Tag Archives: lists

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, Uncategorized

MEDICATION SAFETY WEEK, APRIL 1 – 7

The Women’s Heart Foundation sponsors this April observance to promote awareness about the importance of keeping accurate records and understanding about the medicines that we take.  The U.S.F.D.A. estimates that $77 billion is spent annually on preventable medication-related illnesses.  Listed below are suggestions from the Women’s Heart Foundation for us to do on each of the seven focus days:

  • April 1: Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet
    Start with a clean slate. Discard outdated medicines and old prescriptions. Many drugs lose their potency over time. Store medicines in their original containers and in a cool, dry place. Locate medicines away from children and pets and from those who do not understand.
  • April 2: Know Your Medicines
    Know both the generic and trade names of your medicines. Know how to identify pills and what they are for. Make a list of all the medicines you are taking. Write down both the generic and brand names of medicines to prevent inadvertently double-dosing. Be able to identify pills by name. List prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, birth control pills, patches and supplements. Keep the list updated and keep it with you at all times.
  • April 3: Read Medicine Labels Carefully
    Are you taking what your doctor ordered and the way he ordered it? Note precautionary stickers on the label. Note the route, dose and frequency of your medicines. Keep medicines in their original containers. Pay attention to warnings. Note that some medicines can react with foods; others have to be taken on an empty stomach. Some lose potency quickly and must be kept in an air-tight container. The effectiveness of many medicines is dependent upon taking them at the correct times. How the medicine is to be taken ––the route–– is also important (i.e. by mouth, through the skin, under the tongue, inhaling. etc.)
  • April 4: Dietary Supplements Awareness
    Before you start taking a dietary supplement,  discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.  Herbal medicines and other dietary supplements can react with medicines and have an unknown synergistic effect. All herbal preparations are contraindicated while pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • April 5: Organize Your Medicines
    Keep an updated record listing all medicines and supplements you are taking. Use of a medicine organizer box may be helpful, especially for those taking more than one pill several times a day, however, a medicine organizer box requires close monitoring, especially when there is a change in medicines. Also, be aware that use of an organizer box violates the rule of keeping medicines in their original containers. Managing pills with a medicine organizer box, while convenient, is not without risk. Take medicines as prescribed. New drugs with time-released action can offer some help with organizing with only once-a-day medicating. Ask your doctor about these newer medicines. Keep your medicine record up-to-date.
  • April 6: Transitional Care Awareness
    A change in medical regimen can be confusing and can place you at increased risk. Be diligent about communication with all healthcare professionals. Make sure you understand your medicines and how you are to take them before leaving the hospital or doctor’s office. Ask for written instructions. Be extra cautious whenever there is a change in your medical regimen. Double-check your medicines when picking up a new or refilled prescription. If in a hospital or nursing home, make sure the nurse checks your I.D. bracelet before giving you your pills. If a pill doesn’t look familiar, ask why. It may be a generic of the same drug you were taking however, if you don’t ask, you won’t know! Make sure you receive written instructions upon discharge from any medical facility and insist that both the generic and brand names of each drug you are to take is included.
  • April 7: Better Communication With Health Professionals
    Actively seek information from your pharmacist about the pills and the supplements that you are taking. Ask for print-out sheets on drugs and read them!  Discuss all risks and benefits with your prescribing practitioner. Share information about the medicines and supplements you are taking with all your prescribing practitioners and with your pharmacist. Discuss expected effects and possible side effects.  Report adverse drug effects promptly and never hesitate to ask questions when it comes your health and the use of medicines. Your doctor, healthcare practitioner and pharmacist are there to help…just ask!

We cannot be too careful when taking medications.   Communication is the key to the prevention of medication errors.  This excellent information is useful for individuals and sharing with co-workers.

Source: Women’s Heart Foundation