Tag Archives: S.A.F.E

General Safety Issues

WHY MORE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE TURNING TO CAR LEASING (GUEST POST)

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If you run a small to medium sized business, you have lots of choices when it comes to financing your company cars. With a wide choice of purchase, car lease and contract hire deals available; it can be tough to find the right option for your business.

Now, the UK’s leading business car finance provider, Lex Autolease, says that more and more companies are turning to business car leasing. But why is a business car lease a good choice for a small company? Keep reading to find out.

More and more small and medium sized businesses turning to car leasing in the UK

Lex Autolease report that they increased the size of their small and medium sized customer base by 22 per cent in 2012. More than 9,400 new SMEs chose to lease or buy their cars through Lex Autolease last year and the market leader believes that even more SMEs are ready to use contract hire and car leasing in the UK in 2013.

Tony Murtagh, head of SME at Lex Autolease, said: “Small and medium sized companies have a crucial role to play in helping to improve the UK’s economic fortunes. A large percentage of these businesses rely upon their safe vehicles to carry out their day to day operations and we want to provide them with the support they need to keep on the road.

“The support that we offer includes helping them to select the most appropriate type of vehicle for their business, analysing the different funding options available and guidance on how to best manage fuel costs.”

Over the last year, smaller companies have also become more aware of the costs associated with running business vehicles and, according to Lex Autolease, SMEs are increasingly choosing more fuel efficient cars. This has resulted in a 10 per cent drop in the average CO2 emissions across the firm’s SME customer base from 148g/km in 2010 to 135g/km last year.

It is clear that the number of small and medium sized businesses using car leasing and contract hire is increasing. But, why should you use a business car lease if you are a SME? We answer this question next.

Why you should use a business car lease for your small business

Ralph Morton, editor of Business Car Manager magazine says that ‘the beauty of using a business car lease for an SME is the access to new cars or Car finance, new technology and better running costs at discounts that large fleets usually enjoy.’

Car leasing only requires a small lump sum up front (typically three or six months payments) which can help your cashflow. And, whether you choose to contract hire through your company (a business car lease with VAT benefits) or use a personal lease (Personal Contract Hire) you will have access to a brand new car every three or four years.

Bear in mind that you will tie yourself into a contract which can be expensive to cancel if your company’s circumstances change. You should also carefully monitor the mileage and condition of the car to avoid additional charges at the end of the leasing agreement.

However, Mr Morton says that, if you own a small or medium sized business ‘there’s much to recommend the leasing experience.’

Author Bio:

Written by Vincent Hill

Sherwood Garage provides people in search of Car Dealer Glasgow with the best selection they can choose from. For years now, Sherwood Garage have delivered the exceptional service of delivering admirable and safe types of cars to our clients’ garages.

Thank you, Vincent.  We feel sure our American small to medium businesses want the best ways to ensure their fleet vehicles are safe and convenient to acquire. pb

Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFE ACCESS AND EGRESS (GUEST POST)

Another great article send to us by Jason of  riskatmedia 

Access and egress refer to the rate or means of entry and exit to a workplace or work area.  Routes that provide access and egress should be controlled, safe, suitably constructed, kept free of obstructions and well maintained.  Serious injury can result from hazards such as fires, slips and trips, contact with moving vehicles, unauthorised entry into hazardous work areas, falls into floor openings and falls into water, when access and egress arrangements are not properly maintained.

We will cover each of these hazards in turn during the course of this presentation, and will demonstrate the importance of maintaining safe access and egress arrangements. 

Site Access

It is extremely important to always know who is on site at any given time, and aware of personnel present in a particular work area.  In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, it will then be possible to determine whether anyone has been unable to evacuate the site.  It will also be possible to direct rescue services to the appropriate work area.  You should, therefore, always follow the appropriate access control procedures every time you enter or exit a site or a controlled work area. 

Egress Routes

Egress routes need to be clearly marked out, well lit, unobstructed and well maintained if they are to allow personnel and others on site to exit quickly in the event of an emergency.  For these reasons, you should never lay down or store tools, equipment, work pieces or other items on routes of egress.  Operations should be planned so that they do not damage egress routes, and any accidental damage should be rectified immediately.

Contain and report any spills that are likely to affect egress routes.  Holes should be repaired, covered, or guarded and reported.  And you should consider whether any waste water runoff produced as a result of your operations is likely to affect egress routes.  Most importantly, make sure that you are familiar with the egress route from your work area and from the site, so that you can quickly and safely exit the work place in the event of an emergency. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Egress routes are often also access routes, and part of your work area. But even when they are not, access routes and work areas should be kept in a safe, unobstructed and well maintained condition, as this can help to reduce the risk of dangerous slip and trip accidents.

Slips and trips represent a significant cause of work related injury.  Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes.  Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires.  By removing debris, slag, packaging and other waste materials to waste skips, you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping.  You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables or air hoses that you use, by placing fixed covers over small holes in flooring, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate footwear, by holding the handrails when you use stairs or access ladders, by considering whether the environment in which you will be working increases the risk of slips and trips and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and appropriately containing any spills that you might discover.

Mobile Plant

Each year, a number of people die as a result of being struck by a moving or falling object.  In most cases, these deaths involved accidents relating to vehicles in the work place.  It is important to separate vehicles and pedestrians in your work area, and to remember that only suitably trained, certified and authorised people should operate mobile plant, that you should always be aware of vehicle movements within your workplace and that you stick to pedestrian routes when going to or leaving your work area. 

Arrangement of your Work Area

Your work area should be organised to ensure that you have enough height and space for access and egress, as well as to move around and carry out operations safely.  Low level ceilings or pipe-work should be highlighted.  Particular safe working procedures are required in work areas with limited access and egress, including confined spaces. 

Hazardous Work Areas

Access restrictions, such as barriers, are required for hazardous work areas.  Machine shops, elevated work platforms, confined spaces, roofs, floor openings and work areas over or near water pose significant hazards and it should not be possible for unauthorised personnel to enter these areas.  Please stick to designated pedestrian walkways if you need to walk past or through these work areas and do not be tempted to cross barriers or take unnecessary short cuts.  If you need to work in a hazardous area, you must follow the specific access procedures for your work area.  This may include access control and equipment control.  You may not be able to take personal items into certain work areas, such as confined spaces.  You will also need to be familiar with the rescue plan established for some work areas, including confined spaces and work areas near water.  If you operate powered access equipment, you must be suitably trained and authorised. 

Floor Openings

All floor openings should be guarded by scaffold barriers and toe boards, and appropriate warning signs should be displayed to prevent falls.  Personnel working within the barrier must wear a safety harness attached to secure anchor points.  When operations are suspended for significant periods, additional precautions should be considered, including fixed covers.  Covers should be made of a suitable, load bearing material. 

Working Over or Near Water

Safe access and egress routes to and from work areas near or over water should be established.  Buoyancy aids should be available and a first aid box should be provided at the operational site.  Work over water requires specialist scaffolding which should be erected by fully trained personnel.  You should never interfere with safeguards or make unauthorised alterations to this scaffolding.  All personnel who work near water should be trained in resuscitation techniques and they should never work alone.  An in situ risk assessment should be conducted to determine whether additional controls are necessary to prevent falls into the water, which may result in drowning, the ingestion of pollutants, exposure to water borne diseases and resultant illness.  Additional controls may include full netting of the scaffold, harnesses and safety lines, life jackets and a rescue boat.  If a rescue boat is required, two experienced personnel should serve as crew.  Consideration should be given to whether the water is tidal, deep or on an estuary, whether strong currents prevail and whether there are straight sided banks, in determining how rescue will be affected. Particular hazards and risks to the boat crew will also need to be assessed, and a shore based supervisor may need to be provided.  Radio and mobile communications should be established.

 

Guest Post Riskatmedia – Safety Training Videos

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

LASIK: A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR VISION PROBLEMS (GUEST POST)

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By Emily Joseph

Has this situation happened to you: You spend an hour choosing a movie with your partner and finding the right time and place to see it. You buy your ticket online – spending at least $12 per ticket – before heading over, waiting in line to get into the theater, then waiting in line to get your snacks, until you finally take off your jacket and sit down to watch the movie. And that’s when it hits you. As the lights go down you realize you will not be able to enjoy the movie: you forgot your glasses.

If you have found yourself in this situation – or some version of it – chances are you have also considered getting LASIK surgery. But if you are like most people, you do not take the decision lightly. That is smart. After all, despite being quick and easy, LASIK surgery is still surgery. You should make sure to discuss your particular situation with your doctor. But if you’re looking for more information about why LASIK is safe and effective – and could be the right choice for you – then read on. Below are answers to some of the most frequent questions about LASIK surgery.

Q: What happens in LASIK surgery?

A: During LASIK surgery, you will first be put under anesthesia. Then the surgeon will make a flap in your cornea, and use a laser to reshape the underlying cornea. He or she will be finished in less than a half hour, without having caused any pain, though there will be a little pressure.

Q: How common are complications arising from LASIK surgery?

A: While there is always a risk for complication involved in any medical procedure, the risks from LASIK surgery are relatively low. Before you are accepted as a patient, the doctor will perform a full examination to find any factors – e.g. dry eyes – that could increase the risk of complications.

Q: What vision problems can LASIK surgery address?

A: LASIK surgery can’t cure all vision problems, but it can help many of them. People with impaired vision are good candidates. Sufferers of myopia, also known as nearsightedness, hyperopia, aka farsightedness and astigmatism, the usual culprit behind blurry vision, are also good candidates for LASIK.  Of course, you should speak to your doctor about your personal health situation.

Q: Can I afford LASIK surgery?

A: Any responsible adult considers the cost of a medical procedure before electing it. Most people can afford LASIK surgery, but prices do vary. On average, the surgery costs approximately $2,150 for each eye or about $4,000 for both, according to AllAboutVision.com. Considering the cost of contacts – about $300/year – the surgery will begin to pay for itself after about twelve years for those who wear contacts.

Q: Will insurance cover the cost of LASIK surgery?

A: Though most insurers will not cover the full cost of LASIK surgery, you should check the details of your health plan to be sure about the status of yours. Some health plans might not cover the full price tag but will cover part of it.

Q: How successful is LASIK surgery in solving vision problems?

A: LASIK has been shown to serve its patients well. Elissa Shuler Adair, PhD, manager of health care research for Consumer Reports Health, says that 86% of people under forty who have had LASIK were still sans glasses nine years after undergoing the surgery.

About the author:  Emily Joseph is a writer for QualSight.  When’s she not busy writing or reviewing LASIK doctors, she spends her free time reading classic literature and listening to her favorite records.

General Safety Issues

Ten Breeds of Dogs that CoExist Well With Children (Guest Post)

There is good reason for dogs to be called man’s best friend: they are loyal, loveable and playful. But when your kids start begging for a new puppy, you need to do some homework.  There may be some breeds that simply don’t create a safe environment for small children.  Here is a list of loyal and lovable pets that kids will enjoy.
1. Blue Lacy – Not that well known, Lacys are the epitome of loyalty. They are protective provided you show them love, and can be roughhoused with playful children. They don’t mind the ear pulling or the tail pulling; most of them understand that it is a child they are dealing with. Just keep them active and eating right, and you will have a best friend for 12 to 15 years.
2. Beagle – The star of the childhood book “Shiloh,” young beagles are lovable and playful. When trained properly, they are about as loyal as a dog can get.
3. Golden Retriever – Perhaps the most popular dog on this list, golden retrievers are known worldwide for being loyal and outgoing. They work well with kids and can handle some rough play. They are also highly intelligent, which is why many of them are used as helper dogs.
4. Labrador – A type of retriever, the ‘lab’ is an eternally loyal and loving pet. Because of their heightened sense of smell, labs are used by the military and police to track down drugs or guns. While that trait doesn’t help you in your family, it does show that they are good with all kinds of people.
5. Bull Dog – The bull dog makes this list because it is generally the most protective. When bull dogs make an attachment to a family, they will protect that family. With some proper training, your kids will love the slobbering small statured dogs.
6. Collie – Made famous by “Lassie,” collies are great and active dogs. They are also highly intelligent and can be trained to fit your family needs. You just have to make sure that you give them plenty of playtime, and they will form a loyal bond with your family.
7. Pug – As adorable as they are ugly, pugs are rarely aggressive and work well with children. They can be playful one day and docile the next, depending on their mood. Some pugs will face health problems later in their lives, so regular visits to the vets is something you will have to keep in mind.
8. Poodle – As surprising as it sounds, poodles can be very good with kids. There are a variety of poodles to choose from, some more laid back than most. As an added bonus, many of the breeds have hypo-allergenic, meaning that the fur won’t bother your allergies.
9. Saint Bernard – Slow, big and lovable, Saint Bernards can hold a special place with a family. Also, as an added bonus, many cartoons depict the dogs as rescue dogs that carry little wooden flasks of booze around their necks. And cartoons never embellish the truth.
10. A mutt – To go down to the local pound and pick out your dog of choice is one of the more rewarding aspects of dog ownership. You fall in love with a dog and you get the chance to save it. Many mutts are thankful to get out of the cage, and will be your family’s friend for life.

Molly, thank you for this insight into choosing the right breed of dog for your children.  We have had just about every type of dog known, and have found that the mutts are usually the best choice.  As you said, you are not only saving a precious life, but you are creating the gift of unconditional love that your family will receive for years to come.
Molly Cunningham – Liveinnanny.com 

General Safety Issues

TOY SAFETY NEWS FOR 2011

One of the most important of Santa’s projects is making sure that all toys that little girls and boys receive are safe.  All of Santa’s helpers out there should be doing the same!  After all, not only is this his busiest time of the year; he has to check all his lists to see who has been naughty or nice!  

Inez Tenenbaum, Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, has issued an important message regarding safe toys.  After 2007, the year of the recall, the voice of parents was clear.  Congress called for CPSC put into place new toy safety rules, which ensure that excessive amounts of toxic metals, like lead, stay out of children’s products.  Many toy makers heard parents, too, and have taken safety conscious steps to rebuild your trust in them.

CPSC announced that there this year there were four recalls of toys because of lead, and only three recalls from lead in the previous year.  So far, there have been a total of 34 toy recalls in 2011.  CPSC works with Customs and Border Protection to check the ports of our nation, and see that toy makers from around the world have removed the lead from their products.  CPSC also issued a new rule that requires periodic third-party testing and certification for toys and all children’s products designed or intended primarily for those 12 and younger. 

Now, while safety rests mainly with distributors, manufacturers, and CPSC, parents also play a key role.  New toys are safer than ever before; however deaths and injuries are still occurring with some products that have been around for a long time.  More than 181,000 children younger than 15 were treated in emergency rooms in 2010, most from accidents while riding a scooter.  

Here are suggestions from Chairman Tenenbaum, and Blog4Safety: 

  • Find all pieces of a popped balloon and throw them away immediately.
  • Keep all small magnets or toys with small magnets away from children under 6.
  • If children are riding scooters, skateboards, in-line skates, or riding toys, be sure they wear a helmet and stay away from traffic.
  • Most toys’ designs are suited for the appropriate ages.
  • Toys must be properly labeled.  Don’t assume that all toys are safe.
  • Be sure that soft, plush animals are washable and have secure eyes and noses that won’t come off.
  • Do not purchase BB or pellet guns for children under age 16.
  • Avoid toys with cords or long strings that could cause strangulation in small tots. 

Santa says, “Let’s play it safe with our toys this year!”   December is designated as Safe Toys and Gifts Month, by Prevent Blindness America.  We will be reminding you of many safety themes as the month of December progresses.

Source: USCPSC

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

LET’S HAVE A SAFE LABOR DAY!

Regardless of your plans for this last long week-end holiday, which marks the end of summer, beginning of school and football season, make plans to take extra precautions to have a safe three-day weekend.  Yesterday, we issued some great tips from the American Trucking Association for travelers.  Who should know better than the ones who are on our Nation’s highways more than anyone else? 

Labor Day began in 1882 in New York City.  In 1884, the first Monday in September was selected to celebrate “a workingmen’s holiday.”  I’ve got news for history:  there’s a lot of working women who need to be honored alongside them!  Canada observes the same day to honor its workers; many other countries have a Labor Day celebration at different times of the year.  

One thing that will be different about the traditional Labor Day Muscular Dystrophy telethon: Jerry Lewis, age 85, will not be hosting this annual money-raising project this year.  He has hosted the telethon that is held during the Labor Day Weekend for the past 45 years, and it is dear to his heart.   We need to continue this worthwhile cause in helping those who suffer from this debilitating disease and be grateful for what Jerry Lewis has done for the telethon. 

You’ll probably hear your fair share of political speeches, or attend your local annual fair or picnic that volunteers work hard to make successful.  Some folks will go to the lake for that last outing, or participate  in other water sports, such as fishing, boating,  swimming, or hike their favorite lookout spot.   Whatever you decide to do, please keep safety in mind: water safety, camping safety, food safety, and take along that first aid kit, just in case. 

Last, but not least, a friendly reminder from our nation’s law enforcement agencies.  Texas is participating in a nationwide impaired driving crackdown coordinated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), that combines high-visibility law enforcement with a public information and education campaign.  Between August 19th (you may have already noticed more of them,) and September 5th, thousands of law enforcement officers will be working overtime to stop and arrest impaired drivers on Texas roads and highways.  TxDOT is reminding Texans: if you’re caught drinking and driving, you are going to jail.  And, as we said, this is a nationwide crackdown.  

Do not get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. (This applies to driving boats, as well.)  Designate a driver, call a cab, catch a bus, or get someone you trust to pick you up, or spend the night where you are.  A DWI arrest and conviction in Texas can cost up to $17,000 or more: fees include car towing, impoundment, bail, attorney fees, court costs, hearing and fees to regain and retain driver’s license, DWI fine, probation costs, fees for extended proof of insurance, plus insurance rate hikes.   The 2011 theme for Labor Day is: DRINK. DRIVE. GO TO JAIL.

Now that you are properly warned,  get out there and have a great Labor Day!  (We know that not everyone needs that warning.)  You have worked hard and deserve a day of rest and relaxation.  Just please stay safe – whatever you choose to do.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues

“SUPER” TIPS FOR A SAFE SUPERBOWL PARTY

Chances are, whether you are a football fan or not, you may be planning to host or attend a party during Sunday’s Super Bowl.  Some folks could care less about the ballgame; however, it’s the commercials that grab their attention.  Either way, it’s a good excuse for a party, and being with friends and family.  Cheer on, and munch on, but do it safely!  No one wants to wind up “off-sides”  in the emergency room during or after the game! 

First, if you are the host: do not commit  this personal foul:  you do not want to penalize your guests by failing to follow these basic rules of food safety from the USDA:

  • Clean – Wash hands and surfaces often. Don’t commit “illegal use of hands!”
  • Separate – Don’t cross-contaminate.  Keep raw meat and poultry separate from cooked foods.
  • Cook – Use a food thermometer to ensure meat and poultry are safely cooked.
  • Chill – Refrigerate or freeze promptly.

We all understand the “two-minute” warning in football, but food safety has the “two-hour” rule.  Perishable food items that sit out for too long may not be safe to eat.  By using serving cold dishes nestled in bowls of ice, or warm items left in a heating source (slow cooker), foods will be safer.   Partially and undercooked foods are threats to food safety.  Using a food thermometer will ensure that meats are adequately cooked to the proper  temperatures.

Don’t get a false start.  Snack on some healthy items before the party to avoid overindulging.  Healthy snacks such as fruits, carrots, celery, and low-fat dips should be included in the menu.  Non-alcoholic beverages should be offered, as well.  Never chop block!  This happens when you chop raw veggies on the same cutting board that was used to cut up chicken or other raw meats.  Harmful bacteria can cross contaminate with other foods.  Clean the cutting board with hot soapy water after dicing one type of food and before starting on another. 

Help your guests avoid penalties!  If they plan to drink alcoholic beverages at your party, be sure they have a designated driver.   An accident would put a damper on everyone who attended the party, and no one ever wants an “instant replay” of a mishap because of drinking and driving. 

If you are attending a tailgate party, wear loose fitting, layered clothes, with the top layer being water repellent.  Drink warm liquids without caffeine or alcohol.  Alcohol causes the body to lose heat more quickly.  Stay active during the game – toss a football during breaks – you might even make a first down!  

This week is full of Super Bowl activities, leading up to the Big Game.  The Dallas-Fort Worth –Arlington area is going all out to welcome the Packers and Steelers teams, coaches, and fans.  Even Mother Nature is doing her part to make them feel right at home, with the coldest weather the area has seen in several years!  We know that won’t slow down the fans, and it’s our desire to see lots of them wearing their Packers and Steelers hardhats, to show their team support! 

If you are going to the game, allow plenty of time to reach your destination, and have a blast!  For those who are  giving a party, score big points by planning a safe one.   Some fans may get carried away while yelling for their team.  Stay far enough away from them that there’s no “roughing the viewer” flag!

Sources: USDA, CDC

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

WHEN PURCHASING TOYS, THINK SAFETY!

December is the official “Safe Toys and Gifts Month.”  With Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa all crammed into this month, those families with children will be spending what they can afford to make the holiday special by granting the wishes of their little ones, but much thought needs to be put into choosing safe toys.  Santa wouldn’t ever want to bring anything unsafe to the children, but he’s getting down to the wire now, so he probably can’t do the proper research into this important topic! 

Prevent Blindness America and United States Consumer Product Safety Commission report that in 2005 (last available data), more than 200,000 toy-related injuries were reported, and almost 8,000 of them were eye injuries, which included lacerations, abrasions, and foreign bodies in the eyes.  Sports equipment and even art supplies can be harmful if not used properly.  The American Academy of Opthalmology estimates that there are 40,000 sports-related eye injuries altogether annually. 

When selecting toys for small children, choose ones that are both appropriate for the child’s age and level of maturity.  All toys should meet ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards.  These toys will bear the label of approval by ASTM.  One of the most common causes of toy-related death is choking.  From 2005-2007, thirty-three children aspirated or choked to death on balloons, toys, or toy parts.  If you are looking at a toy or toy part and it fits inside a toilet paper roll, don’t buy it.  Small toy testers can also be purchased at toy or baby specialty stores. 

Toys with straps, cords, or strings more than 7” long pose a strangulation risk for children under age 3.  Also, remove mobiles from the crib after a baby reaches 5 months of age, or can sit up, to avoid another strangulation hazard.  Toys with sharp edges or points are discouraged.  Keep older siblings’ toys out of the range of your little ones.  This is all common sense advice, and most parents are very conscientious about the safety of their toddlers.  There are just so many hazards lurking in our homes, it pays to be extra careful. 

Select toys that do not contain lead paint.  There are some toxic chemicals or lead in some bibs, vinyl lunchboxes, and jewelry.  Discard or don’t purchase cheap metal jewelry.   Some toys that are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) may contain toxic phthalates.  Most U.S. manufacturers of toys voluntarily stopped using PVC in their toys.  Another thing to think about: if a toy is too loud for you, it is too loud for your child.  Be sure you investigate how noisy it is before making that purchase.

For older kids, the right protective equipment, such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, or wrist guards should be purchased along with the type of sporting equipment you plan to buy them, such as bicycles, skateboards, and scooters.  Air guns and BB guns are not considered toys.  Even a cap gun with caps can be ignited by the slightest friction, causing serious burns. 

This is not meant to spread a cloud over the holidays.  It is to help Santa with his decisions in delivering to the children the best, safest toys ever!  We don’t you want to spend your time in the emergency room, because there’s just too much to do!  Should you have questions about certain items, go to www.cpsc.gov or www.recalls.gov and sign up to receive alerts of new recalls, as well as a list of current recalls.  Report dangerous toys to CPSC, 1-800-638-2772. 

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

S.A.F.E.- A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

Did you know, when it comes to a healthy diet, calories do count?  For many, making a few small diet changes can make a big difference in the calories they consume.  This can help them reach a healthier weight.

Listed are a few facts you might not know:

  • An extra 100 calories a day can add up to a total of 10 extra pounds in a year.
  • It takes approximately 20 minutes after the first food enters a person’s mouth before the brain begins to recognize the stomach is filling up.  Eat slowly to be more satisfied.
  • It takes an excess of about 3,500 calories to cause a person to gain a pound.
  • The recommended weight loss is no more than a half to two pounds per week.  Take off extra pounds gradually.

Here’s a list of extra calories that could be eliminated with small changes: (from the University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension)

  • Two pieces of chocolate from the candy jar: 50 calories
  • Mayo on a sandwich: 100 calories
  • Two teaspoons of powdered coffee creamer: 20 calories
  • A 20-ounce drink compared to a 12-ounce drink: 100 calories
  • Two tablespoons of butter or margarine: 200 calories
  • A handful of snack mix: 105 calories
  • A 12-ounce can of regular soda compared to diet soda: 150 calories more
  • One medium-sized cookie: 100 calories

Here are four simple steps for a healthier lifestyle:  S.A.F.E.

Skip or stop high calorie drinks.  Drink at least eight glasses of water each day.  Choose diet sodas instead or regular ones. Limit juice to eight ounces (one cup) per day, and restrict sports drinks.

Alter your snack habits.  Weight gain is caused by large snacks between meals.  Keep snacks small and healthy (fruits and vegetables).

Forget unhealthy fast food.  Limit eating fast food to no more than three times a week.  Reduce fried foods, and don’t supersize!

Exercise daily.  Use a pedometer and try to walk at least 10,000 steps.  Watch no more than two hours of television or video games a day.