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CrossRoadsNews
November 19, 2011
Wellness
“If someone is around you smoking, then you are absorbing that into your system – through your hair, your skin and your clothing.” Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford launch smoke-free campaign with help of Lithonia Mayor Tonya Peterson and DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson.
Holiday to dos for empty-nesters Empty-nesters who may be feeling a bit forlorn for the holidays can start new traditions. That’s the advice from baby boomer consumer specialist Kate Forgach. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, Forgach, who has been featured in national newspapers and TV shows, of- Kate Forgach fers these tips:
And take advantage of gift cards at such sites as www.giftcardgranny.com/buy-gift-cards to reduce your bill up to 30 percent.
Spend the day at a shelter Forgach said one of her favorite activities is cooking dinner at her local homeless shelter. “Actually, I don’t cook the turkey dinner itself. Instead, I use the leftovers to create future meals for the shelter. It just seems a huge waste to throw away all those bird bones when the makings for broth and casseroles are readily available.” Visit HomelessShelterDirectory.org for a list Host an orphan’s dinner It really helps to remember you’re not alone in of volunteer opportunities. this boat, Forgach says. There are plenty of people who would greatly appreciate an invitation to Brighten someone else’s day Many nursing homes and hospitals would socialize while enjoying a touch of turkey. “I threw such a party last year and asked greatly appreciate a visitor who will bring some everyone to bring a dish to pass. The only thing friendship into what may otherwise be a very I had to buy and prepare was the turkey, which lonely day. Check out http://blog.cleveland.com/ made it even easier than being a parental unit in health/2008/12/dos_and_donts_for_visiting_hos. html for guidelines for visitors. this scenario.” Retire to a restaurant Dine out at one of the many eateries that do all the work for you. You’ll enjoy the football games much more if you don’t have to leap up every 15 minutes to baste a bird.
Get out of town “A childless couple I know make a point of leaving home for the holidays, usually preferring to spend the long weekend scuba diving.” Or team up with another single or pair and rent a cabin.
Put safety and preparation in holiday travels Thousands of families will be on the move for the Thanksgiving holiday, and the Better Business Bureau says staying safe should be a top priority. Fred T. Elsberry Jr., local BBB president and CEO, says motorists need to be more vigilant because of weather and increased traffic. “Before loading up the family, make sure the car is in good shape and you’re prepared for bad weather,” he said this week. “While you’re driving, put down your cell phone or GPS and focus on the road ahead.”
For safe driving this holiday season, BBB urges motorists to create a car safety kit. Basics include a blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, radio, first-aid kit, jumper cables, non-perishable foods like granola bars and nuts, bottled water, an ice scraper, and warm gloves. Also, take the car in for a checkup. At the very least, check fluid levels, wipers and tire pressure. Start early and slow down, and drop the distractions. For more information, visit www.bbb .org/us/consumer-tips-holiday.
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Carla Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Secondhand smoke targeted By Carla Parker
The DeKalb Board of Health wants DeKalb residents to picture DeKalb healthy and free of secondhand cigarette smoke. “Picture DeKalb Healthy,” which launched on Nov. 16, will encourage residents to imagine and create a healthier county by reducing their secondhand smoke exposure. The campaign will include radio, online and newspaper advertisements in English and Spanish. It also will host special events to educate the community on the dangers of secondhand smoke. District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford said there is simply no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. “[Secondhand smoke] is not just a nuisance and it’s not just an irritation,” Ford said. “If someone is around you smoking, then you are absorbing that into your system – through your hair, through your skin and through your clothing.” Even though only 11 percent of DeKalb adults smoke, compared with 21 percent nationally, the board says everyone is at risk for exposure
to secondhand smoke, which contains hundreds of toxic chemicals. Risks associated with secondhand smoke include cancer, heart disease, asthma attacks, respiratory and ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome. “What the studies have shown is that there is really just no risk-free level of smoke,” Ford said. District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson said he is happy to welcome this campaign to DeKalb. “As a county, it is very important that we come together and think about the way we reduce our exposure to secondhand smoke. This initiative in particular will help protect air quality in our community and reduce the incidence of respiratory disease, asthma attacks and other health issues.” People interested in creating and supporting smoke-free environments can join Live Healthy DeKalb, a group of organizations, faith-based groups, businesses and residents working together to create a healthier DeKalb. For more information, visit www .dekalbhealth.net. Residents looking for support and resources to quit smoking can call the Georgia QuitLine at 1-877270-STOP.