Category Archives: Health Issues

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Health Issues

FIVE TIPS FOR SAFE USE OF SWIMMING POOL CHEMICALS (GUEST POST)

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“Doctor, I store the chemicals in a shed by the pool. He must have gotten into them when I wasn’t looking. How old? He’s four.”

Chlorine is a chemical commonly accepted for use in pools to kill bacteria and control algae, and it does that function well. However, according to EPA.gov, it must be used with some caution, because it is a chemical which can also be used around the house for cleaning and as a disinfectant. So what does that mean for the average pool owner? Here are 5 tips which can allow the safe use of pool chemicals:

1) Don’t drink the water. Though chlorine will keep the walls and bottom of your pool clean, some safety precautions must be taken as part of maintaining a safe swimming pool. It may seem a bit obvious, but everyone who uses the pool must be instructed not to drink the pool water. This is especially important for young children, who as we all know, are prone to playing in the water, sometimes taking a mouthful of pool water to spew it out in the air or on a friend.  In the course of that, the child might accidentally or without thinking drink some of the water. Make it clear – don’t drink the water.

2) Know how to use the chemicals. Because everyone who uses the pool brings their own contaminants, the chlorine used in swimming pools must be stronger than in other uses. While a household cleaner might contain a two percent concentration of chlorine, swimming pool chemicals may contain from twelve to ninety five percent chlorine. The chlorine is not used at that strength, but will be diluted substantially before use in the swimming pool. The proper administration of pool chemicals is therefore best left to adults to assure they are handled correctly, and mixed in the proper proportions. Make sure to read the instructions and learn about how to safely use the products. If necessary, take a class at a local location on the proper use and mixing of chlorine for the pool.

3) Safety pays. As cautioned by HealthyPools.org, a number of chemical-related pool incidents have been reported recently, including many visits to the emergency room, from the improper handling of pool chemicals. If safety precautions are not taken when handling pool chemicals, injuries can occur: inhaling fumes when opening containers, or accidentally splashing chemicals in the eyes when trying to mix the chemicals. Always wear protective gear, such as glasses and gloves, when mixing the pool chlorine.

4) Be prepared in case of emergency. Although many precautions will lessen the likelihood of accidents related to pool chemicals, it is still wise to be prepared in case of an accident. EPA.gov describes a process to ensure minimal damage from this type of accident. First, the person affected should describe what exactly happened, and how they are affected – how and where did they come in contact, and what part of their body did it affect. If it is an accident related to the eyes, the EPA suggests rinsing the eyes for 15 to 20 minutes in the shower or under a faucet, then calling the poison control center or 911. If the chemical was inhaled, get the person to fresh air and then make the appropriate phone calls. Add the phone number of poison control to the list of emergency contact numbers.

5) Store it safely. According to HealthyPools.org, caution is the word for adult administering the pool chemicals – first make sure those chemicals are safely stored. It is imperative to store chemicals properly to prevent them from mixing or getting wet unintentionally. Equally important – store pool chemicals out of the reach of children and animals. No one wants to see a crying child come in the house because of accidental contact with pool chemicals.

Time spent to correctly administer chemicals will not only keep the pool clean, but make sure that no one gets hurt during pool maintenance time. Do it wisely, and it will never lead to that scary trip to the emergency room to treat a toddler exposed to chemicals.

Becky Flanigan is a freelance writer for InTheSwim.com.  She has 3 kids with her wonderful husband – two boys and a girl – and two lovely golden retrievers.  She spends hours at her family swimming pool, watching the kids and dogs splash and play.  She is also a runner, and diligently training for her first half marathon.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM ALONE (GUEST POST)

Why You Should Never Go to the Emergency Room Alone

A trip to the emergency room is rarely a fun experience. It can be traumatic in many instances. It is never a good idea to go to the emergency room alone when the emergency is life threatening or could escalate quickly. Medical professionals are usually very proficient in determining who should be informed of the emergency, but things can happen before a patient’s family can be notified and medical professionals are often dealing with unknown conditions.

Malpractice Can Occur Quickly 

Malpractice often occurs when a treatment professional is not aware of certain existing conditions. Conditions, such as, the patient taking prescription medications like Pradaxa, an anticoagulant that has no anecdote. Therefore, depending on the emergency, if the care needed is invasive then the patient could bleed out with no way of stopping it. The emergency room doctor may have no way of knowing this information and proceed in their efforts to save the patient’s life with no malicious intent to cause harm. Lack of malicious intent is not always acceptable in a malpractice claim, but can be a point of contention in defense when proving the difference between a “bad outcome” and “deviation”. An attorney at Bottar Leone, a medical malpractice lawyer in Syracuse NY, explains the difference as follows: “a health care provider must deviate from the standard of care. This means that the provider must fail to do what a reasonable doctor or nurse would have done under similar circumstances. In addition, that deviation must cause harm. A ‘bad outcome’ does not, in-and-of-itself, give rise to liability for professional negligence. Therefore, if the patient is incoherent and cannot provide answers to the standard questions normally asked before administering care then, designated individuals should be present. They should have up-to-date information about the patient’s medical history and a current list of prescription medications to assist with patient care decisions to help avoid malpractice.

Who Should Be Present 

The primary relative or individual’s spouse should be present at the emergency room because they are the most impacted individual. In traumatic situations, these individuals may need some additional support also, as decisions must be made quickly in many emergency room situations. Designating a conditional power of attorney to a trusted individual is a good idea in many cases. It is a good practice to establish this temporary power of attorney as a part of estate planning in case of emergency incapacity. In most states, this is automatically transferred to the spouse of any married patient, but can include children as well. It is important to note that a power of attorney is normally only appointed to an adult. The designation allows the appointed person to make decisions in the stead of the incapacitated party and ends when the patient becomes cognizant.

Alternate Attendants

If the primary emergency contact cannot be reached immediately, then the most trusted individual available should go to the emergency room also. They may be necessary for information and observance. Medications are regularly dispensed in the emergency room and information on allergies and medical conditions, such as diabetes or hemophilia, could be needed. It is very important for the actual decision makers to arrive as soon as possible, but a substitute is also very important until that time.

Draw Up a Living Will Beforehand

It is always a good practice to either file an active documented living will or explain your wishes to someone in the case of needed life support. Some religions actually prevent this treatment necessity, but the duty of the medical professional is to keep the patient alive. All other decisions are family decisions, or at least a duly-appointed representative. The medical facility will ask for a living will designation in emergency situations requiring life support. Normally, individuals do not have a living will in place when an emergency arises and instructions in care are sometimes necessary from a valid third-party representative. Temporary life support is used regularly in situations where the patient has a good prognosis for recovery. It is a very serious decision and is not always a permanent result of the emergency condition.

It is a fact of life that an emergency is exactly what it is called. It is an emergency, and optimum conditions rarely apply. A small amount of prevention can be worth a large amount of cure if the individual is prepared to expect the unexpected. Always communicate to the appropriate party what your wishes are in case of incapacity and include the desire of a representative or witness in case of a visit to the emergency room. Never go to the emergency room alone.

Kelly Dennie is a freelance writer with aging out-of-state in-laws, one of which suffered a stroke and was alone in the emergency room with no one to watch over his care. These symptoms could suggest a heart attack or stroke; yet, were overlooked and ignored by busy emergency room doctors deviating from normal practices creating grounds for malpractice.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

INFLUENZA UPDATE – JANUARY 8, 2013

In the U.S., influenza is widespread over eighty percent of the country.  There are three particular strains that are circulating – the  H3N2, is the dominant one this year, and can cause a more serious illness.  Because vaccines were given for both A and B strains of influenza, the third strain doesn’t respond to those shots.  

Some persons became infected before receiving the vaccination, or shortly after the vaccination.  The flu shot takes time to become effective.  Doctors state that even if you get a strain not included in the flu shot, the vaccination should reduce the severity of the illness.  The flu is spreading earlier and faster this year. 

Anyone who is at least 6 months old should get a flu vaccine this season.  Those to whom it is especially important to receive the vaccine are:

  1. People with certain medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
  2. Pregnant women.
  3. Persons 65 years and older.
  4. People who live with or care for others who are at risk of developing serious       complications such as asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. 

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs.  Some cases are mild to severe; however, the flu can be lethal.  Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness, chills, head and body aches, runny nose, and occasionally diarrhea and vomiting.  Some people with these symptoms, however, may not have the flu.  Many are being treated for bronchitis or severe allergies. 

The flu is spread through contact with bodily discharges.  When someone infected sneezes or coughs around them, chances are they will also become infected.  Things that we touch, such as elevator buttons, phones, keyboards, salt shakers, and other items in public places make us all susceptible to it. 

If you are ill, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.  Wash your hands very often, and keep hand sanitizer handy.  Use disinfectant sprays in the home to kill germs.

Last, but not least, stay home if you are sick.  Do not be in a rush to return to school or work until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.  During seasons that bring contagious diseases, it’s not a bad idea to stay home and away from crowds as much as possible.  Some folks may be coming down with something, yet are unaware of it until they actually get sick. 

Stay well, my friends!

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

SIX NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR KIDS (GUEST POST)

New Year’s Eve is almost here, and with that brings the famed New Year’s resolutions.  Adults everywhere are reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the next, finding places where they can improve their lives.  Parents often make big plans to change habits and behaviors with this fresh start, and these plans often include their children.  Here are a few New Year’s Resolutions you could work with your child to make.

Keep my belongings organized – The first thing that parents need to recognize about this resolution is that it very likely means something very different to your child.  Children typically have unique ways of keeping things organized.  This frequently stirs friction between child and parent because mom and dad might believe “organized” means that everything is folded, put away neatly and out of sight, while their child might consider things organized if he can find his underwear in the morning.  This is a great opportunity for parents to connect with their child.  Sitting down and discussing the differences between your view of organization and theirs can actually help a child if it is done though positive conversation.  Giving him freedom in this area can go a long way in helping him discover what his organization style is.  If there are rules in common areas, parents should be clear about those, but should also allow their child to control how he organizes his own space. This will help him learn to keep it all together.

Drink water with every meal. Most people do not drink enough water; this is true for adults and children.  Telling a child she cannot have soft drinks or juices anymore will cause aggravation in the child and will only work to make her sneak them elsewhere.  By setting the rule that everyone drinks water with each meal, this healthy liquid is introduced without the ban on other drinks altogether.

Practice the sport, art or activity of their choice for 30 min every day.  Everyone has hobbies or skills they want to improve.  Children often beg parents for lessons to learn to play piano or be in basketball, but after the first few weeks of lessons, the excitement fades when they learn they have to practice.  Parents can help their children set the goal to practice by finding their own new skill to work on. This way parents and children can work in unison to improve themselves in at least one way.

I will talk to one new person every week at school.  This is a great resolution for the child that has a hard time making friends and connections.  It can seem like a leap of faith for a timid child to make new friends, which is why it is so important to start with just one conversation.  Maybe only one in every five conversations end in some kind of friendship, but then in a little over a months’ time your child will have a new friend and be confident enough to make more.

I will try one new food a week.   Children tend to eat the same foods every week.  This is due in part to the fact that these foods are easy to make and because parents are tired of fighting with their children to eat new and more healthy foods.   This approach addresses the problem in steps.  It does not require the child eat entire meals that he hates, just one new food a week.  Make the new food three or four times during the week so that he gets a chance to try just one bite a few times.  Parents should try to make the experience fun and set a good example by eating the food alongside him.

I will help one person every day without being asked.  Generosity is a character trait most people believe is absent in children these days.  Parents can inspire the development of this habit by encouraging their children to find one person to help or to do one helpful activity each day without being asked to do it.  Keep a chart of these activities and praise the big-heartedness that it brings. Try to avoid “rewarding” these activities with material positions because part of generosity is not expecting anything in return.  Instead give rewards with kind words and gratitude.

Change is best done with someone else.  If parents want to encourage their child to make these transformations, the best way to do so is to make the changes along with their child.  Find one or two small changes that you and your child can work together to make, then connect and talk about the successes and the challenges of altering this habit every week.  If you do, then by this time next year both you and your child will be healthier, happier and more connected to each other.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH (GUEST POST)

By Jack Rubinger www.DuraLabel.com

403-469-3024 – jarubinger@graphicproducts.com 

Mine Safety & Health – New DVD from Graphic Products 

Portland, OR – Graphic Products, the world’s leading industrial label printer and supplier, has released “Mine Safety & Health”— a mining safety DVD created to generate increased awareness about the dangers of mining and to offer safety sign and label solutions. Mining disasters are dramatic and extremely dangerous. Know what to expect and how to lead workers to safety with this free DVD, which is available to those who fill out a form located at http://duralabel.com/free-gifts/free-msha-mining-dvd.php. 

Fires, cave-ins, explosions and other disasters hit miners and their families hard and safety signs and labels must perform 24/7/365 under some of the harshest conditions imaginable – deep underground, covered by soot and dust and in the dark and frigid cold. 

Clocking in at more than one hour, this value-packed DVD, viewable in both Spanish and English, educates viewers about chemical hazards, the dangers of dust and introduces the  DuraLabel Toro, the first 4-inch, battery-powered, fully network-independent printer that can go anywhere — making it ideal for miners. 

Compared to traditional vinyl cutters, which are slow and cumbersome, DuraLabel printers produce a wide range of labels in just minutes. 

“Mine equipment operators, mill operators and maintenance personnel face dangers every day, but traditional safety sign ordering methods are costly and too slow to make an immediate impact on safety,” explained Steve Stevenson, Chief Marketing Officer, Graphic Products, Inc. “Many Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) managers still dig through thick catalogs in search of just the right sign with the correct dimensions, colors and MSHA compliant language. Requisitions slow the process further. Ordering custom signs from sign shops is expensive and slow — especially for delivery to remote locations. Ordering signs from catalogs hinders getting signs up quickly.”  

The good news? Thermal transfer printers from Graphic Products, Inc. may be ordered directly and delivered overnight to remote sites. Almost immediately, users can create all the signs and labels needed and they’ll perform anywhere in and around the mine. Thermal transfer printers use heat to literally “bake” on graphics and text to vinyl and other supplies which have been tested to perform under the most demanding conditions. 

Signs and labels impact every inch of every mine. While no two mines are alike, most will benefit from traffic signs, facility signs, no smoking/cell phone signs, mine permit boundary signs and identification tags for exploration as well as pipe markers, valve tags and high voltage and Arc Flash NFPA70E signs. 

Graphic Products, Inc. manufactures mobile and wide-format labeling systems used by mining operations, manufacturers, international shipping lines, distribution centers, and oil refineries worldwide. Customers include Amazon.com, Boeing, Intel and Toyota. 

To underscore its commitment to visual communications, Graphic Products provides a growing selection of free published articles, best practice guides, handbooks, webinars, blogs, and informational videos. 

Graphic Products offers more than 50 unique labeling supplies for virtually any industrial demand, as well as advanced labeling systems for any size job. DuraLabel and Graphic Products have solved problems in the industrial safety arena for more than 40 years. For more information, visit www.DuraLabel.com, call 800-788-5572 or email Jack Rubinger at jarubinger@graphicproducts.com.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

TRUCKING INTO A HEALTHIER FUTURE (GUEST POST)

Author Introduction

Hank Barton is a second generation trucker-philosopher with a penchant for the written word. He enjoys blogging about long haul trucking, safe driving practices and life on the open road. He writes for E-Gears, an online CDL Practice Test authority that specializes in a variety of study guides. 

For those going into the trucking industry, planning ahead in terms of health and fitness may be the key to a long and fruitful career. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is implementing rules that will require that truck drivers get a physical to identify health problems that can be a safety concern. Unfortunately, there are a number of health concerns truckers face which are inherent to the trucker lifestyle. 

A 2007 study by the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that 86 percent of truck drivers were overweight and the majority of those were obese.  Aside from the more obvious safety issues stemming from being overweight or obese, such as heart attacks or diabetic shock, many truck drivers suffer from sleep apnea, which may disrupt sleep such that a driver ends up tired or falling asleep on the road. Additionally, studies suggest that a majority of truck drivers are smokers, compounding the health concerns. 

Current truck drivers suffering these health conditions may be in jeopardy of being unable to renew their trucking license and potential truck drivers are wise now to plan on avoiding these pitfalls. According to FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro, “Better health means safer drivers behind the wheel.” A safer driver is a more marketable driver and now, the health regulations make a certain degree of physical fitness essentially part of the job. Not to mention, healthy truckers also spend much less on health insurance. 

Sadly, until recently, truckers have hardly been catered to in regard to providing healthy options. However, the recent focus on the safety issues presented by this lack have shifted some focus toward providing help for truck drivers who want to stay healthy and keep on trucking. 

While it may be easy for a person in great or even moderate physical condition to think that they can maintain their health while on long hauls, there are a number of things to consider. 

The Eating Healthy Conundrum 

We are not using many calories when we are on the road, so the main goal here is to consume fewer calories. The lion’s share of truck stop food may taste great as well as save time, but is fat and calorie heavy. Fast food and buffets are not kind to the waist line. Fortunately, some truck stops are now offering healthier menu options. Still, the best option is having a small refrigerator and microwave on board. This can keep your healthy options much more varied and appealing. Also, as we are all too aware, eating truck stop food is quite expensive so packing store bought food can save a good deal of money in addition to the health benefit. 

A good multivitamin is also advisable. We put the right fuel into our rig, but we often forget our body is a machine that needs the right fuel too. On the same hand, beware of diet pills or extreme diets. Many of these pills are largely untested and have side effects that could be catastrophic for someone driving a large truck. Extreme diets also often a side effect of fatigue that can be dangerous on the road. 

Working Out with Sedentary Work 

Exercise is a difficult issue for many truck drivers. It is also a critical part of staying healthy. In a job where the bulk of the work is done seated, creativity is the key. Walking and stretching at truck stops is always a good idea. Some truckers have even taking to packing a fold-up bicycle they can ride at stops, which is a great idea since cardio is going to be the best weapon against an excess of calories. There are also a number of stationary cardio exercises every trucker would do well to add to their repertoire, such as jumping jacks, mountain climbers, crunches, flutter kicks, etc. 

One promising prospect is that gyms have begun to look toward a trucker clientele. Snap Fitness is a 24-7 gym that recently opened its first truck stop location and there are plans to open five more around the country this year. While this may not be an option for many right now, it does mean that the future of fitness on the road does not look so bleak. 

Whatever road you choose to take in taking care of your health, remember that your body can break down just as easily as your truck. Give it the necessary maintenance to keep it running for yourself, for the people who love you, and to be a better truck driver.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

DANGERS OF FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM (GUEST POST)

By Agnes Embile Jiminez

Proper food storage is a mirage to many a people in the kitchen, whether in eateries or domestic kitchens. The quality of food is commensurate to its means of storage, making food storage techniques a must-have for all. Proper storage of food can only be undertaken by having the appropriate storage equipment, and also by correctly handling food within it. The toxicity of food emanates from its storage material and handling of the material; making food storage and handling a very important element of culinary undertaking. 

Plastic containers form a great bulk of the food storage and package materials in our eateries and home kitchens. Unbeknown to many, plastic can be a hazardous storage material when it comes to food storage. This is because plastic is made up of harmful chemical compounds which may poison food stored in it, if that food is heated within the plastic-based storage material. Plastic containers have toxic compounds such as PVC, phthalates and Biphenyl-A, and as such are unsafe when used for culinary purposes, irrespective of the prevailing thermal or chemical dynamics. The latter chemical is used in the manufacture of synthetic estrogen, and can therefore lead to hormonal imbalance if ingested. The use of microwave to warm food causes the emission of these harmful compounds and that would compromise the health of individuals who consume such foods. The safest way to warm food is by doing it in a non-plastic material, if it is not to be done using a microwave (to avoid the dangers of electrocution), or using a metal-based equipment if it is on a cooker. 

Unsafe dish-washing habits can also lead to the transfer of plastic-based toxic substances into food. High heating of plastics as a measure of removing grime or heavy coat of oil should not be done to plastic-based food storage equipment because a lot of toxic substances are released, and which could come into contact with the food which would be stored in those containers. An alternative measure is to wash the dish in lukewarm water. 

The best way to avoid the toxicity of plastic compounds is by having an overhaul of the plastic storage containers, and introducing glassware into the kitchen. It goes without saying that the plastic equipment is not only harmful to our health, but also to the entire environment and so you should be in the know on how to store your food properly. For more information about how to store your food properly, check like for food insurance on Facebook.

 

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TIPS (GUEST POST)

By Jakob Barry

It’s the holiday shopping season which means just about everyone will be heading to a mall at some point over the coming weeks. Even if you never go to one the entire year chances are you’ll be entering a store somewhere with the intention of purchasing a gift for a loved one or friend.

At the same time it’s important to keep in mind holiday shopping can be stressful, especially when you can’t find what you’re looking for and are running out of time. Even if you aren’t the one feeling the pressure others around you are which makes the perfect ingredients for unfortunate accidents and misunderstandings.

For a safer journey this shopping season keep the following tips in mind.

1. Make a list
It’s a safe bet making a list can prevent unnecessary rushing around and the potential for accidents. Why? One of the most frustrating things is when there’s a lot to do, a number of errands to run, things to pick up and just when we think it’s all under control we realize we forgot to get something at a previous location.

Then, with so much going on in our lives and all kinds of timetables and schedules to keep staying focused is a challenge and frustration sets in. With millions of other shoppers out doing the same thing a list can come in handy and keep us safer than we realize.

2. Drive safely
Even if a list was made be reasonable with your time and don’t rush, especially with driving. Plan shopping with enough time to compensate for long lines and lots of traffic, as there are a lot of other people on the road who also have goals they are trying to meet and may get an itch to speed.

Keep an eye on the road and on everyone around you as driving this time of year may just be a real obstacle course.

3. Watch the weather
Driving carefully is one thing but when the weather gets bad extra precautions are needed. Check the forecast before going out and if things get messy make sure to keep distance between other vehicles.  Also, dress accordingly. This means if bitter cold air moves in don’t rely on heat from your car or inside the mall. Bring what’s necessary to be self sufficient so you stay healthy throughout the holiday season.

4. Stay hydrated:
Believe it or not, shopping can take a lot out of a person and dehydration, even in the winter can occur. This is particularly true when being exposed to a lot of dry heat like in department stores.  For this reason make sure to drink enough water and stay away from sodas and sugar drinks. Not only are they less healthy but will dry you out faster. 

5. Hygiene:
When it comes to safety and shopping we often forget many items we touch were already touched by countless other people. Hangers, changing rooms, bathrooms, railways, door handles, checkout counters, and more. What they all have in common is the likelihood of having been in contact with germs that can be picked up easily when we aren’t careful.

Always remember to wash hands before eating or putting them anywhere near the mouth. This will also prevent the transfer of germs to others we may be traveling with such as children or friends.

Jakob writes for Winston Salem, N.C. flooring contractors

Thanks, Jakob, for these great tips for successful and healthy shopping for the holidays.  It would be wise to carry some hand sanitizer along, for those times when a rest room is not close by. 

Also, to our readers, Texas America Safety Company, tasco-safety.com, is still offering free shipping on gift orders placed before Christmas.  Check out some of our great products that would make someone very happy. Pat

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

NOT FUN, BUT FLU FACTS FOR DECEMBER, 2012.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the “bug” is back, and earlier than it has been in almost ten years.  It is predicted to be an especially bad flu season for some Americans.  Suspected flu cases have jumped in five states, and the primary strain circulating is one that tends to make people sicker, especially the elderly.  This years’ bug is H3N2; fortunately, the vaccine that was developed for this year is well matched to the strains of flu seen this year.  Also, one-third of Americans have been vaccinated so far this year. 

The CDC’s flu-tracking system’s reports are a week old the day they are made, since it takes time for reports to reach them.  These are based directly on physician-reported illnesses.  The CDC’s flu tracking system shows that flu-like illnesses are widespread in five states:

Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.  Georgia and Missouri have moderate levels of activity. 

WebMD’s Cold and Flu Map, based on cold and flu symptoms entered into the WebMD Symptom Checker, shows “severe” flu activity in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and South Dakota.  Moderate to severe activity is reported in southeastern, south central, and central states, as well as Alaska and Hawaii. 

Dr. Thomas Frieden, Director of the CDCP, predicts it is shaping up to be a bad flu season, however, only time will tell.  There are ample supplies of the flu vaccine; manufacturers have shipped 123 million of this year’s expected 135 million doses of the flu vaccine.  Dr. Frieden reports that last year had no shortage of the vaccine and they expect it won’t fall short this year. 

So, if you haven’t received your vaccination, do so now, so your holidays won’t be spoiled.  That way, you don’t risk giving it to your friends, families, or co-workers.  If you do become sick, please stay at home and try to not come in close contact with others.  Washing your hands or using anti-bacterial hand wash will help kill germs.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

Five Ways Technology is Messing Up Our Sleep (Guest Post)

Sent to us by Hannah Howard –

We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is important, but just how important is it? Well, according to Dr. David F. Dinges of the Division of Sleep and Chronobiology and Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the first signs of lack of sleep are irritability and moodiness. If the person continues to not get enough rest, they will eventually start to experience apathy, slowed speech and flattened emotional responses, impaired memory, and an inability to be novel or to multitask. If you still do not take notice and get some shut eye, then what comes next can be physically disastrous. As you near the point of falling asleep on your feet, you will experience micro-sleeps of approximately 5 to 10 seconds. Those seconds mean that you can nod off while driving or doing other dangerous activities and drastically increase the risk of getting into an accident and harming yourself or another person.
At this point, you might be wondering what the correlation is between a lack of sleep and technology. Did you know that staring at a brightly lit screen or performing vigorous mental or physical activities an hour before trying to sleep can make it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, or enter REM sleep, which is the kind of deep sleep that your body needs? Also, your body needs uninterrupted sleep to be fully rested and refreshed. Recently, a poll taken by the National Sleep Foundation found the following uses of technology that can impact sleep:
1. Television

Watching television an hour or less before bedtime means that not only are you staring at a brightly lit screen, but chances are you are watching something that gets your adrenaline pumping, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Here are the people guilty of this:

  • 67% of Baby Boomers (age 46-64)
  • 63% of Generation X (age 30-45)
  • 49% of Generation Y (age 19-29)
  • 50% Generation Z (age 13-18)

2. Computer

Playing games, reading emails, and even doing work on your laptop, desktop, or iPad is a recipe for sleeplessness. If you have to read on your electronic device then try turning the screen down as low as possible to reduce backlight exposure. Darkness signals to your brain that it is time to wind down.

  • 61% of people use a computer an hour before bed at least a few nights a week
  • 47% of Generation Y and 55% of Generation Z use the computer every night

3. Video Games

Playing a video game is a great way to have fun, but not such a great way to get a good night’s sleep. Who plays games just before bed? You might be surprised:

  • 12% of Baby Boomers
  • 15% of Generation X
  • 36% of Generation Y

4. Cell Phone

We all love to text our friends and family good night, but doing so right before bed time means more time spent staring at a tiny, glowing screen. Who is guilty of this sleep faux pas?

  • Only 5% of Baby Boomers
  • 15% of Generation X
  • 42% of Generation Y
  • 56% of Generation Z

5. Waked Up

Like I said before, getting a full night’s rest without interruption is the key to waking up rested and refreshed. However, many of us are waked up several times a week by phone calls, texts, email, or notifications. I think it is time to put the phone on silent for these groups:

  • 20% of Generation Y and 18% of Generation Z are waked at least a few nights a week

These statistics shed new light on our sleeping and technology habits. What bad habits are you guilty of that mess with your sleep? Are you getting the recommended 8 hours of sleep every night, uninterrupted? What can you change to help your body get the sleep it needs?

Thank you, Hannah, for pointing out many of the ways that we could simplify our lives and get our needed rest by following your advice. Pat