Did you know that unintentional injuries are the fifth-leading cause of death in America – and that the overwhelming majority of these deaths occur at home? June is National Safety Month, the perfect time to make your home into a hazard-free zone.
- Set your sights low. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one out of every five falls causes a serious injury. Don’t fall prey. Look around for tripping hazards and remove or minimize them.
- Hang clothes up and put away shoes.
- Keep clutter off your stairs.
- Secure throw rugs to the floor with a grip pad
- Wear shoes inside.
- Have nightlights strategically placed throughout your home.
- Install grab bars in your bathroom if needed.
- Be careful with medications. You might associate drug overdoses (the most common cause of unintentional death in America) with substance abusers, but taking too much or the wrong kind of medication can happen to anyone.
- Make sure you are only taking prescription medication that has been prescribed for you.
- Don’t take more medicine than is recommended. More does not necessarily give you quicker or better relief.
- Read labels and follow all directions.
- Turn on a light when reaching for medicines at night.
- Keep all medicines in their original containers and out of the reach of children.
- Dispose of medications once they are unneeded or expired. For tips on safe disposal, visit: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/EnsuringSafeUseofMedicine/SafeDisposalofMedicines/UCM186187.
- Handle chemicals cautiously. Even basic household cleaners (bleach, ammonia) can be harmful if used incorrectly.
- Keep chemicals in their original containers. NEVER transfer them to food containers, such as water bottles.
- Never mix cleaners (ammonia and bleach, for instance, can create noxious fumes).
- Ventilate areas where you are using chemicals. For example, open the bathroom window when you are scrubbing the shower.
- Wear protective clothing, such as rubber gloves, when handling a chemical product. If you are spraying your yard with insecticide, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Stay nimble. The less stiff and weak your body is, the more likely you can recover your balance before a devastating fall. Exercises that emphasize flexibility, such as yoga and tai chi, are good to try. Our InterActive Exercise system is another great option for stretching and strengthening muscles.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be an exhaustive examination of the subject matter nor a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your primary care physician or healthcare provider before beginning any diet or exercise program.