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Protect your home from poisons

kmottl — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:48:17 +0000

Take an inventory of poisons in the home. The following are examples of things that need to be locked away and kept in their original containers:

Cleaning fluids
Solutions for fixing cars
Medications

Poisons, such as the ones listed above, should NOT be kept in the kitchen when they can be confused with food or drink and ingested. Keep the poison control number by every phone. The number is 1-800-222-1222.

Preventing Falls

kmottl — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:46:59 +0000

Many falls happen because you can’t see an object or you miss a stair. Make sure you have plenty of lights at the top and bottom of stairs. Nightlights should be in halls, bathrooms and bedrooms. Tape down small rugs if you must use them. In the bathroom, place a mat or non-slip strips in the tub. Consider grab bars by the tub and toilet if needed. And on stairs, make sure you have handrails on both sides. A doctor can help you set up a home safety assessment with a physical or occupational therapist to prevent falls.

Steps to prevent burns

kmottl — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:08:39 +0000

Especially with children, always use extra precaution when cooking. Always turn pot handles inward when cooking on the stove. Use back burners when possible. Have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen. Another good idea is to set your water heater at 120 degrees or less and don’t let kids use the sink or tub without help. Smoke alarms should be on every level of the home and near every bedroom. Test monthly and change batteries once a year. Have your family practice home fire drills. Make sure they know how to get out fast and where to meet.

Home Safety

kmottl — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:13:19 +0000

Many accidents happen in the home. People tend to be more careful about home safety if there are the following groups in the home:

Children
Older persons
People who are ill
People who are disabled

However, people of all ages can be affected by falls, fires, burns and poisons in the home. In fact, falls are the number one way people get injured in their homes. Spring cleaning is a great time to go through the checklist and make sure your home is safe for your family.

What is False Labor?

kmottl — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:45:38 +0000

This is also called Braxton-Hicks Contractions. Your muscles are tightening and relaxing- practicing for real birth time. These are painless and not regular. If contractions go away when you sit down or stand up they are most likely false labor. Real labor pains begin in the low back and spread to low belly. They areContinue Reading >>

Why do pregnant women get heartburn?

kmottl — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 20:07:17 +0000

It has nothing to do with the heart. This burning feeling is caused by stomach acids coming back into your throat from your food pipe (esophagus). As your belly gets bigger, you get more heartburn. Watch what you eat and drink. Avoid caffeine, chocolate, fatty or fried foods, spicy things and citrus. Smoking makes itContinue Reading >>

How do you know when you need a C-Section?

kmottl — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:44:20 +0000

Some are done as an emergency and sometimes your doctor knows in advance. It is major surgery and should be done only when the health of the mother or baby is at risk. If the baby is too big, turned the wrong way, or you had a c-section last time you may need a c-sectionContinue Reading >>

What helps morning sickness when you’re pregnant?

kmottl — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:14:40 +0000

Here are some tips: Avoid having an empty stomach by eating 5 or 6 small meals a day. Try to drink liquids such as water, milk, and juices between meals and not during meals. When you are sick to your stomach, eat plain foods like crackers, broth or gelatin. Caffeine-free ginger-ale or mint tea sometimesContinue Reading >>

What are the sources of carbon monoxide and how can you prevent it?

kmottl — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:43:08 +0000

In the home, heating sources are common causes. That’s why when it is colder, we more cases. Examples of heating sources that can cause a build up of carbon monoxide include:

Fireplaces or kerosene heaters that are blocked or not properly ventilated
Damaged furnaces or other heating systems
Motor vehicles operating in poorly ventilated areas like a garage

About 500 people a year die from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. But you can take some simple steps to prevent this.

Install battery-operated detectors in your home. The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) recommends that ALL households have a carbon monoxide monitor with an alarm. Place them outside or in bedrooms. Change the batteries when you change the batteries in your smoke detectors. You should do this during Daylight savings.
Service your home heating systems (including chimneys) every year.
Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire. Keep it open until the ashes have cooled.
Portable generators should always be used outside well away from the house. NEVER use them indoors or in garages, basements, or sheds.
Never use a charcoal grill indoors, even with ventilation. Charcoal quickly produces deadly carbon monoxide.
Never use a gas range or oven for heating.
Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. These include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get outside into the fresh air immediately. Then call 911.

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

kmottl — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:05:33 +0000

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can show up quickly. But they can also build up over time. Common symptoms include the following:

Headache.
Dizziness
Nausea.
Vomiting.

With increased breathing of carbon monoxide, downiness and confusion can occur. This can progress to brain damage and death if you are not removed from the source of the gas.

Call 911 immediately if you have symptoms and suspect you have carbon monoxide poisoning. Get out of the area of exposure before making the call. Make sure everyone gets out of the house or building. Oxygen therapy will be needed. This brings the oxygen level in the blood back to normal.