Personal Health Tips

WIND & FIRE ASH:

Bad weather and heavy winds can carry ash from the fires into the air. Ash in the air can be bad for your health. Breathing in ash can bother your nose, throat and lungs and may make you cough. It could also be bad on your skin.

SKIN & EYES:

During windy weather when ash is in the air, slow down or stop doing things that might cause you to breath in ash. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants to stop getting ash on your skin. If you get ash on your skin, wash it off right away. Use things like sun glasses or goggles, and wear glasses instead of contact lenses to keep ash out of your eyes.

MASKS:

Dust masks may provide some protection for breathing. A masked called the N-95 or P- 100 that covers the nose and mouth is best for stopping ash from getting in your mouth or lungs. Simple surgical or dust masks may not help very much. If you are planning to buy a dust mask, do the following:

 Ask for the NIOSH approved N-95 or P-100 mask.
 Make sure the mask fits – covering your nose and mouth tightly.

Protect Yourself

Safety:
* Wear seat belt or helmet.

* Wear safety equipment.

* Don’t drink alcohol and drive.

* Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.

* Lift with your legs, not your back.

Health:

* Use bug repellent to avoid insects.

* Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or
greater and a hat to protect against skin cancer.

* Practice safe sex to protect against
sexually transmitted diseases.

* Brush and floss daily.

* Get adequate rest.

* Know what your health insurance covers.

* Use both prescribed and over-the- counter medications as directed.

* Keep vaccinations up-to-date.

* Establish a partnership with your healthcare provider.

* Protect against carpal tunnel syndrome and posture problems at the computer or in repetitive tasks.

* Scrub hands often with soap and water. Then use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if it is available.

* Temporarily avoid sugar and sweet foods including fruit – these foods can decrease are immune system.

Wash your hands often.
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds.

Stay warm.
Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing.

Watch the kids.
Children are at high risk for injuries that can lead to death or disability. Keep a watchful eye on your kids when they’re eating and playing.

Prevent injuries.
Injuries from falls and fireworks often occur around the holidays. Use step stools instead of furniture when hanging decorations. Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains.

Handle and prepare food safely.
As you prepare holiday meals, keep you and your family safe from food-related illness. Wash hands and surfaces often. Avoid cross- contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces.

Eat healthy, and be active.
With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Select just one or two of your favorites from the host of tempting foods.