According to the Red Cross, if you or a loved one has special medical needs, "You are in the best position to plan for your own safety, as you are best able to know your functional abilities and possible needs during and after an emergency or disaster situation." Here are some things to consider:
If you or a loved one live in a nursing home or other senior living community, find out what plans are in place for emergency situations.
Arrange for who will help if you or your loved one needs to evacuate, and have a back-up plan in case that person can't reach the home. Neighbors are often willing and eager to help those with special needs. But they can't help you without knowing who you are...and what they should do to assist you.
Persons with medical needs such as dialysis, oxygen, or infusion pump can be at grave risk if their medical regimes are interrupted, and should have access to a back-up power source, such as a generator or battery, in the home or nearby.
Know the location of your local emergency shelter that is equipped with emergency power generators, designated for people with special needs. If you are evacuated to a shelter, notify officials there right away about your disability and medical issues.
Persons who are hard of hearing, or who have Alzheimer's or other cognitive impairment may miss emergency siren and radio/TV warnings. Arrange for other methods of notification. (Keep in mind that your loved one may be hesitant to leave with a stranger, so explain your plan beforehand.)
If you normally use an electric wheelchair or scooter, be sure you have access to a manual model.
If you are unable to get out of a building on your own, let someone know where you are. Have a set of alternate emergency numbers with you, in case the 911 emergency number is overloaded.
Have a supply on hand of your prescription medicines and any other supplies you regularly use, such as oxygen tanks, catheters, hearing aid batteries, spare glasses, etc.
If you use home care or home health care services, make arrangements ahead of time for evacuation procedures. Discuss the provider's special provisions for emergencies, and go over your emergency plan.
If you or a loved one live in a nursing home, assisted living community or adult family home, learn about the evacuation and emergency policy. When selecting a facility, ask questions about their plan. Don't assume a plan is in place. Be sure the facility has your contact information.
While it is tempting to avoid "thinking about the unthinkable," taking the practical steps to preparedness can turn worry into action. You will be able to rest easier knowing that you have done everything you can to ensure the best outcome...no matter what emergency strikes.
For More Information
FEMA's Ready.gov website includes a section on preparedness for people with disabilities and other special needs, including an instructional video and information for Social Security recipients. FEMA also partners with the Red Cross to offer the free booklet Preparing for Disaster for People with Disabilities and Other Special Needs.
The Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities now has a website, www.disabilitypreparedness.gov, offering more resources for special needs populations, family members and first responders.
Don't Forget Fido and Fluffy!
You might recall that during Hurricanes such as Katrina, Rita and Ike, many people were distraught to have to leave their pets behind. Indeed, many people refused to evacuate, rather than abandon their beloved animals. If you have pets, keep a supply of non-perishable food with your emergency supplies. And remember that if you evacuate to a shelter, normally only service animals are allowed to enter. FEMA now offers information for pet and service animal owners, including the Pets Preparedness Toolkit.
Copyright 2009. Reprinted with permission from Aging in Stride eNews – subscribe free at www.AgingInStride.org
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Safe Gardening
Suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about staying safe while enjoying the benefits of gardening.
Whether you are a beginner or expert gardener heading out to your garden, vegetable plot, or grassy lawn, health and safety are important. Gardening can be a great way to get physical activity, beautify the community, and go green.
However, working in the garden can also expose you to potentially harmful elements, such as the sun, insects, lawn and garden equipment, and chemicals.
Here are some health and safety tips for gardeners to follow while enjoying the beauty and bounty gardening can bring:
Dress to protect. Prevent exposure to chemicals, insects, and the sun.
Put safety first. Limit distractions, use chemicals and equipment properly, and be aware of possible hazards to lower your risk for injury.
Watch out for heat-related illness. Even being out in short periods of time in high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Monitor your activities and time in the sun to lower your risk for heat-related illness.
Know your limits. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns that may impair your ability to work in the garden safely.
Enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Gardening is an excellent way to get physical activity. Active people are less likely than inactive people to be obese or have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, stroke, depression, colon cancer, and premature death.
Get vaccinated. Vaccinations can prevent many diseases and save lives. All adults should get a tetanus vaccination every 10 years.
Go green. Conserve water, reuse containers, recycle, and share your bounty.
For More Information
The CDC website offers more detailed information about garden safety.
Copyright 2009. Reprinted with permission from Aging in Stride eNews – subscribe free at www.AgingInStride.org
Whether you are a beginner or expert gardener heading out to your garden, vegetable plot, or grassy lawn, health and safety are important. Gardening can be a great way to get physical activity, beautify the community, and go green.
However, working in the garden can also expose you to potentially harmful elements, such as the sun, insects, lawn and garden equipment, and chemicals.
Here are some health and safety tips for gardeners to follow while enjoying the beauty and bounty gardening can bring:
Dress to protect. Prevent exposure to chemicals, insects, and the sun.
Put safety first. Limit distractions, use chemicals and equipment properly, and be aware of possible hazards to lower your risk for injury.
Watch out for heat-related illness. Even being out in short periods of time in high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Monitor your activities and time in the sun to lower your risk for heat-related illness.
Know your limits. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns that may impair your ability to work in the garden safely.
Enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Gardening is an excellent way to get physical activity. Active people are less likely than inactive people to be obese or have high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, stroke, depression, colon cancer, and premature death.
Get vaccinated. Vaccinations can prevent many diseases and save lives. All adults should get a tetanus vaccination every 10 years.
Go green. Conserve water, reuse containers, recycle, and share your bounty.
For More Information
The CDC website offers more detailed information about garden safety.
Copyright 2009. Reprinted with permission from Aging in Stride eNews – subscribe free at www.AgingInStride.org
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Age-Related Eye Problems Can Lead to Computer Vision Syndrome
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recently advised that Americans who use computers daily at work or at home could suffer from computer vision syndrome.
This condition leaves them vulnerable to problems like dry eye, eyestrain, neck and/or backache, light sensitivity and fatigue. These symptoms can result from individual visual problems, poor work station configuration and improper work habits.
According to a recent AOA survey, 82 percent of Americans frequently work with a computer or a handheld device, such as a PDA, and 42 percent spend three or more hours a day in front of a computer or handheld device.
Pre-existing, uncorrected vision problems like farsightedness and astigmatism, inadequate eye focusing or eye coordination abilities, and age-related eye issues also contribute to computer vision syndrome.
"Working at a computer requires a great deal of eye movement and eye focusing," said Dr. Kent Daum, AOA optometrist and Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. "The constant re-focusing effort stresses the eye muscle, leading to computer-related vision problems. It can have a great impact on individuals' comfort and productivity, whether they are at work, school or home."
According to the survey, Americans are feeling the pain of computer vision syndrome. Forty-one percent said they have experienced eye strain, and 45 percent cited neck or back pain after prolonged computer or handheld device use. Many of these symptoms are temporary and will improve after ceasing computer work. However, some individuals may continue to experience visual problems, such as such as blurred distance vision, even after computer work has stopped. If the causes of the problem are not addressed, the symptoms will recur, and perhaps worsen, with future computer use.
According to the AOA, Americans should follow these guidelines to prevent or reduce eye and vision problems associated with computer vision syndrome:
Have your vision checked regularly. Prior to age 61, adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years, or as recommended by an eye doctor, and annually after that age. Vision and eye health can change rapidly and frequently, particularly as one ages. Therefore, having one's vision examined on a regular, timely basis is important to maintaining overall health and for preventive reasons.
Limit the amount of time you continuously use the computer. Practicing the 20/20 rule (look away from the computer every 20 minutes for 20 seconds) will minimize the development of eye-focusing problems and eye irritation caused by infrequent blinking.
Check the height and arrangement of the computer. Optometrists suggest more comfortable computer viewing can be achieved when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
Check for glare on the computer screen. Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of the monitor. When this occurs, turn the desk or computer to prevent glare on the screen.
Reduce the amount of lighting in the room to match the computer screen. A smaller light can be substituted for a bright overhead light or a dimmer switch can be installed to give flexible control of room lighting. Turn three-way bulbs to the lowest setting.
Keep blinking. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye when using a computer, make an effort to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of the eye moist.
"Viewing a computer screen is different than reading a printed page," said Dr. Daum. "Often the letters on the computer screen are not as precise or sharply defined, the level of contrast of the letters to the background is reduced, and the presence of glare and reflections on the screen may make viewing difficult."
Computer vision syndrome can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Your optometrist can determine if you have computer vision syndrome and advise you on treatment options. For additional information regarding computer vision syndrome, please visit the American Optometric Association website.
Copyright 2009. Reprinted with permission from Aging in Stride eNews – subscribe free at www.AgingInStride.org
This condition leaves them vulnerable to problems like dry eye, eyestrain, neck and/or backache, light sensitivity and fatigue. These symptoms can result from individual visual problems, poor work station configuration and improper work habits.
According to a recent AOA survey, 82 percent of Americans frequently work with a computer or a handheld device, such as a PDA, and 42 percent spend three or more hours a day in front of a computer or handheld device.
Pre-existing, uncorrected vision problems like farsightedness and astigmatism, inadequate eye focusing or eye coordination abilities, and age-related eye issues also contribute to computer vision syndrome.
"Working at a computer requires a great deal of eye movement and eye focusing," said Dr. Kent Daum, AOA optometrist and Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. "The constant re-focusing effort stresses the eye muscle, leading to computer-related vision problems. It can have a great impact on individuals' comfort and productivity, whether they are at work, school or home."
According to the survey, Americans are feeling the pain of computer vision syndrome. Forty-one percent said they have experienced eye strain, and 45 percent cited neck or back pain after prolonged computer or handheld device use. Many of these symptoms are temporary and will improve after ceasing computer work. However, some individuals may continue to experience visual problems, such as such as blurred distance vision, even after computer work has stopped. If the causes of the problem are not addressed, the symptoms will recur, and perhaps worsen, with future computer use.
According to the AOA, Americans should follow these guidelines to prevent or reduce eye and vision problems associated with computer vision syndrome:
Have your vision checked regularly. Prior to age 61, adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every two years, or as recommended by an eye doctor, and annually after that age. Vision and eye health can change rapidly and frequently, particularly as one ages. Therefore, having one's vision examined on a regular, timely basis is important to maintaining overall health and for preventive reasons.
Limit the amount of time you continuously use the computer. Practicing the 20/20 rule (look away from the computer every 20 minutes for 20 seconds) will minimize the development of eye-focusing problems and eye irritation caused by infrequent blinking.
Check the height and arrangement of the computer. Optometrists suggest more comfortable computer viewing can be achieved when the eyes are looking downward. Optimally, the computer screen should be 15 to 20 degrees below eye level (about 4 or 5 inches) as measured from the center of the screen and 20 to 28 inches from the eyes.
Check for glare on the computer screen. Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of the monitor. When this occurs, turn the desk or computer to prevent glare on the screen.
Reduce the amount of lighting in the room to match the computer screen. A smaller light can be substituted for a bright overhead light or a dimmer switch can be installed to give flexible control of room lighting. Turn three-way bulbs to the lowest setting.
Keep blinking. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye when using a computer, make an effort to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of the eye moist.
"Viewing a computer screen is different than reading a printed page," said Dr. Daum. "Often the letters on the computer screen are not as precise or sharply defined, the level of contrast of the letters to the background is reduced, and the presence of glare and reflections on the screen may make viewing difficult."
Computer vision syndrome can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Your optometrist can determine if you have computer vision syndrome and advise you on treatment options. For additional information regarding computer vision syndrome, please visit the American Optometric Association website.
Copyright 2009. Reprinted with permission from Aging in Stride eNews – subscribe free at www.AgingInStride.org
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