monicapink
09-01-03, 04:09 PM
I came across this article last month (a few days after I injured my foot) and the excerpts I have copied here pertain to every member of the family .... AND TO SENIORS.
HOME SAFETY*
BANISH THE "FATAL FOUR" Researchers coined that term for INDOOR POLLUTANTS: TOBACCO SMOKE, CARBON MONOXIDE, MOLD AND MERCURY.
SMOKERS: QUIT. Short of that it is important for others that you smoke OUTDOORS.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS should be placed ALL AROUND THE HOUSE -- PARTICULARLY NEAR SLEEPING AREAS. Check fuel burning appliances annually for leaks.
If you smell a musty, mildew-like odor, MOLD MAY BE A PROBLEM. Check bathrooms, under carpets and behind wallpaper. Millions suffer from sinus and respiratory conditions AGGRAVATED OR CAUSED BY MOLD EXPOSURE. You may need expert help to clean thoroughly.
Two medical instruments that contain mercury -- THERMOMETERS AND BLOOD PRESSURE CUFFS -- have been phased out. If you still have an older model, BE SURE IT DOESN'T CONTAIN MERCURY.
PREVENT FALLS: This is good for all homes, BUT ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH SENIORS. According to the Centers for Disease Control 1 in 3 adults over age 65 falls every year.
For many, aging brings with it DECREASED STRENGTH, DIMINISHED VISION AND SLOWER REFLEXES. What might have been a minor slip at age 40 becomes a catastrophe at age 70. Simple adjustments can reduce this risk SIGNIFICANTLY.
CLEAR THE FLOOR OF OBSTACLES: Remove rugs or affix them to the floor with an adhesive to prevent slipping. REROUTE cords around areas of traffic. REMOVE low visibility objects such as ottomans. INSTALL railings or banisters along stairs.
BRIGHTEN LIGHTING: For people with poor vision, dimly lit rooms are a recipe for DISASTER.
WEAR APPROPRIATE SHOES: Choosing footwear with NON-SLIP SOLES reduces the risk of slipping and improves your sense of balance.
PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE BATHROOM:Non-slip mats and stools to sit on in the shower make bathing easier and safer. Railings (grab bars) in the tub help ensure a fall free entry and exit. MOUNT THESE FIRMLY TO THE WALL. Tugging on a towel rack for support is not an acceptable alternative.
GET FIT: Exercises that improve balance and overall fitness have been shown TO REDUCE FALLS. "An investment in fitness pays BIG DIVIDENDS FOR ALL OF US AS WE AGE."*
*Both the article and the quote are from the author Tedd Mitchell M.D.
HOME SAFETY*
BANISH THE "FATAL FOUR" Researchers coined that term for INDOOR POLLUTANTS: TOBACCO SMOKE, CARBON MONOXIDE, MOLD AND MERCURY.
SMOKERS: QUIT. Short of that it is important for others that you smoke OUTDOORS.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS should be placed ALL AROUND THE HOUSE -- PARTICULARLY NEAR SLEEPING AREAS. Check fuel burning appliances annually for leaks.
If you smell a musty, mildew-like odor, MOLD MAY BE A PROBLEM. Check bathrooms, under carpets and behind wallpaper. Millions suffer from sinus and respiratory conditions AGGRAVATED OR CAUSED BY MOLD EXPOSURE. You may need expert help to clean thoroughly.
Two medical instruments that contain mercury -- THERMOMETERS AND BLOOD PRESSURE CUFFS -- have been phased out. If you still have an older model, BE SURE IT DOESN'T CONTAIN MERCURY.
PREVENT FALLS: This is good for all homes, BUT ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH SENIORS. According to the Centers for Disease Control 1 in 3 adults over age 65 falls every year.
For many, aging brings with it DECREASED STRENGTH, DIMINISHED VISION AND SLOWER REFLEXES. What might have been a minor slip at age 40 becomes a catastrophe at age 70. Simple adjustments can reduce this risk SIGNIFICANTLY.
CLEAR THE FLOOR OF OBSTACLES: Remove rugs or affix them to the floor with an adhesive to prevent slipping. REROUTE cords around areas of traffic. REMOVE low visibility objects such as ottomans. INSTALL railings or banisters along stairs.
BRIGHTEN LIGHTING: For people with poor vision, dimly lit rooms are a recipe for DISASTER.
WEAR APPROPRIATE SHOES: Choosing footwear with NON-SLIP SOLES reduces the risk of slipping and improves your sense of balance.
PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE BATHROOM:Non-slip mats and stools to sit on in the shower make bathing easier and safer. Railings (grab bars) in the tub help ensure a fall free entry and exit. MOUNT THESE FIRMLY TO THE WALL. Tugging on a towel rack for support is not an acceptable alternative.
GET FIT: Exercises that improve balance and overall fitness have been shown TO REDUCE FALLS. "An investment in fitness pays BIG DIVIDENDS FOR ALL OF US AS WE AGE."*
*Both the article and the quote are from the author Tedd Mitchell M.D.