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Get a fire extinguisher and make sure it's not outdated.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.

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.

​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

Walking relieves stress. Here are 8 reasons how the simple act of walking can help you de-stress.

1. Instant Mood Booster
2. Become More Creative and Productive
3. Energy Increased
4. Sleep Better
5. Gives You a Break
6. Reduces Stress to be Outdoors
7. Aids in Warding Off Signs of Depression
8. Improve Overall Health

Check out this article that explains the Eight Benefits of Walking.

Calm and Strong Heart #OurHearts are healthier when we take time to relax in healthy ways. Breathe deeply, exhale slowly, and visualize something lovely, like a favorite walking trail, plant, or picture. --National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

April is Move More Month, sponsored by the American Heart Association. What is happening in Michigan? Click this link to find out: Move More Month in Michigan.

Be aware of these heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest symptoms: https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-attack-and-stroke-symptoms

We would like to recognize that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

If someone you know is experiencing Domestic Violence, there is a hotline available: 800-799-7233.

The State of Michigan VOICEDV hotline provides materials that assist the needs of survivors, their family, friends and allied professionals, in addition to round-the-clock phone, text and chat services.  All services are confidential and free of charge. Advocates are trained to provide immediate crisis counseling, advocacy and referral. More information can be found by clicking here.

For more information, use this resource: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

It's time to take a look at your surroundings. More than 90 percent of the time, poisonings happen in people’s homes with the majority  occurring in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home. The best places for a CO detector are near bedrooms and close to furnaces.

Household products and chemicals

• Household cleaners and disinfectants can make you sick when not used properly. Always follow the instructions on the product label to ensure safe and effective use.
• Bleach is especially toxic and should not be mixed with anything other than water. Do not use bleach on any food products.
• Keep all household cleaners, laundry products, antifreeze and potentially poisonous substances in locked cabinets or out of the reach of children.
• Keep products in their original containers.
• Do not use food containers (such as cups or bottles) to store household cleaners and other chemicals or products.
• Never mix household or chemical products together. Doing so can create a dangerous gas.

Art supplies

• Some art products are mixtures of chemicals. Make sure children use art products safely by reading and following directions.
• Do not eat or drink while using art products.
• Wash skin after contact with art products.
• Clean equipment. Wipe tables, desks, and counters.
• Keep art products in their original containers.

Food

• Never use commercial cleaning products on food or food packaging.
• Wash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food.
• Store food at the proper temperatures. Refrigerated foods should not be left out at temperatures above 40 degrees F (5 degrees C).
• Use clean utensils for cooking and serving.

Outdoors

• Know what poisonous snakes and poisonous plants are in the area where you will be and wear proper attire when hiking outdoors.
• Check the label on any insect repellent. Be aware that most contain DEET, which can be poisonous in large quantities.

Batteries

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Make sure all devices in your home that use button batteries are secure.
• Do not leave batteries out where they can be mistaken for medicine or pills.
• Do not put batteries near the mouth.
• Dispose of button batteries safely and quickly.

Medicines

Never share prescription medicines. If you are taking more than one drug at a time, check with your health care provider, pharmacist, or call the toll-free Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), to find out more about possible drug interactions.

Here are some tips for you:

1. Don't "Save Up" for Dinner: Do yourself a favor and eat leading up to the meal. Taking care of yourself is nourishing your body when it is hungry. Saving up will cause you to scarf down food and feel bloated.

2. Know How to Respond to Diet Talk: If someone is discussing how many calories are in this casserole or pie or how fat they will feel after the dinner, visualize how you might respond or leave the conversation. There is no need to join the food guilt party.

3. Take Your Time and Savor: Not just the food, but the people with whom you are sharing the meal. The food is what brought you together,

4. Schedule Your Exercise and/or Movement: It may be less than usual but because it is a holiday weekend does not mean we stop taking care of ourselves. We move our body because we know how good it is for our health.

5. Hydrate: Sip your water early and often. Keep your water bottle nearby and check in with yourself every few hours on thirst and water intake.

6. Make Time for Yourself: Yes, this will be a fun and busy week, but find time for just yourself.

7. Don't Stress Over One Meal: Thanksgiving is one day and one meal, but look at the week as a whole. Have nourishing food in the kitchen for meals and snacks and eat without fear!

8. Enjoy and Be Grateful: That's what this holiday is all about, right?

We are offering safety tips so everyone can enjoy this celebration, whether you are going to a place to celebrate, going door-to-door for trick-or-treating or attending a community wide event.

Safety Tips for Drivers

• #1: Be alert for trick-or-treaters and other pedestrians.
• #2: Slow down and scan the road. Remember: Slower speeds save lives.
• #3: Watch for young trick-or-treaters in unexpected places. Children may be unaware of traffic and dart into the street unexpectedly.
• #4: If you see a drunk driver, contact law enforcement.
• #5 Turn on headlights early in the day to spot kids from further away, especially in inclement weather
• #6 Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• #7 Eliminate any distractions inside your vehicle so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treaters

• #8: Carry glow sticks or flashlights, use reflective tape or stickers on costumes and bags, and wear light colors to help kids see and be seen by drivers.
• #9: Join kids under age 12 for trick-or-treating.
• #10: When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Choose face paint over masks when possible. Masks can limit children’s vision.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

• #11: Before festivities begin, create a “buddy system” to get each other home safely and prevent walking alone.
• #12: Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• #13: If possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.

Safety Tips for Attendees of Halloween Parties

• #14: Before drinking, choose a designated driver, or schedule a ridesharing, ride-hailing or taxi service.
• #15: If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability.

Safety Tips for Hosts

• #16: Be responsible and take action to make sure guests get home safely.
• #17: Prepare to call taxis rideshares, provide sleeping accommodations, or — if you’re sober — drive guests home yourself.
• #18: Collect car keys from guests who are drinking.
• #19 Provide non-alcoholic beverage options.