August 11th, 2011
I threw an eco-friendly baby shower for Heather last month, meaning that gently used gifts were welcome and I tried really hard not to buy anything new for decorations. We made lemonade from the bounty available on my tree and enabled guests to decorate onesies with craft supplies I already had on hand.
I wanted to serve a big bowl of berries alongside our DIY burrito bar, and oh was I tempted by those grocery store clamshell packages of the huge red strawberries. I know their impressive size and vibrant color comes from a little more science than nature (read: pesticides), so I skipped them in favor of the organic variety, a combination of a farmer’s market purchase and a bowlful of the ones grown in my own garden. After all, I had advertised this party as an eco-friendly shower – how could I buy chemically-enhanced fruit when I have some growing in my own soil!
But everything in my backyard is not risk-free. For one, the rose bushes will snag your clothing if you try to sneak past them a little too closely. For those with sensitive skin, rolling in the manicured grass will produce a rash of red welts (my daughter and husband). And for the very young, it may be hard to distinguish between the produce that we encourage them to snack on and the other foliage which is not edible in the least.
Do you have any natural-born enemies hiding in an otherwise inviting backyard? Test your Backyard Safety IQ with the UL Backyard Safety Explorer.
Posted in Safety | No Comments »
August 8th, 2011
Since I live in a small house with a small yard, a large Tupperware bin is about as close as I get to a home swimming pool. I recently learned some alarming facts about home swimming pool safety and wanted to share.
Jaime Hill is the mom of two daughters, age five and six, and she works at an electrical and pool safety supply manufacturer called NSi Industries. With her worker hat on, she told me, “We have found that most people are not aware of all of the dangers surrounding pools and spas, such as suction entrapment and evisceration. Furthermore, they aren’t aware that there are laws such as the Pool & Spa Safety Act that requires certain safety devices on pools to protect against these dangers.”
To prevent drowning and other terrible accidents, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC, strongly recommends that all residential pools have a 4-foot barrier, such as a fence with self-closing and self-latching gates. Scary fact: the suction from a pool or spa’s drain can be so powerful it can trap an adult underwater. To avoid entrapments, do not use a pool or spa if there are broken or missing drain covers.
There is also no replacement for close adult supervision and life-saving skills.
If you have a pool, or a friend with a pool, spread the word and pool safely!
Related articles:
Posted in Safety | No Comments »
August 5th, 2011
I am expecting a third baby. Both of my first two sons enjoyed the comforts of second-hand cribs, but with these stringent new safety standards, I don’t know if baby-to-be will be able to rest as easily.
As of June 28, a new generation of cribs will be the only ones approved for sale. Anywhere in the USA. Yard sales and craigslist included. As of this date, drop-sided cribs are banned. Additionally, more rigorous safety tests are required; new tests simulate how a wild toddler shakes and rattles his bed.
The new cribs are expected to look just like the older style but be much more sturdy.
From a recent AP article:
Drop-sides are blamed in the deaths of more than 30 infants and toddlers since 2000 and suspected in about a dozen other infant fatalities. Since 2007, more than 9 million drop-sides have been recalled.
Confused? Here’s a Q+A from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regarding the new crib standard.
Industry officials assure me that a new supply of safer cribs is ready for me to purchase – at full price of course.
Posted in Kids | No Comments »
August 1st, 2011
Long summer evenings are perfect for schmoozing with the neighbors over a glass of wine or lemonade. Building those relationships with the folks on your block or in your building is good for your social life and good for your family’s safety.
National Night Out is all about safety. Not only is it a chance to find out whose dog is having trouble walking and what vacations your neighbors will be on at the end of the summer, but the local authorities get involved as well.
Held every year since 1984, National Night Out has grown to involve over 34 million people in more than 10,000 communities in efforts to strengthen police-community relations, prevent crime and drugs, and encourage neighborhood camaraderie.
Activities can range from a block party to a flashlight walk or a parade. Learn more at the official National Night Out website. You’ll find a map of registered events, a National Night Out superstore with banners for your ‘hood, and the opportunity to register your event and get supplies to support it.
Tip: Provide sidewalk chalk, water and paintbrushes for the kids!
At my block’s event, local officials, police and firefighters will stop by to say hello. National Night Out is Tuesday, August 2, 2011.
Related post: The value of neighbors
Posted in Kids, Safety | No Comments »
July 18th, 2011
If your spring cleaning didn’t include medicine cabinets – or if you are saying, “Spring cleaning? Huh?” – I have an easy and productive summer purging challenge for you today.
Go through your medicine cabinets and check all the expiration dates on bottles, tossing anything that’s beyond expired.
While it’s unlikely that the contents of those bottles will hurt you, they will eventually lose their potency and not deliver the active ingredient you are seeking. If you’re in desperate need of a spoonful of Pepto, for example, I’m guessing you’d be pretty disappointed for it to not to be effective.
Note: Sunscreen should not be more than three years old. The impact of using defunct sunscreen will be made obvious to you after a day at the lake.
Keep a running list as you organize your drugstore stash so that you can replace the items you have discarded.
Related: How to safely dispose of medicines.
Posted in Safety | No Comments »
July 15th, 2011
With all that I have going on right now, I should be hooked up to a Camelbak water dispenser all day long. The Mayo Clinic reports that adults should drink approximately 8 or 9 eight-ounce glasses of water per day. But you might need even more than that if any of these conditions or situations hold true for you:
- taking certain dehydrating medications
- exercising
- it’s a hot and sunny day
- breastfeeding
- pregnant
- sick
I have at least 3 of those conditions right now. And I am THIRSTY!
Technically, all beverages count toward your fluid intake for the day, but if your urine output is NOT pale yellow and at least 1.9 liters in a day, it might be time to drink more water.
So, what’s your excuse? I’ve got two excuse-busters at the ready. The first is location and the second is flavor.
- I’m so busy, I want to drink water but I can’t slow down.
If you’re going strong all day and can’t just refill your glass eight times, I suggest that you keep portable, refillable water jugs where you are. Keep a bottle in the car (don’t forget the kids) and one at your desk at work.
- Water is so boring. I can’t stand it.
If you think water is so boring or, as my grandfather used to say, “why drink water when you can afford Diet Coke,” I suggest a different plan of attack. Add a squirt of lemon or lime into your water, drink bubbly water, or alternate with beverages you prefer.
Getting enough agua into your body helps it function in all ways and keeps your skin healthy too.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
