Category Archives: Safety

Winter Driving Tips

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Tires

winter-tips-tire-icon
  • If you plan to use snow tires, have them installed in the fall so you are prepared before it snows. Check out nhtsa.gov/tires for tire ratings before buying new ones and look for winter tires with the snowflake symbol.
  • Regardless of season, inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips. It only takes about five minutes. If you find yourself driving under less-than-optimal road conditions this winter, you’ll be glad you took the time. Don’t forget to check your spare tire.
  • As the outside temperature drops, so does tire inflation pressure. Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is listed in your owner’s manual and on a placard located on the driver’s side door frame. The correct pressure is NOT the number listed on the tire. Be sure to check tires when they are cold, which means the car hasn’t been driven for at least 3 hours.
  • Look closely at your tread and replace tires that have uneven wear or insufficient tread. Tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater on all tires.
  • Check the age of each tire. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every six years regardless of use, but check your owner’s manual to find out.
  • For more information on tire safety, visit NHTSA’s Tires page.

For additional tips check:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips

Better Ways to Work the Yard Cleanup

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Make Sure Your Tools Are Sharp

Pruning Tools

It’s much easier to prune with sharp blades than with dull ones. Sharper pruning tools make cleaner cuts, which heal faster. So, before you set out to clear away dead wood and broken branches this fall, make sure all your pruners, shears, and hedge clippers are sharp, rust-free, and well maintained.

Use a Leaf Blower to Clean Your Gutters

Leaf Blower Gutter Attachment

Most leaf blowers can be fitted with a special attachment that will make removing leaves from the gutters much easier and quicker than doing it by hand. Just be sure to clean your gutter before you rake the leaves in the yard—you don’t want to have to rake all over again!

Wear a Tool Belt

Garden Tool Belt

Tool belts are not just for the woodshop. Wear yours as you do your fall yard cleanup to keep all your handheld gardening tools close by. Pruning shears, cultivators, and weeding knives fit easily in the pockets, while loppers and hedge clippers can hang in the hammer holder.

Rake into Rows Instead of Piles

Best Way to Rake

If you are bagging leaves, rake them into rows rather than a large pile. You can then separate a manageable portion of leaves from the end of the row to put into each bag.

For more tips:

https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/9-tricks-for-fast-and-easy-fall-yard-cleanup-49405#best-way-to-rake

Stress, Depression and the Holidays

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Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it’s no wonder. The holidays present a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few.

But with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it’s hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

  1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can’t be with loved ones, realize that it’s normal to feel sadness and grief. It’s OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can’t force yourself to be happy just because it’s the holiday season.
  2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
  3. Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can’t come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
  4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
  5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don’t try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts.Try these alternatives:
    • Donate to a charity in someone’s name.
    • Give homemade gifts.
    • Start a family gift exchange.
  6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That’ll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
  7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. If it’s not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
  8. Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.Try these suggestions:
    • Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don’t go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks.
    • Get plenty of sleep.
    • Incorporate regular physical activity into each day.
  9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.Some options may include:
    • Taking a walk at night and stargazing.
    • Listening to soothing music.
    • Getting a massage.
    • Reading a book.
  10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

Take control of the holidays

Don’t let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.

Domestic Violence Hotline

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Watch for Warning Signs of Relationship Violence

The Basics: Overview

It can be hard to know if your relationship is headed down the wrong path. While it’s not always easy to spot the warning signs of relationship violence, there are things you can do to recognize unhealthy relationships and get help before they become violent.

If you think your partner might be controlling or abusive, it’s important to:

  • Trust your feelings. If something doesn’t seem right, take it seriously.
  • Learn the warning signs of someone who might become controlling or violent.
  • Get help. Call the National Domestic Violence HotlineExternal Link: You are leaving healthfinder.gov at 1-800-799-SAFE
  • (1-800-799-7233) to connect with local resources in your area.

If your partner is controlling or abusive, it’s better to get help right away. Controlling or violent relationships usually get worse over time.

Remember: if your partner hurts you, it’s not your fault.

https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/everyday-healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationship/watch-for-warning-signs-of-relationship-violence

 

Red Cross Recommendations: A Survival Kit

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At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:

  •  Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
  •  Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
  •  Flashlight [Available on the Red Cross Store]
  •  Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) [Available on the Red Cross Store]
  •  Extra batteries
  •  First aid kit [Available on the Red Cross Store]
  •  Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
  •  Multi-purpose tool
  •  Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
  • Cell phone with chargers. Family and emergency contact information
  •  Extra cash
  •  Emergency blanket [Available on the Red Cross Store]
  •  Map(s) of the area
To safely store water:  Thoroughly wash plastic soda bottles or milk jugs with warm, soapy water. Use containers with screw-on tops. Sanitize the container by putting one teaspoon of household liquid bleach (5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite) in one gallon of water. Pour this solution in the container and leave it there for two minutes.

How to Store Water for Drinking or Cooking – Penn State Extension

https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-store-water-for-drinking-or-cooking

Additional needs may include:

Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit:

  • Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
  • Games and activities for children
  • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
  • Two-way radios
  • Extra set of car keys and house keys
  • Manual can opener

Additional supplies to keep at home or in your survival kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:

  • Whistle
  • N95 or surgical masks
  • Matches
  • Rain gear
  • Towels
  • Work gloves
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home
  • Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors
  • Household liquid bleach
  • Entertainment items
  • Blankets or sleeping bags

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies

Looking for School Immunizations?

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If you or your loved ones are looking for immunizations before school starts, there are no cost/low cost options for obtaining this needed service.  Marion County Public Health Department has many clinics that offer immunizations free or at low cost.  Some clinics offer appointments and others operate on a first come, first served basis.

If you have private health insurance, you may obtain immunizations, but you will pay at the time of service and then you will seek reimbursement from your insurance.

If on Medicaid, then services are covered.  If you have no insurance, then you may have vaccines with a top dollar amount of $20.00 for the visit.

The closest clinic to Butler University is located at 6940 North Michigan Street.  This is the Northwest District Health Office.  Their clinic hours are Mon., 3-5:30 PM; Tues. 8-11:30 AM; Wed-Fri. 12:00-3:30 PM.  This office operates on a first come, first served basis.

For additional resources check:  http://marionhealth.org/immunize/