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Jan-11

 

HEALTHY TIP - Jan. 24, 2011

Preparing for power outages. Low temperatures, thawing, and re-icing can promote power outages. Knowing what to prepare for when this happens can keep you and your home safe. Here are some tips to follow:

  • Store bottled water. Also keep chlorine and iodine to treat water when water can’t be boiled.
  • Store blankets and foods that don’t require refrigeration.
  • Wear multiple layers to stay warm, along with a hat and gloves.
  • Stay dry. If articles of clothing become wet, change.
  • Eat and drink balanced meals.
  • Move around. Physical activity will raise body temperature.
  • Avoid power lines outside.
  • Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages.

Related Articles & Resources   
Emergency & Trauma     
Home safety   
CDC:  Winter Weather         

 

 

 

 


HEALTHY TIP - Jan. 17, 2011  

Stay warm this winter. Did you know that alcohol and caffeinated beverages actually cause your body to lose heat? The thought of hot coffee or a little whiskey seem warming but actually do just the opposite.

The way you eat and drink vastly affects your body temperature. Choose warm, sweet beverages such as hot chocolate or hot apple cider. Drinking hot broth also is recommended. Eating a well-balanced diet promotes healthy metabolism, which helps keep the body warm. 

Related Articles & Resources   
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Warm winter recipes   
CDC:  Winter Weather

 

 

HEALTHY TIP - Jan. 10, 2010

 

Update your carbon monoxide alarm batteries. It’s vital to remember to update your Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm batteries and to set-up a back-up alarm. More than 400,000 people die of CO poisoning in the United States each year. Keeping your alarms up to date and stocked with fresh batteries is the key to prevention.

There are other tips you should follow when preventing CO poisoning. 

  1. Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
  2. Never leave the motor running in a garage.
  3. Never run a generator, pressure washer or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented.  
  4. Never use a charcoal grill, lantern or camping stove inside a home, tent or camper.  
  5. If you suspect CO poisoning, contact a health care professional immediately.

CO poisoning is 100% preventable. Set aside the time to keep you and your family safe within your home.  

Related Articles & Resources   
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CDC: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning  

HEALTHY TIP - Jan. 3, 2010

Focus exercise on quality not quantity. There is a lot of helpful and useless information out there suggesting the right amount of exercise. Length of exercise varies from type to type. It’s important to keep in mind quality over quantity!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three different categories of effective weekly workouts for adults.

  1. 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e. brisk walking) and muscle-strength training on 2 or more days of the week that work all major muscle groups. OR
  2. 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (i.e. jogging or running) and muscle-strength training on 2 or more days of the week that work all major muscle groups. OR 
  3.  An equivalent mix of moderate and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity through-out the week and muscle-strength training on 2 or more days of the week that work all major muscle groups.

Physical fitness is not all work and no play. Choose an activity you enjoy. Also remember that variety is the spice of life! Switch up your work-out routine in order to avoid falling into a rut.

Speak with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. If you need help scheduling an appointment, let us help make an appointment today

Related Articles & Resources   
Regular exercise: What do I really have to do?   
CDC: Physical activity for everyone: Measuring intensity