Ice and Seniors
27/12/10 13:18
Here are some home safety tips for seniors during the cold winter season:
1. A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
2. A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
3. A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately! When a Winter Storm Watch is issued . . .
4. Listen to the local radio and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
5. Be alert to changing weather conditions.
6. Avoid unnecessary travel. When a Winter Storm Warning is issued . . .
7. Stay indoors during the storm. If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
8. Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.As winds increase, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
9. Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
10. After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
*For complete article: http://www.aginghomehealthcare.com/home_safety_tips_for_seniors.html
1. A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
2. A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
3. A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately! When a Winter Storm Watch is issued . . .
4. Listen to the local radio and TV stations, or cable TV such as The Weather Channel for further updates.
5. Be alert to changing weather conditions.
6. Avoid unnecessary travel. When a Winter Storm Warning is issued . . .
7. Stay indoors during the storm. If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
8. Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.As winds increase, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
9. Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
10. After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
*For complete article: http://www.aginghomehealthcare.com/home_safety_tips_for_seniors.html
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Slips and Falls During the Frigid Days of Winter
04/12/10 09:20
When the temperature drops, the likelihood of slips and falls for seniors rises. Ice on walkways and driveways result in slippery conditions that can yield injuries.
Here are eight tips to follow:
1. Check your footwear. Examine your shoes and boots. How's the traction? Is it time for a new pair? Better traction can help keep you more stable on icy surfaces.
2. Keep your shovel and salt in your house. The reason you have a shovel and salt is so you don't have to walk on a slippery sidewalk. If you have to traverse through the snow and ice to get to your garage where the salt and shovel are kept, that defeats the purpose.
3. Check the railings. If you have railings leading up to your front door, check to see if they're sturdy. If you slipped, would they be able to support you?
4. Bring a cell phone when you leave the house. If you fall, it can sometimes be hard to get up. Carrying a cell phone whenever you go out can bring peace of mind.
5. Slow down. Allow extra time if it's slippery out. It's when you hurry that you end up pushing the envelope of what your balance can handle. Also, keep in mind that being a little late is better than rushing and causing a fall.
6. Ask for help. If you have to walk across an icy sidewalk or parking lot, try to find a steady arm to lean on. Most people are happy to help an older person navigate a slippery walkway? You just have to ask.
7. Have a plan. When you are going out, ask yourself, "If I slipped and fell here, what would I do?"
8. Strengthen your legs. Strong leg muscles can help you steady yourself if you slip. And if you do fall, they make it a lot easier to get back up. You should exercise your legs regularly to keep them strong. Try walking up and down your stairs repeatedly or do a set of ten squats out of a chair a couple times per week.
*Original article: http://ezinearticles.com/?8-Winter-Fall-Prevention-Tips-For-Seniors&id=903836
Here are eight tips to follow:
1. Check your footwear. Examine your shoes and boots. How's the traction? Is it time for a new pair? Better traction can help keep you more stable on icy surfaces.
2. Keep your shovel and salt in your house. The reason you have a shovel and salt is so you don't have to walk on a slippery sidewalk. If you have to traverse through the snow and ice to get to your garage where the salt and shovel are kept, that defeats the purpose.
3. Check the railings. If you have railings leading up to your front door, check to see if they're sturdy. If you slipped, would they be able to support you?
4. Bring a cell phone when you leave the house. If you fall, it can sometimes be hard to get up. Carrying a cell phone whenever you go out can bring peace of mind.
5. Slow down. Allow extra time if it's slippery out. It's when you hurry that you end up pushing the envelope of what your balance can handle. Also, keep in mind that being a little late is better than rushing and causing a fall.
6. Ask for help. If you have to walk across an icy sidewalk or parking lot, try to find a steady arm to lean on. Most people are happy to help an older person navigate a slippery walkway? You just have to ask.
7. Have a plan. When you are going out, ask yourself, "If I slipped and fell here, what would I do?"
8. Strengthen your legs. Strong leg muscles can help you steady yourself if you slip. And if you do fall, they make it a lot easier to get back up. You should exercise your legs regularly to keep them strong. Try walking up and down your stairs repeatedly or do a set of ten squats out of a chair a couple times per week.
*Original article: http://ezinearticles.com/?8-Winter-Fall-Prevention-Tips-For-Seniors&id=903836