights are not repellents. 

There is no vaccine for the virus, which can cause high fevers, headaches and disorientation.  As stated earlier, however, most go away on their own.

This situation has become more serious because of the warm winter that insects lived through, and the extreme dry conditions that certain areas have experienced. 

The best solution is to stay inside, especially at night.   For those who must work outdoors, there are many types of mosquito repellents.  DEET has been proven to be a most effective repellent for mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers, deer flies, stable flies, black flies, gnats and fleas.  There is even a type of netting  for those who must wear hardhats or ball caps!

 

Source: CNN,
ABC News, A.P., CDC, Texas Department of State Health Services

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Home Safety Products, Weather Protection

TEN SMART TRICKS FOR SUMMER (Guest Post)

Ah, the warm summer months are here, which means more time spent outside running around enjoying the outdoors. It also means occasionally battling the bugs, the sun, and the heat.  To ensure that these and other common summer annoyances don’t derail your summertime fun, here are 10 smart tricks that can help make your summer a little sweeter:

1. Keep a dryer sheet in your pocket to keep bugs away.  You can spend tons of money buying bug spray, and you’ll most likely end up feeling sticky, smelling like bug spray, and getting bitten by bugs anyway. An easy solution is to carry a dryer sheet with you, which is something most people have at home already anyway. By carrying it in your pocket you can ward off bugs; something about the smell keeps the bugs away from you.

2. Sprinkle baking soda in sweaty shoes.  Running around in your shoes without socks is a regular occurrence during the summer time because everyone just wants to slip shoes on and go. Unfortunately, this also causes extra unwanted odor in your shoes.  To fix this problem sprinkle the inside of the shoes with baking soda to absorb the odors.  If you’d rather not have the powdery look in your shoes, you can create a sachet by using a rubber band wrapped around a few tablespoons of baking soda in a handkerchief.   Just put a sachet in each shoe and the odors will disappear.

3. Trap fruit flies with apple cider vinegar.  Did you bring home fruit flies from the farmers market?  Fill a glass jar half full of cider vinegar and screw the lid back on.  Punch several holes in the lid and leave the jar where you have seen the fruit flies.  They will be gone in no time.
4. Cool a sunburn with white vinegar.  Unfortunately, with the warm summer months comes the occasional sunburn.  To take the sting out of a sunburn soak clean soft cloths in white vinegar, wring them out and lay them on the sunburned skin.

5. Coat feet with petroleum jelly and cover with socks at bedtime.  This trick will keep your feet soft and sandal ready all summer.  A little petroleum jelly on your elbows and knees will make sure they stay soft and smooth for all of those revealing summer outfits.

6. Mix a can of cola with ketchup for a quick and easy barbeque sauce.  Figure out about how much sauce you want and add the cola to the ketchup to thin it out and add flavor and sweetness.  Brush on chicken or ribs during the last stages of cooking on the grill to avoid burning.
7. Use conditioner to shave your legs in a pinch.  Did you forget to pack your shaving cream for your vacation?  That’s okay; you can use the sample bottle of conditioner that most hotels give you.  This will leave your legs smooth and silky soft.

8. Apply coconut oil to bee stings and bug bites.  Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and will help heal the sting or bite as well as soothe the pain.

9. Straws make great strawberry hullers.  Take a normal straw and push it up through the base of the strawberry and come up under the hull.  Keep pushing and the hull will usually come right out.  Practice makes perfect with this, but it really works well when you get the hang of it and you won’t have all those strawberry seeds under your finger nails.

10. Use cute cupcake papers to cover your drinks this summer.  When the weather turns nice, eating and drinking outside becomes standard, and almost mandatory.  The problem with eating and drinking outside is keeping the bugs away from your food and drinks.  Get yourself some cupcake papers and use them to cover your drinks.  If you’re having a party the cupcake papers can even match the theme.  To make a drink cover you just need to punch a hole in the cupcake paper and stick a straw through.  Just make sure there are no bugs inside the straw before you drink.

Carrie: may I add one last suggestion to help – wear polarized sunshades that block out UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes, and a good hat for your head.  Anything that will keep us from burning is welcome in the summer!  Thank you for these good ideas, pb
Carrie Dotson, http://www.summernannyjobs.com/blog/10-smart-tricks-for-summer/