Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Health Tips for October 28

Health Tip: Use Tools Safely

When working with hand tools, it's important to keep safety in mind.

The National Safety Council offers these suggestions to reduce your risk of injury:

  • Make sure you know which tools are appropriate for each job.
  • Keep your tools clean and in good condition, and maintain them according to the maker's instructions.
  • Unplug and turn off any power tool before performing maintenance or changing a part.
  • Wear clothing that can't get caught, and always use protective gear.
  • Use any guards and shields that come with the tools.
  • Store all tools safely and out of the reach of children.
  • If using an electrical adapter, never cut the three-prong plug off. And never use a two-prong adapter with a three-prong tool.
Health Tip: Biking Safely

Proper supervision and wearing protective gear, especially a helmet, are critical to biking safely.

The Nemours Foundation offers these safety tips for children to prevent biking accidents:

  • Wear fluorescent, brightly-colored or reflective clothing when biking, especially at night or in the evening. Avoid dark clothes.
  • Wear lightweight clothing to keep cool.
  • Wear pants with tight-fitting legs -- no flared or wide leg pants that can get caught in gears or spokes.
  • If biking with a backpack, make sure the straps are tied up and out of the way.
  • Wear sturdy shoes that can grip bike pedals. Never wear cleats, heeled shoes, or flip flops, and never bike barefoot.

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