Safety is paramount in any situation or environment we may find ourselves in. We need to be aware of our surroundings and develop plans to handle emergencies.
June is National Safety Month. Each year, the National Safety Council launches a campaign to raise awareness of safety issues in our lives, homes and workplaces. Each week has a theme. For 2018, the themes are as follows: Week 1 - Emergency Preparedness, Week 2 - Wellness, Week 3 - Falls, Week 4 - Driving. Join us in this edition of Golden Nuggets, and on our blog each week in the month of June, to explore safety on these themes, and in other areas of our lives. Wishing you a happy (and safe!) Summer!
~ Golden Horizons Office Team
ps. Don’t forget your sunblock!
Caregiver of the Month
Mr. W's Newsletter Inspiration
“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.”
~ Rudyard Kipling ~
Special Note: It's Mr. W's Birthday!!!
Our very own Mr. W is celebrating his birthday on June 8! We want to with you joyous Happy Birthday, Mr. W, and thank you for all your monthly inspirations. We heartily enjoy them. May this year bring you abundant happiness. June BirthdaysClients - Mr. W, June 8 - Mrs. T, June 18 Caregivers - Megan G, June 3 - Elizabeth G, June 11 - Lisa G, June 11 - Sylvia M, June 24 |
Word Search: Safety First!
June is National Safety Month
Week 1: Emergency Preparedness - Do you live near a nuclear power plant? Or areas that are prone to flooding? Are ready for a hurricane or heavy snowstorm? What will you do if your house catches fire? As residents of CT, these are some questions to consider when formulating our emergency preparedness plans and kits. Included are some tips to help you get started. Purchase a generator, fuel and extensions cords to supply electricity to necessary items like your refrigerators or phone chargers if you lose power. Have items on hand (in your car and in your house) in case of emergencies - water, non-perishable food items, extra blankets and warm clothes, portable heaters, flashlights, batteries, items for pet necessities, items for infant or small children. Make a plan for where to meet if you have to get out of your house. Make an emergency contact card that includes your contact info, your identity, your health history, medications you take and your emergency contact. Such steps will help you be more prepared to respond to crises.
Week 2: Wellness - According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, wellness is “the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal”. Wellness encompasses all health - mental, physical, spiritual, emotional. A good rule for safety in our well-being is “ ___ in moderation”. Whatever it is you are choosing - alcohol, sweets, TV - moderation is key to helping us stay healthy. Make good decisions for your health and wellness - use sunblock, eat nutritious food, exercise, read, meditate, release stress. Healthy decisions now means better quality of life later.
Week 3: Falls - According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of injury and death to people over age 65. Anyone can fall, but older adults are more prone. How do we prevent these falls? Start with awareness - as we age, we lose flexibility and balance, our vision may decline, medications we take can have side effects, and we may have chronic conditions like diabetes or stroke, which can affect our functions and faculties. Preventing falls starts with including the older adult in the process - help them see their own fall risk, encourage them to take steps to prevent it. Discuss their health, vision and medications with them. Observe them. Are they leaning on furniture or stairs to help themselves up? Do they have trouble getting out of chairs? Do a home walk through, checking for grab bars in bathrooms, secure railings for stairs, ensure lighting is bright enough. These may help prevent falls.
Week 4: Driving - Are you texting, distracted or stressed while behind the wheel? Do you drive while intoxicated? Do you ignore your seat belt? Not good! Everyday, more than 9 people are killed by distracted drivers. Drunk driving results in 40% of fatal crashes. 1 in 7 people don’t wear a seat belt...Seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and injury by 50%. So what do you do? Wear your seat belt. If drinking, have a designated driver. Don’t text while driving.
- National Safety Month
- Connecticut Guide to Emergency Preparedness
- 6 Steps for Preventing Falls Among Your Older Loved Ones
- Car Accident Statistics in the US