TIPS FOR YOUR HEALTH AND WELFARE
ACCIDENT PREVENTION

IN THE KITCHEN

1. Do not leave pots or pans cooking while you leave, even for short periods of time.

2. Keep handles of pots or pans turned inward to prevent knocking them over accidentally.

3. Do not let children near the stove without supervision.

4. Do not let children have access to cabinets where you store cleaning detergents and other chemicals.

5. Be sure that all bottles and cans are properly labeled. If some items are not properly labeled or identifiable, THROW IT OUT!

6. Use extreme care when combining ingredients such as baking soda, ammonia and other chemicals.

7. When you are broiling and baking, and you need to place items in a lower oven, be sure to bend correctly. Bend at the knees and be sure to keep your back straight.

8. When removing hot pots or pans from oven, be sure to wear oven mitts.

9. When reaching for something above your head, it is best to use a footstool to stand on but be sure that it is stable.

10. Most importantly have a smoke alarm near the kitchen, and be sure to check it often, and change the batteries periodically.

11. Keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen. Check yearly to be certain that it is fully charged and ready for use.

BATHROOM

1. Place rubber mat or rubber appliques in the bathtub or shower to prevent falling or slipping on the wet surfaces.
2. If you do not have hand hold bars in your bath or shower, be sure to have them installed. They will greatly reduce your chances of falling or slipping and possibly fracturing a hip or causing other serious injuries.
3. Do not use an electric shaver or hair dryer while in the bath or shower.
4. Check your medicine cabinet. Discard all medications that are no longer being used or have expired. If a bottle has no label and you are not quite sure what it is…THROW IT OUT!
5. Do not leave any vials or bottles of medicine on your vanity or dresser if you have children at home or visiting.
6. Do not take medication during the night without turning a light on and putting your glasses on if you wear them. Double check to make sure you have the right medication before taking it. A good way to prevent overdoses is place your medications for the day and night in a separate container and take those medications at the appropriate times of the day and night.

TRAVELING AND VACATION TIPS

AUTOMOBILE, PLANE, TRAIN or BUS

1. Sit up straight. In your car use a lumbar support. On a plane, train or bus, if pillows are not available, rollup a sweater or jacket and place it behind your low back area. Roll another item to place behind your neck.

2. Do not sit for long periods of time. In a car stop every two hours if possible, if only for a few minutes. Get out, stretch your back, and walk around before starting your journey again.

3. In a plane be sure to sit with your seatbelt buckled at all times, even if the seatbelt sign is turned off. This can prevent serious injuries should the plane encounter sudden unexpected turbulence.  However, after an hour or even less, get up and walk to the restroom or just up and down the aisle if clear, at least once or twice before sitting and buckling up.

4. In a bus you won’t be buckling up but do get up to stretch your body and legs whenever possible, especially on long trips. Use the back and neck supports as suggested for automobile trips.

5. In preparing for any trip you will be packing, carrying and needing to transport one or more bags to your car, plane, bus or train.

Following are tips to make your life easier and safer to ensure a happy vacation and trip.

1. Place your bag or suitcase on a bed, couch or ottoman when you begin to pack.
2. Not lifting properly can ruin your vacation or trip at the onset by causing an injury to your back or shoulder. Do not lean over at the waist; instead bend at the knees and lift with your legs, keeping your back straight.
3. If you have to put your bag or bags into the trunk of a car, lift the bag with both hands by bending the knees, keeping your back straight and lifting with the legs. Place the bag on the edge of the trunk. Do not place it directly into the trunk; then holding the bag with one hand, place the other hand on the edge of the trunk while jockeying the bag into the trunk with the other hand. This will prevent your having to lean into the trunk and straining your back.
4. If traveling by plane, train or bus you will have to transport your bags to the terminal. You will probably have to walk for some distances. Use a wheeled luggage cart that usually may be found at terminals if your bags do not have the attached wheels and handle to pull or push it. If you can’t find a cart, look for a Porter.
5. When carrying a shoulder bag, do not carry it on one shoulder for any length of time. Be sure to switch sides often.
6. Where feasible, instead of using a shoulder bag, use a backpack. This will evenly distribute the weight so that there will be no undue stress placed on your shoulders or lower back.
7. When traveling with an infant use a chest or back carrier instead of carrying the infant in your arms.

These are simple precautions we should all live by. Simply speaking, "AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE". Make these suggestions your rule for every day living and your life will be happier for it.

Ignoring just one of these suggestions can result in a tragedy of some kind, such as a life threatening event or even much pain and suffering on a high or low end of the scale. Not only can a leg, shoulder or back sprain ruin your vacation or daily activities, but it can cause loss of time from your job as well. I have written before about "LIVING THE GOOD LIFE", these suggestions will help you do it.