Take one step

8/30/2010

So You Think You Can Breathe

Breathing is one of those things your body does that you don't have to think about. However, it can be to your benefit to pay a little more attention to how you breathe, so that you don't miss out on major health benefits for your lungs. A little deep breathing will rid your body of toxins and help calm you.

Here's a quick test:
Inhale and exhale normally, looking down as you do. If you don't see your belly moving, your breathing is short and shallow.

Now try this:
1. Lie flat on the floor (if possible) or sit upright in comfortable chair. Place one hand on your more...

Category: Emotional Health; Physical Health

6/28/2010

After an Emergency

While there are ways to prepare before and during an emergency, what about afterwards? Consequences of disasters can be similar but not every situation is the same. Read these general instructions on how to react after an emergency:

Try to stay calm.
Check yourself and others for injuries. Give first aid to people who are injured or trapped. Take care of life-threatening situations first. Get help if necessary.
Check on neighbours, especially the elderly or people with disabilities.
Confine or secure pets.
Use the battery-operated radio from your emergency kit to listen for information more...

Category: General Safety Reminders; Fire Safety

6/21/2010

Exercise for Heart Health

Your heart is a muscle – if you want to strengthen it, you need to use it. An inactive lifestyle is one of the top risk factors for heart disease. The good news is that you can do something about it. Start exercising today !

Exercise can be divided into three basic types:

1. FLEXIBILITY exercise, such as yoga and stretching, help prepare your muscles for activity and help prevent injuries and muscle strains.

2. AEROBIC workouts strengthen your heart and lungs and improve your body's ability to use oxygen. Over time, aerobic exercise can help decrease your heart rate and blood pressure more...

Category: Disease Prevention; Physical Health

6/14/2010

Heat Safety

Summer has started early this year and with it comes the dangers of working in the heat. Here are some tips for keeping yourself and others cool this summer as the temperature rises:

Slow down! Your body can't function as well in high temperatures. Limit strenuous activity outdoors.
When outdoors, stay in the shade whenever possible (natural or artificial structures). Especially limit time outdoors when temperatures and UV radiation are most intense, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
When in the sun, wear a wide brimmed hat, UV protective sunglasses, and clothing appropriate for the activity.

more...

Category: General Safety Reminders; Physical Health

6/7/2010

Outdoor Safety Tips

The start of the warmer weather is also the start for all of those outdoor projects, keep these safety tips in mind when completing your "to do" lists:

• Cutting the lawn? Make sure to substitute those flip flops for a pair of closed toe shoes or better yet safety shoes. How loud is your lawnmower? – perhaps you should also be wearing hearing protection.

• Building a new deck / shed / fence? Protect your eyes, are you wearing your safety glasses? Are the tools you are using appropriate for the work to be completed? Are you working safely at heights and following the manufacturers more...

Category: General Safety Reminders

5/31/2010

Exercise

After a long winter of reduced activity or inactivity, why not kick start your spring with an exercise program? Take advantage of the warm weather by doing exercises outdoors. You may be tempted to exercise at the same level you did at the end of the last season, but such enthusiasm often leads to early season injuries. Remember you need to get back into shape slowly and you should gradually increase training (i.e. mileage, time or amount of weight lifted) over a few weeks. You should exercise 3-4 times per week on alternate days to minimize injury and muscle soreness.

In addition to walking more...

Category: Physical Health; Ergonomics

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