Archive for the 'Environment' Category
From your shower to your clothes hamper, the bathroom is one of the most personal rooms in the house. Yet, safety and health often come second to convenience and comfort. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of potential hazards. There are simple precautions you can take to reduce your risks, and improve your quality of life.
- Consider putting a cordless phone in the bathroom in a low area in case of an emergency.
- Use a toilet seat riser or toilet safety stand, which fits around the toilet area; which provides handrails for extra support.
- Install permanent/fixed grab bars in areas where you might need a little extra mobility support.
- Medication’s shelf life is better if kept in a cool dry area. Thus it is not recommmended to store medicines in the “medicine cabinet”. Also, check frequently for medication that has passed its expiration date. Discard unused medication to avoid accidental confusion.
- Frequent handwashing with antibacterial soap helps to kill germs , that can spread colds or the flu.
- Throw rugs could “throw” you! It is recommended to eliminate them throughout your home. They can be a slipping hazard. If possible use a wall-to-wall non-skid rug in the bathroom (without extra scattered rugs).
- Set your water heater to 120°F degrees or lower, to prevent scalding.
Selecting a nursing home is one of the most important decisions you may be asked to make, either for yourself or for a family member. Ideally, this decision would be made far in advance. Nonetheless, it is often made during a crisis. Many people don’t have any idea of how to begin their search or what they are really looking for in a nursing facility. Here are some helpful questions you may want to consider on your visit.
Environment
* Do you feel welcome when you enter?
* Do all bedrooms have windows?
* Are there no more than four (4) beds in each room?
* Does each bed have a privacy curtain?
* Does each bed have a nurse call bell?
* Are the hallways and rooms hazard free?
* Are the bathrooms convenient to the bedrooms?
* Are there hand grips near the toilets?
* Do showers and tubs have non-slip surfaces and hand grips?
* Are visiting hours convenient?
* How are roommates selected?
Dining Room
* Is the dining room attractive?
* Are the tables and chairs comfortable?
* Is there adequate access for wheelchairs in the dining room?
* Is the food tasty and attractive?
* Are residents given enough time to eat?
* Do residents receive help eating if they need it?
* Are personal likes and dislikes taken into account when planning the menu?
Activities
* Is there an activities room?
* Are activities tailored to the individual’s needs and interests?
* Have arrangements been made for worship services?
* Are group and individual activities planned?
* Are outside trips available?
* Is there a social services worker available to assist residents and families?
It is also estimated that 110 people die annually from snowmobile-related injuries. Forty percent of the reported deaths were due to collisions with trees, wires, bridges, and other vehicles. A majority of snowmobile deaths and injuries involve the head and neck. Although most states do not have mandatory helmet laws, equipping yourself with head protection may reduce your risk of getting seriously hurt or killed.
Ways to Protect Yourself:
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Always maintain your snowmobile and keep it in excellent driving condition
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Always wear insulated boots and protective clothing including a helmet, gloves, and eye protection
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Never ride alone
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If possible, avoid crossing frozen bodies of water
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Never operate in a single file when crossing frozen bodies of water
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Always stay alert to driving conditions and obstacles, such as depressions in the snow
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Never operate on a street or highway
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Keep headlights and tail lights on at all times when operating your snowmobile
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Always check the weather conditions before you depart
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Always operate your snowmobile at safe speeds
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Never operate your snowmobile if you’re intoxicated, tired, or on medication
For more information on United Spinal Association’s Motorsafe Program visit their Web site at www.unitedspinal.org
Public entities that have responsibility or authority over street, roads, or walkways must include in their transition plan a schedule for providing curb ramps or other sloped areas where pedestrian walks cross curbs. Priority must be given to walkways serving state and local government offices and facilities, transportation, places of public accommodation, and employers, followed by walkways serving other areas. Newly constructed or altered streets, roads, and highways must contain curb ramps or other sloped areas at any intersection having curbs or other barriers to entry from a street-level pedestrian walkway. Also, newly constructed or altered sidewalks or paths must contain curb ramps or other sloped areas wherever they intersect with street, roads, or highways.