Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Health Tips for January 16

Health Tip: After a Car Accident

Traffic accidents often cause more than physical injuries -- they can also cause emotional and mental trauma.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to prepare your mind and body for a return to the road:

* Take care of your physical injuries -- see your doctor about any post-accident pain.
* As long as your injuries permit, try to get some exercise. Speak to your doctor about setting limits.
* Talk about the experience with your friends and family. This may help you better deal with post-accident anxiety.
* Resume your old routine and daily activities.
* Teach yourself to become a more defensive driver. Always wear a seat belt, and practice good driving habits.

Health Tip: Stay Safe on the Stairs

It's relatively easy for seniors to slip on stairs and hurt themselves, so it's important to take precautions to prevent falls.

Here are some suggestions, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Install light switches at both the top and bottom of stairs, or add motion-sensitive lights to the area.
* Make sure the entire stairway is well lit, and keep a flashlight in a drawer nearby.
* Put up a handrail on each side of the stairs.
* Keep stairs free of clutter and objects.
* For wood stairs, add a non-slip surface. For carpeted stairs, avoid dark or very thick carpeting that may be difficult to see.
* Keep boards or carpeting on stairs in good shape and tightly secured.

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