5 Tips for a Healthy Home

Keep your family safe by staying aware of the biggest dangers around your home.

#1 Mold
Mold is a common cause of illness and allergies. It can creep up anywhere in your home but it is most common on, and around, moist areas. Bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements are therefore prone to mold growth. If certain rooms of your home are prone to mold, be sure to take preventative measures such as using ventilation fans and installing mildew-resistant drywall.

#2 Kitchen Fires
The Home Safety council reports that cooking fires are the most common cause of residential fires. Stay aware of what appliances are in use and always double-check that stove burners are turned off after use. Keep a fire extinguisher readily available in the event that a fire occurs.

#3 Slips and Falls
Combine smooth tile floors with a little bit of moisture and you have the perfect combination for an accident waiting to happen. Use non-slip bathmats and kitchen rugs in any room where slippery tile may come in contact with water. Especially if you have children, use self-adhering grip pads in your shower floor. All of these precautions can greatly reduce the chance of injuries.

#4 Your purse
Better Homes and Gardens recently released an article that warns of the potential danger of women’s purses and children. Stay mindful of the items that you keep in your purse (makeup, coins, etc) and don’t let children gain access to anything they could ingest or choke on.  Also, think about where you “drop” your purse and consider the germs that could be sneaking into your house this way. For example, do you plop it on the bathroom floor when you use a public restroom? Does it hang from a chair in a public restroom?

#5 Fireplaces
Yes,  they are cozy and warm in the fall and winter, but are you taking the necessary steps to keeping your family safe from carbon monoxide? Install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home and make sure you get chimneys and fireplaces inspected annually to ensure there is no potential for poisoning.

For more information visit our FAQ section, “How to Prevent Home Insurance Claims“.

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Above average temps cause concern for heat stroke

As a massive heat wave makes its way across the country, medical personal are treating an increasing number of people for heat stroke and other heat related illnesses. Often an underestimated condition, heat stroke was actually the cause of 3,442 deaths between 1993 and 2003 according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

With twelve states under a heat advisory today, health advisers in those areas are warning folks to stay out of the sun and heat as much as possible and to stay hydrated. Elderly people and young children are at the highest risk of developing heatstroke.

Here’s what you need to know:

Heatstroke is a life threatening condition that occurs in extreme heat when the body fails to regulate its own temperature. Body temperature then begins to rise sometimes to 105 degrees or higher. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated properly and promptly.

Symptoms include high body temperature, dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, confusion and hallucinations.

To prevent heat stroke avoid doing any strenuous outdoor activity during extremely warm weather. If you must be outdoors, stay out of the sun and drink plenty of liquids. Dehydration is often the biggest cause of heatstroke as the body does not have the fluids to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat.

If you think that you or someone else may be experiencing heat stroke, get to a medical professional immediately for treatment.

For more information visit the CDCs webpage: Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote your Personal Health and Safety.

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When traveling with kids, a little planning can go a long way

Summer is here and families across the country are preparing for family vacations. My family is no exception as we are  quickly approaching our second road trip ever with my 7-month old son. And if there’s anything we learned from Road Trip #1, it’s that just a little planning can go quite a long way. I’ve scoured the Internet and questioned my friends for tips on the most important planning tips for traveling with kids. If you’re a well seasoned parent, this may just be a refresher course. For new moms and dads, this is probably new material. So before you turn your car on to the interstate or head off to the airport, consider the following…

1. Don’t skimp on toys a.k.a “distractions”: In  an effort to pack light, you may be inclined to forego your child’s favorite stuffed animal, coloring book or video game. Think again on this one as that additional baggage may just provide that additional amount of “quiet time” that you need on the plane or in the car.

2. Have a back-up plan: Flight delays and flat tires are aggravating enough as is but add a few kids into the mix and your trip just went from tolerable to torture. Plan ahead for these types of hang ups by simply having a few “car games” in the back of your mind to help keep everyone entertained.

3. Leave yourself additional time: A road trip that may normally take 3 hours could very well take you 4 or 5 hours after (multiple) bathroom and food stops. Don’t try to beat any records when it comes to timing or you may just be setting yourself up for disappointment and added stress.  Take your time, try to stay relaxed and start your trip off right!

4. Don’t overstay, know your limits: While a two week trip to Bali may sound like the vacation of a lifetime, keep in mind that kids often get antsy and unsettled when out of their normal routine for too long. Likewise, make sure you work enough “kid focused” activities into your itinerary so they don’t get completely bored.

Now have fun and make some memories!

Road Trip Side Note: Don’t forget to double check your car’s fluids and that all of your documentation (drivers licenses, car insurance policy info, etc.) are in the glove box.

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