wellness calendar DECEMBER Holiday Fire Safety Tips Each year, hundreds of home fires are caused by holiday décor in and around one’s home. The U.S. Fire Administration has some helpful holiday tips to make sure your home and family stay safe throughout the holiday season.
NOVEMBER November is National Hospice and Palliative Care month. Hospice care is often surrounded by myth and many aren’t quite sure when and where to receive hospice care. Jennifer Cuscino, a nurse with Heartland Hospice, has provided a guide on hospice care you can read on our website at livingwellnesskc.com/magazine in the November/December 2013 section.
National Alzheimer’s Awareness In 1983, November was designated as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. At that time, fewer than 2 million Americans had Alzheimer’s. Today, that number has soared to nearly 5.4 million. See our features on new studies, causes and prevention beginning on page 44.
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Candles: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Better yet, use battery-operated flameless candles. If you do use real candles, make sure they are in stable holders where they cannot be easily knocked over by pets or children (or overly-spirited adults.) Never put lit candles near or on a tree. Lights: Each year, inspect your lights to make sure the wires aren’t frayed or have weak spots. Never overload the outlet or leave lights on unattended. Other décor: Make sure all decorations are nonflammable and don’t block exits with them. If you use a real Christmas tree, make sure it is properly maintained with plenty of water in the tree stand. If you use an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-retardant. Never place your tree near a heat source like a radiator or vent.
For more fire-safe tips, visit usfa.fema.gov/ citizens/home_fire_prev.