The Beauty Battalion - Featuring Beauty In All Shapes & Sizes May 2017 | Page 63
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E
FAMILY FEATURES
very year, more than 2,200 children die from injuries that occur at
home, according to estimates from Safe Kids Worldwide. While
every parent knows that accidents can and do happen, there are
many areas of the home where some preventive steps can help
reduce the risk.
Go throughout your home to check for these common risk factors and
implement corrective actions based on advice from the experts at Safe Kids.
Kitchen
Although it may be tempting to hold a fussy child while working in the
kitchen, a safer alternative is a high chair where they can see all the
action but be safely out of harm’s way. Place the chair or seat on the
floor to avoid possible toppling from atop a counter or furniture, and
use the provided straps as instructed to prevent falls and strangulation
hazards.
n Keep pan handles turned inward, out of reach of little hands, and before
opening the oven door, ensure little ones are a safe distance away,
putting your own body between the child and the oven so you can
prevent any sudden lunges.
n Use the rear burners when possible and keep dishes filled with hot food
out of reach on counters or table tops.
n
Bathroom
Always check the water temperature before placing a child in the bathtub.
Remember that small children cannot tolerate the same level of heat that
many adults enjoy.
n Use a minimal amount of water in the tub, as drowning can occur in as
little as a couple of inches. Drain the tub as soon as you are finished.
n Reduce access to other water sources by closing toilet lids and keeping
bathroom and laundry room doors closed.
n I mmediately unplug and store items such as hair dryers, curling irons and
straight irons, which can retain heat long after being turned off and pose
an added strangulation danger with dangling cords.
n Keep medication out of reach and always use the intended dosing
devices. Common kitchen spoons vary greatly, so using these to measure
a medication may be imprecise and result in over or under medicating.
n
Living Areas
Prevent window falls and injuries by installing window guards and stops.
Remember that windows located upstairs should have an emergency
release in case of fire.
n Eliminate dangling cords from blinds, either by hooking cords out of
reach or using an alternative window covering.
n When possible, place heavy items on low, sturdy furniture and use safety
brackets, braces and wall straps to attach furniture and large items like
TVs to the wall to prevent tipping.
n
Stairs
n
n
Use safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases to prevent falls.
Ensure gates are securely attached on both sides and review manufacturer
instructions to verify gates are constructed for their intended use. For
example, not all gates are intended for use at the top of stairs and may
give way under pressure.
Pantry/Garage
Products containing harmful chemicals, such as cleaners, should be stored
out of reach, but also out of sight to avoid temptation.
n Keep products in their original containers, which include instructions for
proper use and guidance on what do to if ingested, rubbed in eyes, etc.
This also helps ensure items are not mistaken for something else and
used dangerously.
n
Find more tips for safer living at eLivingToday.com.
Photo courtesy of ExamOne
5 Ways to Protect Your Family in 2017
P
rotecting your family and loved ones is one of your
most important responsibilities. Many people think
about protection in terms of physical acts, such as
practicing safe driving, but there are many more
aspects of your lifestyle and home that affect your loved
ones’ safety. Know your own health status
Protect your family’s financial health Protect the home of your loved ones
Although it can be painful to consider, your untimely
death may leave your family reeling. Life insurance can
help cover funeral costs, child care or act as income
replacement. It can also help pay off any loans you’ve
accrued, such as a home mortgage, car payment, credit card
debt or student loans.
Ensure your family is breathing safe air
One threat you may not be aware of is radon, a radioactive
gas that occurs naturally in the environment but can create
significant health consequences in anyone exposed to unsafe
levels.
Radon is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that
can go undetected in homes until it is too late. According
to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the
leading cause of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers in
America, and claims the lives of nearly 21,000 Americans
each year.
It is difficult to protect loved ones if you are not healthy
yourself. Make sure you receive proper preventive care,
such as regular health screenings and check-ups that are
recommended for your gender and age. Find a checklist of
important preventive screenings at CDC.gov/Prevention.
There are over 2 million burglaries annually in the United
States, according to FBI statistics. Home security systems
can help put your mind at ease, and having a security
system can also decrease the premiums you pay for monthly
homeowner’s insurance. Studies have shown that homes
with a security system see a 39 percent decrease in financial
loss compared to homes with no security system.
Safeguard your family from fire hazards
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that
two-thirds of home fire deaths result from fires in homes
with either no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms.
Batteries wear out and may be taken out to cease persistent
beeping then never replaced. Smoke alarms should be in
every bedroom, outside every sleeping area and on each
level of your home.
Keep your loved ones safe and find more ways to protect
your family at MyExamOne.com.