Wellness Wednesday

Let's take the precautionary steps to prevent dangerous and life-threatening fires.  According to the National Fire Prevention Association, the winter months see an increase in home fires, deaths and injuries. These are the months when we turn on the heat to keep our homes warm.

• Make sure your heating source is well maintained. Whether it's a fireplace, wood stove, a furnace or electric heat, check the equipment before using or have them serviced.
• Don't store items near your heating source. Boxes, clothes, and other fuels may ignite if they are close.
• Make sure draperies and furniture and other combustible items are kept far enough away from a heating source.

3 Common Causes of Fire

1. Kitchen - It's important to not leave burners or grills unattended. Make sure to use proper equipment and to keep dish towels, clothing and other items away from heating elements and open flame. Keep pets secured away from the kitchen, especially when you're not home. They can inadvertently turn on burners.
2. Candles - Never leave a burning candle unattended. As an alternative, use battery-operated candles for ambiance.
3. Smoking - Unattended cigarettes or overly full ashtrays start fires. Curious children might play with matches or lighters. Keep them well out of their reach.

More National Fire Prevention Month tips

DO YOU KNOW WHERE THE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE LOCATED AT HOME AND WORK?
Get a fire extinguisher and make sure it's not outdated. Most fire extinguishers have an expiration date. Place one on each floor of the house and work location and in garages, too.  The National Safety Council recommends this acronym, PASS, to remember the steps of how to use a fire extinguisher.

Have an escape plan. We practice fire drills at school but practice them with your family and make sure everyone knows where to go depending on where the fire is in the home. Have at least two ways to get out of the house, too. Set a meeting place for everyone.

In the event of a fire, do not try to salvage items before leaving. Personal effects can be replaced, but lives cannot. Instead, keep valuable documents in a fireproof box for recovery later.

Here is a deeper analysis of why providing this mental health, safety, and awareness information to employees is necessary : Supporting Employees With Mental Health.

List of topics we have covered arranged alphabetically. Topics listed are from October 2023 through September 2024.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. #BThe1To take the five action steps for communicating with someone who may be suicidal. These are supported by evidence in the field of suicide prevention: Read here about The 5 Steps which are:

1. Ask
2. Be There
3. Help Keep Them Safe
4. Help Them Connect
5. Follow Up

Listen to this short video as this college student from Canada offers insights on his suicidal thoughts and asking for help: You Are Not Alone

Just a few decades ago, little was known about cancer, and when someone was diagnosed with the disease, their chance for survival was slim. Today, however, we know much more including how to diagnose it earlier, treat it more effectively and, most importantly, help prevent it from occurring in the first place. --Dr. Matthew Gall

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer) diagnosed in men in the United States. Furthermore, it’s the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, after lung cancer, in the United States. Click here to read more: What is Prostate Cancer?

More than 108,000 women in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with a gynecological cancer in 2024. Furthermore, about 32,000 will die from one. Each gynecological cancer has different signs and symptoms, as well as different risk factors. As with most cancer, the risk of developing a gynecologic cancer increases with age. Click here to read fact sheets about the 4 types of gynecological cancer: What is Gynecological Cancer?

On this National Day of Service and Remembrance, we must ensure that darkness is no match for the light we shine by engaging in acts of service and charity.--Barack Obama

It’s been more than two decades since 9/11. Honor and commemorate the sacrifices made that day by remembering the heroes, armed forces, first responders, and countless others’ acts of service to defend our nation’s freedom. 

On the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, people of all ages and backgrounds are invited to participate in community service projects to honor the lives and service of those we lost on September 11. Cross divides, differences, and ideologies to serve with neighbors and strangers alike to build important bridges in your communities.

The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is a chance to help others in tribute to those killed and injured on September 11, 2001, first responders, and the countless others who serve to defend the nation’s freedom at home and around the globe.

Find a community service project near where you live or work.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood, essential for building cells, hormones, and vitamins. There are two types of cholesterol.

The Risks of High Cholesterol

High LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, where plaques form in your arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. According to the CDC, individuals with high cholesterol are twice as likely to develop heart disease.

Causes of High Cholesterol

Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, are

Do not disregard basic safety rules when it comes to firing up the grill. Here are 2 short safety videos from the National Fire Protection Agency when it comes to using the barbecue grill. There are also some safety facts and resources: Grilling Safety Facts & Resources.

​Unroll the mat, unroll the mind, unroll your worries.​
 

Yoga is popular for a good reason: there are some scientific based benefits of yoga

1. short article from John Hopkins: 9 benefits of yoga​
2. short article from Healthline: 16 benefits of yoga​
3. video from Medical Centric: 3 minute video of yoga benefits

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness. Ralph Waldo Emerso

August 8th is National Happiness Happens Day. (This is good advice for every day of the year, in fact.)

What is Happiness Happens Day?

• It promotes the idea of spreading joy and positivity.
• The day encourages people to embrace happiness and share it with others.
• It's an opportunity to focus on the little things that bring happiness to our lives.
• Join the movement to create a happier world by spreading smiles and positive vibes!

Looking for some ideas on how to Foster Happiness in Your Life. This article has 14 tips, all simple ideas to incorporate.