Category Archives: First Aid Safety

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

THINKING ABOUT GETTING A TATTOO?

Most persons who have tattoos are proud of their them.  So proud, they have them all over their arms and other body parts.  There’s a lot to consider before trying it out, if you haven’t done so already.  As the Food and Drug Administration says, “Think Before You Ink.”  When trying to think of the pro’s and con’s, it is hard to come up with a balanced list.  Actually, there’s really not much to say about the positive side, except that some people feel that it expresses their personalities.  However, there are many concerns on the con side, so here goes: 

  • Infection.  When you go into a tattoo artist’s shop, ask to see the autoclave (a medical pressure cooker primarily used for sterilizing medical instruments.) This autoclave must maintain a temperature of at least 246 degrees for 30 minutes to fully sterilize the equipment.
  • Spread of disease. The artist should wear some type of medical latex gloves that fit properly.  A pinhole could run the risk of cross-contamination.  Ask the artist if he/she has had their Hepatitis B vaccination.  You might be a little suspicious if he doesn’t remember, as the vaccination involves receiving 3 shots over a 4-month time frame.  You may want to consider getting the vaccination yourself,  just to be on the safe side.
  • Allergies.  Allergies to various ink pigments in both permanent and temporary tattoos have been reported, and can cause problems.
  • Granulomas.  Small knots or bumps that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
  • Scarring.  Unwanted scar tissue may form when getting or removing a tattoo.
  • MRI complications.  People may have swelling or burning in the tattoo when they have an MRI.  This happens rarely and doesn’t last long.  Do not fail to have an MRI if needed. Just inform the technician so they can take appropriate precautions. 

Other concerns:

  • The FDA has not approved any tattoo pigments for injection into the skin. This applies to tattoos such as glow-in-the dark.
  • The use of henna in temporary tattoos has not been approved by the FDA; henna is approved only for use as a hair dye.
  • An increased variety of pigments and diluents are being used in more than 50 different pigments and shades.  These are approved for cosmetic use only, not injected into the skin.  Many pigments used in tattoo inks are not approved for skin contact at all.  Some are industrial-grade colors that are suitable for printers’ ink, and automobile paint.
  • Professional disposal of needles is also an indication of whether you want to get a tattoo in the salon.  They should be placed in a sharps container that you can see.  Also the needles used should be new.
  • Tattoos are permanent.  If you decide you need to have one removed, find a doctor that is experienced in tattoo removal.  The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery can help you find the right physician. 

The FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research in Arkansas is investigating the chemical composition of the inks and how they break down (metabolize) in the body; the short-term and long-term safety of pigments used in tattoo inks; and how the body responds to the interaction of light with the inks.  Whether the migration of tattoo ink has health consequences or not is still unknown.  NCTR is doing further research to answer many questions about the safety of tattoo inks. 

Do your own research while considering a tattoo; don’t do it on a whim.  It’s going to be with you the rest of your life.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the safety of the instruments and experience of the person placing a permanent message on your body for display.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Respiratory Safety

ENSURE SAFETY IN GRAIN STORAGE BINS

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While working with a flood cleanup crew in Minot, North Dakota, a quality assessment representative for the town was watching a private business owner and contractor assemble a group of workers to enter a grain storage bin.  Noting that there was no safety equipment present, and knowing the hazards involved,  the representative from Minot called an OSHA inspector in the area, who quickly arrived on the scene.  There was no retrieval gear for the workers, the atmosphere had not been tested, and no training in grain bin entry had been given to the workers.  Due to this intervention, a potential tragedy was prevented. 

Unfortunately, a terrible accident in Colorado in 2009, did not have the same results.  A 17-year-old worker lost his life in a grain bin.  The company pled guilty to violating OSHA regulations that resulted in the death of this young man.  There was a lack of safety and rescue equipment on site; however,  three teenagers entered the bins without the benefit of personal protective equipment, such as a body harness and lanyard.  The only instructions given to the crew were to watch out for one another and be careful.  Cody, the victim, was allowed to enter the bin despite knowing that the bucket elevator was not locked out and grain was flowing from the bin.  While inside the bin, he was engulfed by the flowing grain and sucked under, where his chest was crushed and he died of asphyxiation.  Despite the efforts of Cody’s co-workers, they were unable to locate and rescue him.  

The facts of the investigation revealed  that it was common practice for this company to hire high school-age teenagers from the local area.  These teens were assigned various hazardous tasks, which included bin entry, “Walking the Grain”, working in and around unguarded mechanical equipment, unsafe electrical devices, confined spaces, and exposure to explosive grain dust.  Employees regularly entered the bins to “walk down grain”, the practice of walking around the edge of a bin to dislodge clumps of grain while it was flowing from the bin, without the appropriate safety harness with lanyard.  A center-grain-unloading auger draws grain from the top center and the grain forms a cone as the bin is emptied. 

There are many deadly hazards of engulfment and suffocation while working inside grain storage bins.  Grain bins are used to store bulk raw agricultural commodities such as wheat, corn, and oats.  If workers stand on moving or flowing grain, it can be like “quicksand” and pull them under.  If they stand on or below “bridged” grain, it can collapse and bury workers.  Also, if they try to loosen grain, it can cave in on them.  OSHA’s Hazard Alert warns how workers can become engulfed in these bins, and lists precautions that employers must take to protect workers.  These include:

  • Disconnecting equipment that presents a danger;
  • Prohibiting workers from walking on the grain to make it flow;
  • Providing workers with personal protective and rescue equipment;
  • Requiring an observer outside the bin who is trained on how to perform rescue operations. 

In the case of the teenager who lost his life, the company paid $500,000 to his family, as well as fines to OSHA.  OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels stated, “This is a terrible tragedy that should never have happened.  Money won’t bring back this young man’s life, but we can make every effort to ensure that these tragedies don’t happen again.”  The company involved is required to implement safety provisions that include providing safety training and refresher training to its employees, and develop a procedure that includes harnesses and lanyards or similar safety equipment in anticipation of bin entry at any of its grain elevators.  If they violate any of these terms of probabion, they could be potentially liable for up to another $500,000 fine.

Parents: don’t hesitate to find out what kind of job your teenager is going to be asked to do.  It’s not worth taking a chance.  Companies should never gamble with their employees’ lives, especially when they put them in hazardous situations that are entirely preventable. 

Source: OSHA

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

QUESTIONS NEW HIRES SHOULD ASK

The job market is very competitive right now and many folks are so happy to be granted an interview that they forget to ask questions that apply to their own wellbeing and safety in the job they are applying for.  During the interview, we are usually too nervous to think about many of the things that we are going to be expected to do.  Try to use the interview as an opportunity to see if you feel that this is the right place for you, and if you will be comfortable working there. From WorkSmart Ontario, and the Ontario Ministry of Labour, here are some excellent questions for applicants and new hires.    Listen and pay attention to things that they describe during the interview.  When hired, pay special attention during orientation, and ask:

  • Will I receive safety training on the job?  When?  (Safety training should begin on the first day, not several days after you start).
  • If I am working with chemicals, will I get hazardous materials training before I start working with chemicals?
  • Does the employer provide the equipment and safety gear?  Will I get training on how to wear it properly and make sure it’s in good condition?
  • Will I be taught emergency procedures and first aid locations?
  • Where are the company safety rules?
  • Is my regular supervisor the one I should ask if I have other questions about the job?
  • Find out about specific hazards in the job and what steps have been taken to keep workers safe.

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Remember, there is no such thing as a dumb question, especially when you’re asking how to do a job that you’ve never done before.  ASK until you’re out of questions to ensure that you are totally clear on the task that needs to be done and how to do it.  Another important thing to remember: follow the rules.  Laws have been created to protect you,  and your employer provides you with workplace policies and procedures you must follow.  Do not fool around.  Horseplay at work may seem like fun for some people, but it can be extremely dangerous.  It’s against the law, too.  At work, the rules that are in place are to protect you and others from injury and potential death.

We will continue tomorrow with more ways on when and how you should talk to your boss.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

HAPPY BIRTHDAY – U.S.A. – 2011!

By now,  most of us are getting ready to celebrate on Monday,  our nation’s birthday – July 4th – Independence Day!  I want to send greetings to all of you from our home, where the grand old flag will be flying, and wish everyone a safe holiday. (Sorry, the flag looks backwards, but the wind was blowing!)

We have already talked about fireworks, so we’ll give that subject a rest!  Many are packing their bags for trips, so let’s talk about travel first.  The main thing is to be packed and ready to get an early start, because you know your friendly State troopers will be there, watching to be sure you don’t speed, and that you are safe.  If you need assistance, you can count on them, as well, to be of help.  Please don’t carry on conversations on your cell phone while driving, and above all, don’t text or drink and drive!

There are many activities that families can plan right at home, and not have to be involved in the hustle and bustle of travel.  One of my favorite memories is going to our best friends’ home every Fourth of July for grilled hamburgers and home-made ice cream!  Now we live miles away, so we had to stop that tradition; however, we make up for it when we visit each other, which is quite often.  Moms and dads can find easy crafts for the kids with some red, white and blue items that they probably can find in the house.  Local parks will be full of folks of all ages, with volleyball games, croquet, barbecues, picnics, baseball games, and many activities.

If you plan to go boating, be sure to have life jackets in the boat for each passenger.  Obey the rules of boating, and do not drink while driving a boat, as the penalty is the same as for driving a car while drinking.  Watch for other boaters, swimmers, and those on jet skis.  Sometimes everyone thinks they own that particular spot on the water, and it just doesn’t work that way!

Swimmers should be prepared with lots of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat and cover-up when they get out of the water.  Stay in pairs, just in case someone gets in water that is too deep.  Be sure if you are swimming on a beach or lake to check out the water quality for contamination.  There should be signs posted with some type of useful information.

If you are the outdoors type and want to take a hike, be sure you let someone know your plans and when you will be returning.  If you need to build a campfire, build it with sticks no larger than an adult wrist.  (Of course, first, be sure that you are not in an area where campfires are banned.)  Never leave that fire unattended and keep it small.  A fire that is not “dead out” can be rekindled by wind and start a wildfire.  Keep water handy and a shovel for throwing dirt on the fire in case it gets out of control.  Stir the remains and be sure all materials are cooled down.  Drown it with water, even move rocks to see there’s no fire beneath them. Feel all materials with bare hands to be sure that no wood is burning before leaving the campsite.

If you are cooking outdoors, beware of bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses.  Be sure all utensils are clean and that you have a good source of water.  Separate raw meat from cooked meat and poultry.  Keep cold food cold and hot food hot.  Don’t let food set out for more than 1 hour in hot weather.  Keep it in an ice chest once the meal is finished.

Have a great Fourth of July, but don’t overdo it when it comes to food, alcohol, sun, or exercise.  Take along the proper clothing, suncreeen, insect repellent, and other remedies that will make you feel better tomorrow!   Remember why some of us get to be off on this day, and why we observe it.  There are young men and women who don’t have the day off, and are in countries where they can’t celebrate the way we do.  When you see our flag, think of what it stands for, and the sacrifices they make every day.  May God Bless Each One of Them, their families, all of us, and the U.S.A.

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Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

ARE YOU READY FOR A SAFE JULY 4TH?

Both June and July are designated as National Fireworks Safety Month by Prevent Blindness America, who urges Americans to celebrate safely by leaving fireworks to the professionals.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, (CPSC), almost 6,000 Americans spent part of their Fourth of July holiday in the emergency room in 2009 due to fireworks injuries.   Of those, fireworks caused an estimated 1,600 eye injuries, which included contusions, lacerations and foreign bodies in the eye.  Some injuries even caused permanent vision loss. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, “safe and sane” fireworks cause more injuries than illegal fireworks, especially to preschool children.  For children under the age of 5, half of the total injuries were from sparklers.  Do you have any idea how hot a sparkler becomes?  According to the NFPA, the tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns. ( By comparison, water boils at 212 degrees F; cakes bake at 350 degrees F; wood burns at 575 degrees F; and glass melts at 900 degrees F.) 

Children ages 15 and younger make up around 39 per cent of fireworks injuries.   Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization, supports the development and enforcement of bans on the importation, sale and use of all fireworks and sparklers, except for authorized public displays by competent licensed operators. The non-profit group believes it is the only effective means of eliminating the social and economic impact of fireworks-related trauma and damage. 

“We encourage everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday this year without using consumer fireworks,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America.  “Whether you’re attending community events, family picnics or public displays by fireworks professionals, we wish you and your family a safe Independence Day.”

In case of an eye-related accident, Prevent Blindness America also offers its “First Aid for Eye Emergencies” sticker in both English and Spanish, free to the public, and recommends the following should an eye injury occur:

If the eye or eyelid is cut or punctured,

  • DO NOT wash out the eye with water.
  • DO NOT try to remove an object stuck in the eye.
  • Cover the eye with a rigid shield without pressure.  The bottom half of a paper cup may be used.  See a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

If there are specks in the eye,

  • DO NOT rub the eye.
  • Use an eye wash or let tears wash out specks or particles;
  • Lift the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid;
  • If the speck doesn’t wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage and see a doctor or go to the emergency room.

It would be wise to have a first aid kit handy, to be prepared for any type of fireworks accidents at home.  This is the beginning of summer fun; don’t spoil it by risking injury to the eyes or any other part of the body.  The best way to ensure that your family doesn’t suffer from fireworks injuries is to leave the displays to trained professionals.  It may seem that they are having all the fun, but it isn’t that easy to put on the fantastic shows that they provide without training and hard work. 

For more information on fireworks safety, or to request a free copy of the Safe Summer Celebrations brochure or the First Aid for Eye Emergencies sticker, call (800) 331-2020 or log on to preventblindness.org.

Tomorrow, we will talk about other risks involving fireworks.  Till then, be thinking of other ways you want to spend your holiday, safely!

Source: NFPA, Prevent Blindness America

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Health Issues

STAY AWAY FROM THESE SUMMER MONSTERS!

Just about the time we get all ready for summer outings, here comes bad news….Bugs!  The first segment of this article originally appeared on SafetyXChange.org, written by Catherine Jones, and is used with permission from the copyright holder, Bongarde Media.  Ms. Jones shared some interesting facts about a little, but well-known bothersome critter.  The second installment came from last night’s news – another worry especially for our friends up north and in the midwest.

Question: What can:

  • Jump 150 times its own length;
  • Consume 15 times its own body weight in blood every day;
  • Lie dormant – without food – for several months;
  • Reproduce within 36 to 48 hours after its first meal; and
  • Transmit two types of bubonic plague?

Answer: The tiny but mighty flea.

As temperatures rise, so does the possibility of flea infestations. These little blood-suckers not only torment your cats and dogs, they also pose a health concern to your human family members. To see if you have fleas in your home, take a walk through the house in white socks and watch for the 1/25-1/4 inch cling-ons. If you see just one flea, chances are there are more than 100 of its friends and relations nearby. To rid your home of fleas:

  • Thoroughly wash your pet’s bedding. Better still, throw it out.
  • Talk to your vet about safely treating your pet for fleas.
  • Prevent re-infestation by using a flea control program in your garage, porch and yard.
  • Thoroughly vacuum your carpets, rugs, floors and baseboards
  • Place the used vacuum bag in an airtight plastic bag and get it into the outdoor trashcan immediately.

Next, just as summer is here, we have a new disease to worry about, (at least I’ve never heard of it): babesiosis.  The black-legged deer tick sometimes carries the parasite and can cause babesiosis, rather than lyme disease, which other ticks may carry.   These tiny, poppy-seed sized ticks are affecting pets and people who live in the North Eastern and upper Midwest states.  Their bite will not leave a rash, so it is not as easy to detect as bites from other critters.  It usually must stay attached 24-36 hours to transmit the parasite.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, this can be dangerous, especially for those with weakened immune systems.  Symptoms are similar to flu.

If you plan to go outdoors in grassy areas, please take the following precautions:

  • Walk in the center of trails that are already cleared.
  • Stay away from tick habitats, if possible.
  • Wear socks, long pants, long-sleeved shirts.
  • Apply repellents to skin and clothing.
  • Read instructions on the proper way to use repellents on children.
  • Check your pets and clothing before you return indoors.

If you find one of this type of tick, remove it with tweezers, and try to keep it alive, in order to take to the doctor’s office to be checked out.  If the diagnosis shows babesiosis, effective treatments are available and most always successful.

Summer is no fun without outings.  Don’t get “ticked off”!  There are so many ways to protect yourself and your pets, you should be able to get out there and stay “bug-free”!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

IT’S “HURRICANE WATCHING” TIME AGAIN!

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Because Hurricane Season began June 1 and continues through November 30th, FEMA Administrator, Craig Fugate, says “The tornadoes that devastated the South and the large amount of flooding we’ve seen this spring should serve as a reminder that disasters can happen anytime and anywhere. As we move into this hurricane season it’s important to remember that FEMA is just part of an emergency management team that includes the entire federal family, state, local and tribal governments, the private sector and most importantly the public.”  Now is the time to get your plan together for what you and your family would do if disaster strikes.  Businesses and families should be ready for all types of emergencies:

Climate factors considered for this outlook are:

  • The continuing high activity era. Since 1995, the tropical multi-decadal signal has brought ocean and atmospheric conditions conducive for development in sync, leading to more active Atlantic hurricane seasons.
  • Warm Atlantic Ocean water. Sea surface temperatures where storms often develop and move across the Atlantic are up to two degrees Fahrenheit warmer-than-average.
  • La Niña, which continues to weaken in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, is expected to dissipate in June, but its impacts such as reduced wind shear are expected to continue into the hurricane season.

NOAA expects that there will be twelve to eighteen named storms, six to ten could become hurricanes, three to six becoming major hurricanes.  Categories of hurricanes are as follow:

  • Category 1 – maximum sustained wind speed of 74-95 mph.  Damage category – minimal. 
  • Category 2 – Maximum sustained wind speed of 96-110 mph, with moderate damage category. 
  • Category 3 – maximum sustained wind speed of 111-130 mph,  with extensive damage category. 
  • Category 4 – maximum sustained wind speed of 131-155 mph, with extreme damage category. 
  • Category 5 – maximum sustained wind speed above 155, catastrophic damage category.  There have been only three Category 5 hurricanes in the United States since records were kept: Labor Day Hurricane (1935) in the Florida Keyes; Hurricane Camille (1969), near the mouth of the Mississippi River, and Hurricane Andrew (1992) in Florida.

Have you ever wondered who decides on the names of the Hurricanes?  A pre-approved list of Atlantic Ocean tropical storm/hurricane names is decided by the National Hurricane Center.  Beginning in 1953, the NHC’s list consisted of only female  names.  Since 1979, the lists alternate between male and female; however, no names beginning with a “Q” or “U” are used.  Six lists are rotated but when a hurricane is so devastating, the name is retired and given a new one.  This year’s list is from the 2005 one; however, four of them have been retired. Here are the names for 2011; let’s hope they run out of storms before they run out of names!

Arlene; Bret; Cindy; Don (replaces Dennis); Emily; Franklin; Gert; Harvey; Irene; Jose; Katia (replaces Katrina); Lee; Maria; Nate; Ophelia; Philippe; Rina (replaces Rita); Sean (Replaces Stan); Tammy; Vince; Whitney (replaces Wilma). 

When warned, already have your plans underway:

  • Secure your home;
  • Have your papers in order;
  • Have a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries and cellphone;
  • Have all medicines ready;
  • Notify next of kin or friends you may need to stay with them;
  • Plan for any elderly members of your family and your pets;
  • Have adequate supplies of water and non-perishable foods;
  • Do not return to your town until authorities give permission; downed power lines could cause injuries.

For those who have already gone through floods and tornadoes, as well as everyone else, let’s hope and pray the tropical storms will just disappear into the air – they aren’t welcome ashore!

Sources: FEMA, NOAA, National Weather Service

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

DO THE SMALL THINGS IN LIFE “BUG” YOU?

There are many things about life that get under our skin.  Sometimes we just have to cope with them, and do the best we can.  Little things, irritants that just “bug” the heck out of you. It may be a co-worker, spouse, child, or even a stranger making a certain remark that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up!  Well, we have to carry on and rise above these types of annoyances.  These are better known as from the “human species.”  Now, let’s talk about the real nuisances – insects! 

It seems the warm weather brings out the little critters that have been hibernating during the winter.  Sometimes, they don’t make it through the freezing winters, but other times, somehow, enough of them do, in order to carry on their tradition of making life miserable for us.  If you know what they are and the hazards they bring with them, it may make it easier for you to deal with them this summer.  I have listed some of the worst summer bugs for you to watch for: 

  • Bees.  Yellow jackets and bees are especially threatening to persons with allergies.  Bee stings can prove fatal if not treated in a timely manner.  They thrive in all parts of the country, making hives from overhangs around your home.  These hives can grow very large in size, increasing the likelihood of stings.  Sometimes it is necessary to call a professional to get rid of the hives, because when they are disrupted, the entire swarm may come out swinging (or stinging)!
  • Mosquitoes. Oh, joy, it’s time for mosquitoes.  Not only is their little “buzz”  irritating, but the bites they make are, too.  Their bites cause itching, redness and other physical discomforts.  Most often they are found in and around standing pools of water, where they lay their eggs in the summer.  They like humid areas, but live in almost every part of the U.S.  Mosquitoes carry disease, so it is best to decrease the amount of standing water in your yard, and wear long sleeves and use protective bug spray.
  • Cockroaches. Yuk! These are some of the nastiest bugs , but they love to invade your home. Too much heat outside drives them indoors causing them to seek out moist areas of your home.  I’ve seen reality shows where cockroaches were attracted to the glue that is used to put mobile homes walls together, and they were rampant.  Large groups of cockroaches can cause breathing problems for persons with respiratory illnesses.  The best policy is to have regular pest control treatments in your home to get rid of these bugs and keep them out.
  • Termites. Our home fell victim to the little monsters several years ago.  They didn’t particularly like us, but they loved the wood in our attic.  Luckily, we found out before the damage was too extensive, because they can literally eat your home up.  Call your termite control to do an inspection, as it can be very expensive to repair the damage they cause.
  • Ticks.  Ticks also carry disease.  If you find a tick on yourself, or your dog, remove it by pulling steadily and firmly.  Use fine-tipped tweezers, as close to the skin as possible, and pull slowly.  Wash the area and apply antiseptic or antibiotic ointment.  Watch area for infection, and see a doctor if you see signs of a rash in that area.  Be sure to use an insect repellent on yourself before going out of doors; use one that is approved for animals, as well.  Check your pet for ticks often.
  • Fire Ants.  These tiny little ants build huge mounds, and do a lot of property damage. They get into water systems, eat their little hearts out on electric wiring, and have been known to even kill small animals.  And, their stings are like fire, hence the name! 

Here’s some tips that might help you before you go on that next outing:

  • Protect yourself with a light-colored long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat.  Don’t wear perfume or scented lotions.  Brightly colored clothing may look like flower colors and attract insects.
  • Stay out of tall underbrush when hiking.
  • If you are having a picnic, don’t leave open cans of sugary drinks unattended, as yellow jackets love to find a warm drink sitting in the sun.  Check your food and drinks before consumption.  Stings inside the mouth and throat are dangerous because of the potential of swelling and closing off the windpipes.  This is a good warning to parents of small children, who often leave their drinks on the picnic table and run off to play – try taking lids!  Take partially empty cans or cups and rinse them out at a faucet.  Don’t throw the leftover liquid in the grass. 
  • When you are cleaning up after your outing, wrap up all the trash and place in a sealed trashbag; if you throw it all loose into a trash bin, it’s an open invitation to yellow jackets or bees to come on in.  Then, the next person may get stung when they open the trash bin. 

Remember, these little pests were created for a reason.  While we stay in our nice, warm homes during the winter, they are out there somewhere hiding in cold, dark spaces in trees and other shelters.  When we come out for the summer months, we are moving into their territory, so in a way, we are the ones doing the invading!  Regardless of being the aggressor, however, we have the right to protect ourselves ……with the insect repellent, yard spray, allergy medication, first aid kit, and even fly swatters!  Go out there and have fun, just be ready for combat.

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection

HAVE A SAFE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

The Memorial Day holiday weekend ushers in the beginning of warm weather outings, as most students have finished their school year.  There is always much anticipation in the air about planned trips, summer jobs, or whatever new things are to be enjoyed.  We want to remind you that the highways will be heavily travelled, so leave a little early in order to not be rushed.  Be careful if you are traveling alone about where you take rest stops.  It is wiser to stop at convenience stores, or where there are many people, than some of the public roadside rest stops.  Also, be aware that your friendly state troopers will be out in full force, with the sole purpose of keeping you safe!  Don’t let any distractions get in the way of safety, stay off the cell phone (hands free, only), NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING, and don’t drink and drive!

One pesky little detail I’d like to mention is that, according to the travel organization, AAA, there should be almost 35 million Americans traveling either by train, plane, or cruises.  For those that are doing so, or staying in hotels, the National Pest Management Association advises people to keep bed bug prevention and detection tips in mind. “The good news is that summer is finally here; the bad news is that bed bugs continue to lurk in places people typically visit during a vacation,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NPMA. “Although bed bugs are a year-round pest, people have a greater chance of picking up this hitchhiker during the summer as travel increases. Bed bugs are a souvenir no one wants to bring home.”

Here are several NPMA tips to help travelers remain bed bug-free. More information can be found at AllThingsBedBugs.org.

  • Pull back hotel bed sheets, inspect the mattress seams, box spring, around and behind the headboard, sofas and chairs for telltale brownish or reddish spots, shed skins or bugs.
  • Avoid putting luggage on the bed or upholstered furniture.
  • If changing rooms, be sure the new room is not adjacent to the possibly infested room.
  • Use a large plastic bag to store luggage.
  • Upon returning home, inspect and vacuum suitcases thoroughly before bringing them into the house.
  • Wash and dry clothes on hot – whether worn or not or have them dry cleaned.
  • Consumers suspecting an infestation should contact a licensed pest professional.

Many people are wondering if the high price of gasoline will affect travel, beginning this Memorial Day weekend.  The American Auto Club Association’s holiday travel projection that was released nationally, is that about 100,000 more Americans will be traveling this year than last.  According to the group, travelers will find other ways to compensate for the near record fuel costs by cutting down on other areas of their travel budgets.  Many may make the choices of less expensive vacations, such as hiking and other outings rather than more expensive meals and shopping.  And others may simply choose to stay home, maybe throw some ribs on the grill, and enjoy watching the big race, basketball playoffs, and baseball games.  That’s not such a bad idea.  Sometimes waiting to travel when it isn’t a holiday is safer.

It should be a long, hot summer, so stock up on sunscreen, and don’t forget those safety safety sunglasses, and earplugs for any loud events you plan to attend, say, the Indianapolis 500? Don’t overdo it in the sun.  A tan looks great until you get older, and then just adds to the wrinkles!

Most important of all, don’t forget the reason for this holiday.  Memorial Day is always celebrated in the United States on the last Monday of May.  This is a legal holiday that pays tribute to the memory of those who died while serving the United States in wars.  It was first observed in 1866.  We continue to honor those who gave their lives in the process of holding on to the freedoms that we enjoy.  We must also honor those who are now serving in far-away places, away from the celebration of family, and pray for their safe return.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Health Issues

LET’S “CLEAN UP” OUR ACT!

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There are “good germs” and “bad germs,” and many of those little critters can make us sick.  Our homes and offices all have bacteria, so let’s talk a little bit about how to clean up some of the stuff that harbors them.  One of the germiest items in your home is the remote control.  You should use a disinfectant swipe on it at least every two days, or if someone in your house is sick, every day.  Wait to do your channel surfing after you have prepared dinner because during food prep, you can transfer microbes like E.coli or salmonella to your clicker. 

We women love purses, so much so that they go everywhere we go.  That purse can pick up staph, salmonella, and even E.coli.  Don’t keep loose cash in your bag.  Paper money is the dirtiest thing there is.  Experts say that the flu virus can live on paper money for seventeen days.  Clean the inside of your purse with a vacuum crevice attachment, or a long bristled suede brush and dump crumbs into the trash.  Another good idea is to hang your purse up rather than placing it on restaurant or bathroom floors, where germs are just waiting to catch a ride.

Here is a list of some of the germiest places in our lives: 

  1. Phones.  Cell phones carry 500 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, according to Kelly Reynolds, PhD., an environmental microbiologist at the University of Arizona.  Many disease-causing microbes can survive for weeks on your rarely cleaned office or cell phone.  Swipe with a disinfecting wipe daily.
  2. Soap dispensers.  Ironically, this germ-fighting tool is a hot spot for E.coli and other bacteria.  Lathering your hands with soap and singing one round of “Happy Birthday” while washing them, will give you time to get rid of all the bugs.
  3. Keyboard and mouse.  A co-worker’s germs can linger on your computer.  Rhinovirus, (cause of the common cold), can survive from hours to days on surfaces like keyboards.  Even if you are the only one who uses your computer, wipe these down weekly with a disinfectant.
  4. Lobby elevator buttons.  These little knobs are loaded with everyone’s germs.  Let someone else press the button, or use your knuckle, and apply hand sanitizer.
  5. Shopping cart handles.  Up to 8 in 10 may have E.coli, so use the hand sanitizer the store offers for free, or keep some in your car or purse to use after shopping.  (I keep a bottle in the side pocket of my car door). 

Here are some ingredients that you probably have in your pantry that are good for cleaning: 

  • Rubbing alcohol.  Dilute with one-half water to wipe down remotes and remove fingerprints on appliances, including stainless.
  • Lemon juice.  Mix with cream of tartar to make a paste, then scrub into rust stains on bathtubs – leave it on for a few hours until the stain disappears.
  • Fresh lemon. Cut one in half, sprinkle with salt, and use it to clean cutting boards and bring shine back to copper pots and pans.
  • White vinegar.  This rivals the disinfecting power of bleach.  Mix equal parts vinegar and water to clean mirrors.  Dip a cloth in the mixture, wipe, and buff dry.
  • Baking soda.  Use to remove marks from hard surfaces and deodorize your fridge.  Make it into a paste with hydrogen peroxide (1/3 c. soda to 2/3 c. peroxide) to remove underarm stains from white clothing.

There are many earth-friendly cleaning products that will kill almost 100 per cent of germs for house or office cleaning.  Remember, practicing good hand hygiene is very important for the prevention of disease.  Teach your children to get into the habit of washing their hands often. 

Source: Health.com