Winter is the perfect season to snuggle up inside and watch the snow fall through the winter. But winter also brings some risks associated with the snow and cold. Here are a few easy ways to reduce those risks, keeping yourself and your family members safe. Keep Fire Safety in MindFire is warm and comforting, but also dangerous. If you use a candle to create ambiance, make sure you put it out before you go to bed. Don’t leave a candle burning alone in a room, either.
Also, be careful with space heaters. Make sure you clear anything flammable away from them. If you use propane for heat, make sure your tank is secure. Establish a regular schedule with your propane delivery team, and have your tank serviced periodically to keep it in good shape. Avoid Slips and FallsTo prevent slip-and-fall injuries, make sure you keep your walkways clear of snow. Use rock salt or another ice melting agent to get rid of slick ice. If you have an older loved one, make sure they have winter boots with good traction. Consider having your in-home care provider help you get your older family member in and out of the vehicle on slippery days. Use Medications to Your AdvantageVisit your local pharmacy, and stock up on medications and remedies that are helpful for winter. Get your Rx refills in advance so you don’t run out of medication during a storm. Purchase some skin cream to treat dry skin, which is common due to the dry winter air. It’s also smart to keep some cold medicine on-hand, and to use some capsaicin or menthol gel to ease muscles that are sore from shoveling snow and tackling other winter chores. Dress WarmlyMake sure you and your loved ones have plenty of warm clothing on-hand to protect you from the snow and cold. Consider arranging for a dry cleaners nearby to pick up your laundry items so you can get them cleaned without having to leave your house. This way, you can look your best in clean clothing, but still stay warm. On cold days, it is best to dress in layers. Opt for breathable fabrics, like wool and synthetics, over cotton. Winter is a beautiful season, but it does bring about some risks. With the tips above, you can mitigate those risks and remain focused on the seasonal beauty and family time. It was back in January last year when the first cases of COVID-19 were reported in the U.S., and in March 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak a pandemic. We are now one full year into the pandemic. It has been a hard year for everyone, but especially for our frontline workers, the elderly and their caregivers. We may be suffering from COVID fatigue but it is important that we remain vigilant and stay safe. I have some tips to share as we find our way through these difficult times.
Plan for Vaccination Make a plan to get your COVID-19 vaccine, and help older adults in your life make a plan to get their vaccine. Find out if you can get vaccinated at your favorite local pharmacy; many are administering vaccines to at-risk individuals. Your local health department is another good resource to find vaccination sites in your area. If you live in Massachusetts like me, you can go on MA DPH website for clinics/sites that are currently accepting patients for vaccinations. In Massachusetts, vaccines go to those who are most at risk first. Your elderly family members who are 75+ may get vaccinated in Phase 1 and those who are 65+ may get vaccinated in Phase 2. If your loved one has an in-home caregiver through a home care agency, they should be vaccinated in Phase 1, too. Keep Your Home Clean Although COVID-19 is different from the common cold and flu, the same cleaning practices that reduce the spread of those illnesses will also reduce the spread of COVID-19. Wash your bedding and comforters often, and wipe down surfaces daily. If your dry cleaners offer germ-free laundry services, take advantage of them — and consider using a laundry pickup and delivery service to minimize interpersonal contact. Take Care of Senior Loved Ones If you have older loved ones, do their grocery shopping for them so they don’t have to risk catching COVID-19 in public. Pick up their mail, bring them takeout, and run other errands so they can stay home, where they’re safer. Remember to support seniors’ mental health, too. Chat with them on the phone, play games together, or find a new TV show to enjoy together. If you’re feeling burned out caring for a loved one, consider signing up for senior respite care service. Stay Informed Dwelling on the news can be stressful, but you should check the news two or three days a week. This will ensure you stay informed about vaccine plans and safety protocols in your area. Dogs are a great companion for seniors, kids and practically people of all ages. If you’re new to pet ownership, it may seem a bit overwhelming. But even if it sometimes hard work, caring for a dog is SO worth it. Here are some tips for caring for dogs. Prepare for Dog Hair. EVERYWHEREIt’s just part of being a dog owner. Dog hair gets everywhere. You get used to it. But there are also ways to cut down on the hairiness. Taking the bedding, throws, blankets and other household items to the local dry cleaners every so often is certainly a big help. But you could also invest in a special brush for your fur baby. Brushing a dog at least weekly will cut down on shedding. Long-haired breeds may need monthly trips to the groomer as well. Check Out Local Dog ParksDogs go nuts with the hoops, hurdles and tunnels in dog parks. They are the perfect way to get them to work out some energy and socialize with other dogs. Most dog parks have certain requirements like registration, updated vaccination records, and a clean bill of health. Make sure you check your town’s community parks website for more information. They may require a special tag before entering. Special Health ConcernsIt’s common for some dogs to develop special health concerns like skin rashes or even GI issues. Sometimes your vet will prescribe meds that can be picked up at a pet compounding pharmacy. For skin concerns, you may want to try special shampoos for sensitive skin. These may have to be specially ordered online, but always check with your local pharmacy or pet store first. Never use products made for people on your dog. Have Plenty of Safe Toys for the Puppy StagePuppies love to chew. It’s what they do. So it’s best to stock up on safe toys specially made for young dogs. Just like babies, dogs go through a teething stage. If they don’t have a toy to chew on, they’ll find something else, like your shoes or clothes. Most vets recommend a combination of soft and hard toys, so your dog will always have a safe option when they get the urge to chew.
With a little preparation and know-how, dog ownership can be lots of comfort and fun. |
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