BESIDES JUNE being Men’s Health Month, it’s also National Safety Month. How we hope to help make a difference in the community by bringing to light some safety topics that hit close to home, such as swimming and fishing. With all the access to water in and around Central Florida, these are two activities that many families will be enjoying this summer, including me and my family. If you haven’t read them already, I definitely recommend the Medical Advice story here, as well as our Editor’s Dose column here.
Here are some more important safety reminders that, if followed, could save a life:
• ON THE ROAD: When you pick up your cell to look at a text while driving, your attention is taken away from the road for a minimum of five seconds. If you’re driving 55 mph, then that means you are going the length of a football field without your focus on the road. The moral of the story: put down the cellphone.
• IN THE MEDICINE CABINET: Do you have prescription painkillers in the house? Did you know that more than 70 percent of people who abused prescription pain relievers reported that they got it from family or friends? Always make sure your prescription drugs are kept in a safe place, away from visitors to your home.
• IN THE HOME: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that an estimated 11,000 or more people die each year from unintentional injuries, which include falls, fires, drownings, and poisonings. It’s important to remember, however, that these injuries are preventable. Take time to keep walkways and stairs free of clutter, have and practice a fire escape plan, always supervise young children in bathtubs, and keep cleaners and other chemicals out of reach of children.
Have a fun and safe summer, and thanks for reading Central Florida Health News!
CREDIT
column by NELSON KIRKLAND
Nelson Kirkland is publisher of Central Florida Health News. He may be reached by e-mail at nelson@centralfloridamediagroup.com.