October 6, 2017

Autumn Health and Safety Tips

Even though it still feels like summer to those of us in South Arkansas, the Center for Disease Control wants us to remember that the cooler weather is right around the corner.  It’s never too early to get ready with these tips:

Take steps to prevent the flu.  The best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year in the fall.  The South Arkansas Center on Aging, in conjunction with Walgreens, is holding a Healthy Families Stick Together vaccination event on Friday, October 20th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am in our office at 106 W. Main, Suite 310.  In addition to influenza, pneumonia and TDaP vaccines will also be available.

Get smart about antibiotics.  Antibiotic can cure bacterial infections, but not viral.  The common cold and the flu are viral infections, so avoid using antibiotics if you have one of these.  Using antibiotics when they are not needed causes some bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic, and therefore stronger and harder to kill.  See your doctor or nurse to find out if your illness is bacterial or viral.

Check and replace batteries.  Check or replace carbon monoxide batteries twice a year when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.  Replace smoke alarm alkaline batteries at least once a year.  Test alarms every month to ensure they work properly.

Learn your family history.  National Family History Day is observed on Thanksgiving Day.  Over the holiday or at another family gathering, talk about and write down the health conditions that run in your family.

Be prepared fr cold weather.  Exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious health problems.  Know how to prevent health problems and what to do if a cold-weather emergency arises.  Remember that using space heaters and fireplaces can increase the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Don’t drink and drive.  Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let others drink and drive.  El Dorado now has Uber ride sharing, so there is always a safe way to get home if you are impaired.

Wash your hands.  Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

For more information, visit:  www.cdc.gov/family/autumn/index.htm