COMMON SENSEWe've all heard it An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Sometimes (and quite often),
that ounce of prevention comes in the form of everyday common sense. Don't take safety for granted ever.
In the kitchen, make sure that pot handles are turned in toward the centre of the stove. It's not just a common-sense habit that could save you serious injury; it can also prevent dangerous situations for a visiting grandchild.
Although a nice roomy shirt or blouse may be comfortable to wear while cooking, loose, floppy sleeves are recipes for disaster. When you're near a stove, make sure your sleeves are close-fitting and keep them away from the burners.
If you smoke (and we hope you don't!), make sure you wet the ashes in the ashtray before disposing of them. And of course the dangers of smoking in bed are quite evident by now, aren't they?
Finally, for those who are hearing impaired (even to a small degree), falling into a deep sleep may keep you from hearing a smoke detector sounding in the hallway. Place a smoke detector in your bedroom and speak to your audiologist or hearing-aid dispenser about options that are available to you, such as smoke detectors that use strobe lights as well as sound.
JUST SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE...
Have you ever felt rushed into signing on the dotted line for some home improvement work? If you have, you're not alone. Each year, unscrupulous con artists dupe thousands of homeowners, and, unfortunately, seniors are prime targets.
Before starting any home renovation, do some research on your own. Learn as much as you can about the job to be done and don't be afraid to ask questions. A contractor who is honest will not mind explaining the job at hand, nor will he or she be insulted if you get a second opinion.
Read your contract thoroughly and, if possible, have a second pair of eyes take a look at it as well (preferably a legal pair of eyes). Is a payment schedule included? Are you allowed (whenever practical) to supply your own material?
Finally, be sure to check your contractor's track record. Ask for references and copies of their insurance, and check your local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged against the company. The best word of advice? Go with your instinct. If something doesn't seem right, WALK AWAY.
ATM SAFETY
You're in a large mall using an automatic teller machine. How secure are you, really? If you approach the machine and then start fishing in your purse or pockets for your wallet, you're setting yourself up for theft.
Be prepared for your visit to the ATM. Have your card and other documents ready and easily accessible. If you approach the machine and you're not comfortable with people in the vicinity, keep walking and try again later. Better yet, try a different location altogether.
As comfortable as we are with counting money received from a live teller, counting your cash at an ATM isn't a safe practice to adopt. Take your cash, your card and your receipt and leave the area a "counting" customer becomes a target for thieves, because his or her attention is no longer on the surroundings, but rather on the job at hand.
MY ACHING FEET
If you're as young as you feel, are your feet making you feel old before your time? Aching feet can put a damper on any festive occasion ask anyone who has prepared a holiday meal in ill-fitting shoes. As we get older, our bodies change, and our feet are no exception. It's imperative to wear proper-fitting shoes to ensure continuing good health.
Those with diabetes must pay extra attention to their shoes some diabetics suffer from nerve damage, which reduces circulation and results in loss of sensation in the feet. Often sores or injuries are not noticed until it's too late. Diabetics should visually inspect their feet every day and alert their doctors at the first sign of trouble.