Issue 31 - Snowbird Alert

Snowbird Alert

Hello, Hello?
Pacemaker patients should be careful the next time they come in contact with a cellular phone. Sometimes, the pacemaker will mistake the signal coming from a cellular phone as a heartbeat causing it to misfire. Research by the FDA has shown that such an effect, which results in the pacemaker slowing down or speeding up, occurred in about six per cent of the patients they studied.

For now, the best way to avoid such an occurrence is to not put the cellular phone directly over the pacemaker while the phone is on. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor he or she will know how to best educate you or your loved one about any potential hazards.

For more safety tips, visit www.safewithin.com

Grapefruit Alert
CSA members Joan and Russ Stapleton wrote to advise us of an important health notice in the Kings Health Centre Health Digest.

Those who drink grapefruit juice while taking cholesterol-lowering medication are at risk of raising their blood levels of lovastatin (Mevacor) by 20 times. This can lead to a muscle-wasting disease called rhabdomyolysis.

It's always a good idea to discuss your dietary habits with your doctor, to see how well they react with any medication (both prescribed and over-the-counter) you may be taking.

Home Safety
The Internet provides a wealth of information including some important home safety tips.
Special thanks to Vicki Kirby, R.N., Community Education Co-ordinator for Augusta Community Care.
* Install only one good lock that can be quickly opened from the inside, rather than many inexpensive locks. People trap themselves behind multiple door locks which are hard to open during an emergency.
* Remove scatter rugs as they tend to slide
* Develop a safe system for storing heavy pots
* Install a carbon monoxide detector
* Set utensils, food and other needed items at a convenient height
* Arrange furniture and other objects in the home so that they are not obstacles

Automobile Returns
Many snowbirds use "driving service" companies to deliver their car to and from their winter destination. If they have an accident, YOUR insurance must pay for any damage, although many of these companies will reimburse you for your deductible. This will often result in an increase in your insurance premiums. Make sure the service company you use WILL pay your deductible. Ask your insurance broker if this type of accident will increase your rates.

Table of Contents Issue 31 / Next Issue Story




	Snowbird Alert
		Hello, Hello? Pacemaker patients should be careful the next time they come in contact with a cellular phone. Sometimes, the pacemaker will mistake the signal coming from a cellular phone as a heartbeat causing it to misfire. Research by the FDA has shown that such an effect, which results in the pacemaker slowing down or speeding up, occurred in about six per cent of the patients they studied. For now, the best way to avoid such an occurrence is to not put the cellular phone directly over the pacemaker while the phone is on. If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor he or she will know how to best educate you or your loved one about any potential hazards. For more safety tips, visit www.safewithin.com Grapefruit Alert CSA members Joan and Russ Stapleton wrote to advise us of an important health notice in the Kings Health Centre Health Digest. Those who drink grapefruit juice while taking cholesterol-lowering medication are at risk of raising their blood levels of lovastatin (Mevacor) by 20 times. This can lead to a muscle-wasting disease called rhabdomyolysis. It's always a good idea to discuss your dietary habits with your doctor, to see how well they react with any medication (both prescribed and over-the-counter) you may be taking. Home Safety The Internet provides a wealth of information including some important home safety tips. Special thanks to Vicki Kirby, R.N., Community Education Co-ordinator for Augusta Community Care. * Install only one good lock that can be quickly opened from the inside, rather than many inexpensive locks. People trap themselves behind multiple door locks which are hard to open during an emergency. * Remove scatter rugs as they tend to slide * Develop a safe system for storing heavy pots * Install a carbon monoxide detector * Set utensils, food and other needed items at a convenient height * Arrange furniture and other objects in the home so that they are not obstacles Automobile Returns Many snowbirds use "driving service" companies to deliver their car to and from their winter destination. If they have an accident, YOUR insurance must pay for any damage, although many of these companies will reimburse you for your deductible. This will often result in an increase in your insurance premiums. Make sure the service company you use WILL pay your deductible. Ask your insurance broker if this type of accident will increase your rates. Table of Contents Issue 31 / Next Issue Story

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