We strongly urge you to make a pre-holiday
review of safety practices in your home to help reduce
the chances of accidents and injuries.
Here are tips for a safe and accident free holiday:
Lighted candles and electric Christmas tree lights are potential fire hazards. Homeowners are advised to inspect the string of lights for possible frayed wires,
crimped wires that could lead to short circuits, or defective sockets that could create special electrical problems of their own. While lighted candles lend special
effects to the holiday season, they should never be displayed on the tree or near any evergreen boughs. They should be used only in glass containers designed
for candle illumination.
Because gift wrappings, boxes, cartons, and packing materials burn very fast and generally high heat, they should never be burned in the fireplace. There is a tendency to allow the overloading of extension cords and the scattering of cords on the
floor during the holiday season because it is a temporary condition.
It is safer to avoid these practices, even temporarily. NEVER overload an electrical circuit and NEVER leave extension cords out where someone can
trip over them. Finally - two good Christmas gifts for the entire family are an extra smoke detector an a fire extinguisher (for both home and car)
Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:
-Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts
-Changing and adjusting the spark plugs
-Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the pvc valve
- inspecting the distributor and the battery
-Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth, and
antifreeze levels and the freeze line
Your car should have a tune up to ensure better gas mileage,
quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power
Toy safety depends on the toy itself, the child’s ability to use it safely, and on an adult’s instruction and supervision for proper use. With so many different toys on the market, it is not easy to choose the right one.
Parents are urged to select toys carefully, following these guidelines
for safety:
- Look for well-made, sturdy toys which will take a pounding
- Insist on smooth, rolled edges that won’t cut young fingers
- Be sure they have no parts small enough to fit into the mouth,
ears, or nose
-make sure toys are made of non-flammable material and that
painted surfaces are labeled “non-toxic.”
- Look for Underwriters laboratories (UL) listing on electrical
toys.
A toy that is too simple or too complicated for a small child is
frustrating and unsafe.
Be aware that in a family with children of different ages toys
used by older children can be hazardous for the younger children.
Teach children to put toys away and NEVER to leave toys in walkways or stairways
Parents can protect their children from painful accidents by
keeping toys in good repair, checking frequently for hazard producing
damage, and by discarding toys that can’t be repaired to a safe condition
Check for the safety labels on the gifts and toys you buy. Make sure the gift is appropriate, not just one that caught your eye.
When you decorate the tree keep this thought in mind: Lights and wires and plugs get old and must be checked from time to time.
Pet Safety
Poinsettias are toxic to cats, chocolate and many nuts are hazardous for pets to eat, and tinsel and ornaments can become an intestinal obstruction if eaten
Now that you’re thinking safety in all the many different ways, we know that you’ll have a SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
New Treatment guidelines in works for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
“Carpal tunnel syndrome, otherwise known as CTS, is among the most common disorders of the upper extremity. It affects up to 10 percent of the population and is related to many factors, but is thought to be caused by increased pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel in the wrist,” said Michael Keith, M.D., chair of the AAOS work group responsible for creating the new guideline.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2005, an estimated 3.1 million people sought help from physicians for the treatment of CTS.
“The Academy created this clinical practice guideline to improve patient care for those suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,” said Keith. “The document serves as a point of reference and educational tool for both family practitioners and orthopaedic surgeons, streamlining possible treatment processes for this ever-so common ailment.”
In June 2007, the Journal of the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) reported about 500,000 CTS surgical procedures are performed each year. The same study also reported the economic impact due to CTS is estimated to exceed $2 billion annually.
The final CTS treatment guideline contains nine recommendations that include both operative and non-operative treatment options, as well as alternative techniques. Some of the recommendations include:
• Traditional bracing or splinting
• Local steroid injection
• Oral steroids
• Ultrasound
• Carpal tunnel release surgery
After doing a thorough analysis of the current literature, the work group found no evidence that supports the following treatments:
• Heat therapy
• Acupuncture
• Diuretics
• Electric stimulation
• Massage therapy
• Magnet therapy
• Nutritional supplements.
“This guideline is not intended to stand alone,” added. Keith. “It can be used as a starting point for physicians and can open up the lines of patient-physician communication on possible treatment options.”
As new research, knowledge and literature on CTS becomes available, this guideline will be reviewed and re-evaluated by the Guidelines and Technology Oversight Committee. It will be considered for updating in 3 to 5 years, which is consistent with evidence-based standards.
The guideline was developed by an AAOS physician volunteer work group and was based upon a systematic review of the current scientific and clinical information on accepted approaches to treatment and/or diagnosis. The entire process lasted about 18 months and included a review panel consisting of internal and external committees, public commentaries and final approval by the AAOS Board of Directors.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2005, an estimated 3.1 million people sought help from physicians for the treatment of CTS.
“The Academy created this clinical practice guideline to improve patient care for those suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,” said Keith. “The document serves as a point of reference and educational tool for both family practitioners and orthopaedic surgeons, streamlining possible treatment processes for this ever-so common ailment.”
In June 2007, the Journal of the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) reported about 500,000 CTS surgical procedures are performed each year. The same study also reported the economic impact due to CTS is estimated to exceed $2 billion annually.
The final CTS treatment guideline contains nine recommendations that include both operative and non-operative treatment options, as well as alternative techniques. Some of the recommendations include:
• Traditional bracing or splinting
• Local steroid injection
• Oral steroids
• Ultrasound
• Carpal tunnel release surgery
After doing a thorough analysis of the current literature, the work group found no evidence that supports the following treatments:
• Heat therapy
• Acupuncture
• Diuretics
• Electric stimulation
• Massage therapy
• Magnet therapy
• Nutritional supplements.
“This guideline is not intended to stand alone,” added. Keith. “It can be used as a starting point for physicians and can open up the lines of patient-physician communication on possible treatment options.”
As new research, knowledge and literature on CTS becomes available, this guideline will be reviewed and re-evaluated by the Guidelines and Technology Oversight Committee. It will be considered for updating in 3 to 5 years, which is consistent with evidence-based standards.
The guideline was developed by an AAOS physician volunteer work group and was based upon a systematic review of the current scientific and clinical information on accepted approaches to treatment and/or diagnosis. The entire process lasted about 18 months and included a review panel consisting of internal and external committees, public commentaries and final approval by the AAOS Board of Directors.
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