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The AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) established Older Driver Safety Awareness Week to spread awareness of how changes to physical, mental, and sensory abilities can affect your ability to drive safely. It’s important to understand that Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, which is December 7-11, 2020 doesn’t only focus on the problem, but also provides solutions. New technologies are being developed every year to help senior citizens in California drive more safely despite physical or sensory changes. Importance of Older Driver Safety in California Things change as we age. Our eyesight worsens, we become more sensitive to light, and our hand-eye coordination decreases. These changes can affect our ability to drive safely. Almost 18 percent of all traffic crashes in 2015 involved people ages 65 and older. Considering the senior citizen population is growing significantly every year, older driver safety has become even more important. Technology Aiding Older Driver Safety The following are a few technologies available in new cars that can help older drivers navigate the roads safely during the day and at night: Assistive parking – An assistive parking system helps drivers to park more effectively, reducing the risk of fender-benders. Lane departure warning – The lanes on roads can sometimes be difficult to see at night, which makes the lane departure warning system so useful. It warns drivers if their vehicle is swerving or leaving their lane. Reverse monitoring – Judging distances can become more difficult for an older driver, especially when it comes to checking the rear of the vehicle (which can be physically difficult, too). A reverse monitoring system helps drivers to back up safely and warns the driver if there are objects in the way. Smart headlights – Smart headlights automatically adjust the headlights’ intensity and range based on the distance of traffic. This makes it easier to drive at night. These are just a few of many new technologies aiding older driver safety in California. Visit us at The Benefits Store to continue receiving helpful safety awareness information. #olderdriversafety #olderdriversafetyweek #olderdrivers

For children, there’s no better time of the year than the winter holiday season. Not only do they get some time off school, but they get to spend time with friends and family they may not see that often. It’s a season when they’re spoiled by all kinds of presents, giving them a chance to build up their toy collection. If your kids will be receiving toys or if you’re planning to buy children’s toys in California, keep toy safety in mind. Toy Safety Risks The last thing you want is to put children at risk of injury as a result of the toys you bought for them. Certain toys can be especially dangerous to younger children under the age of three. For example, toys with small parts can be a choking hazard. Additionally, riding toys may seem like a lot of fun, but they are also responsible for most toy-related injuries to children ages 14 and under. Tips for Choosing Safe Toys in California Keep toy safety in mind and understand that certain toys aren’t appropriate for children of certain ages. The following are a few tips on how to choose the right toy: Avoid flammable toys – All toys with fabric should be labeled flame-retardant or flame-resistant. Avoid potentially toxic toys – Make sure the materials of the toy are labeled non-toxic and lead-free. Avoid projectile toys – Even if you think the child is old enough for the toy, think twice about projectile toys (such as toy guns). Projectile toys can lead to facial injuries. Be present when the toy is given – If the children are younger, make sure you’re present to instruct them how to use the toy safely, if necessary. Follow the age recommendations – Toys have labels with clearly defined age recommendations. Always look for these labels to ensure the toy is age-appropriate. Keep these toy safety tips in mind when buying toys in California. For additional holiday safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #Californiatoysafety #holidaytoys #toysafety

One of the reasons some people are less healthy than others is because they weren’t properly educated about their health. A person who hasn’t received the necessary health education, either as a child or as an adult, is more likely to suffer worse physical and mental health as a result. To raise awareness about the importance of health education, National Health Education Week was established in 1995. National Health Education Week will be October 19-22, 2020. The Importance of Health Education Proper health education can help prevent ailments or physical diseases. But good health education can help people achieve better mental and social well-being. People are more capable of maintaining their own health with improved health education. They will also be less likely to participate in harmful behaviors that lead to disease and other issues (for instance, smoking or eating unhealthily). Observing National Health Education Week The idea behind National Health Education Week is to generate awareness of how important health education is. Here are a few examples of ways to do your part to improve awareness: Campaign for health education – Speak with local, state, or federal officials about how important their votes are to promoting good health. Schedule a check-up – There’s no better way to observe the importance of health education than to safeguard your own health. Get a check-up with your doctor and find out how you can maintain a healthier life. You can share the information your doctor has given you about maintaining a healthy lifestyle with family and friends. Share health information online – Share articles (such as this one) about health education and information in general on social media to generate more awareness. SOPHE (Society of Public Health Education) has online resources you can share as well. Be sure to observe National Health Education Week in October. To stay up-to-date with the latest health news or to educate yourself about other health-related matters, continue to visit us at The Benefits Store. #healthawareness #NationalHealthEducationWeek

Although earthquakes don’t occur everywhere in the country, they do occur in California on occasion. It’s been a while since a severe earthquake hit, but it’s still important to remain prepared. The state encourages its residents to stay informed about earthquake safety and promotes awareness for earthquake safety every year through its Great California “Shake-Out,” which is October 15, 2020, at 10:15 a.m. What is the Great California Shake-Out? The Great California Shake-Out allows families throughout California to prepare for potential earthquakes. Essentially, everyone who registers practices the steps they should take should a real earthquake hit. The event always takes place on the third Thursday of October and millions of people from around the world participate. This year, more than 9 million California residents have registered online to take part. Earthquake Safety Tips You can practice earthquake safety steps with your family at any time as well as during the Great California Shake-Out: Drop – The first thing you should do when an earthquake hits is to drop to the ground. Because the ground is unstable and shaking, you could fall and injure yourself if you try to stay upright. Cover – Once on the ground, crawl toward cover. For instance, if you’re inside and near a table, crawl under the table. If there’s no cover nearby, scoot next to an interior wall away from a window. Bend over to protect your organs and cover your head. Hold On – Stay on the ground and covered for as long as the shaking continues. If you’re under an object such as a table, hold onto it with one hand and be prepared to move if it shifts. If you don’t have shelter above you and you’re next to a wall, hold your head and neck with your arms and hands. Earthquakes are rare but can be incredibly devastating. Practice these earthquake safety tips and participate in the upcoming Great California Shake-Out. For more safety tips, visit The Benefits Store today. #earthquake #earthquakesafety #earthquakesafetytips #GreatCaliforniaShakeOut

Superbugs have started to become a bigger problem over the years because bacteria are becoming resistant to certain antibiotics. A “superbug” is essentially an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can cause numerous health issues due to an inability to treat it with standard antibiotics. The chief medical officer in England, Professor Dame Sally Davies, said superbugs could be a bigger risk to humanity than climate change. She estimated they could kill over 10 million people annually. A recent study revealed the massive amounts of antibiotics being dumped into the River Thames could result in such a superbug. Development and Spread of Superbugs The study was performed by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH). It revealed across 75% of the river’s catchment, antibiotics present in the water were at levels high enough to spark the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The presence of such a high level of antibiotics is due to effluent discharge. This occurs because 90 percent of the antibiotics people take passes through their bodies. These antibiotics then end up in the sewage system; half of that ends up in the river. It’s why rivers are a known reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Once antibiotics get into the water, it can result in mutation or bacterial reproduction, leading to the development of superbugs. Researchers believe to prevent the development of superbugs in the River Thames, the amount of effluent discharge occurring will need to be cut by 80%. This may seem like a tall task, but experts have recommended some solutions, including: Finding a way to improve wastewater treatment processes to remove antibiotics from the sewer systems Focusing more on preventative care so that fewer antibiotics are needed Reducing the number of unnecessary antibiotics being prescribed If action isn’t taken soon, the number of antibiotics entering the River Thames could result in the development of superbugs. For more information about superbugs or for more health-related news in general, visit The Benefits Store. #antibioticresistance #antibiotics #superbugs #superbugs

As people have learned over the years, mental health is an incredibly important component of our well-being. There seem to be more factors affecting mental health in this day and age, too. According to a recent study by the National Centre for Social Research and the University of York, extreme weather events may be one of these factors. How Extreme Weather Affects Mental Health It’s no surprise that people whose homes have been seriously damaged or destroyed by extreme weather can become distraught. However, the study revealed the mental health risks associated with living in a home that has been damaged by extreme weather are very similar to the mental health risks that are associated with those who live in disadvantaged areas. It turns out that even minor storm-related damage can have negative consequences on mental health. Scientists theorize the increase in mental health risks associated with extreme weather events could very well be due to climate change. Storms are becoming more intense and more frequent. People who continuously experience extreme weather will be more at risk for mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. The study was based on research collected from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, a British national health survey that uses diagnostic criteria to evaluate mental disorders. The survey asked respondents whether their homes had been damaged by rain, snow, wind, or flooding in the six months before the interview. During this period, over 4 million flood warnings had been issued. More than 10,000 homes had flooded. Researchers considered how other known mental health risks, such as debt, poor physical health, and living in disadvantaged areas, can contribute to respondents’ mental state. But they concluded people whose homes were damaged as a result of extreme weather events were 50 percent more likely to suffer from mental health issues. Find out more about the importance of mental health and keep up with the latest health news by visiting us at The Benefits Store. #extremeweather #extremeweatherevents #mentalhealth #poormentalhealth

Summer is a great time to head outdoors and enjoy the weather. But if temperatures are particularly high, spending too much time outside isn’t always the best idea. Extreme heat has been known to cause a lot of health problems, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These issues occur when the body is unable to cool itself down. They can lead to brain and vital organ damage; even death. It’s important you understand the dangers of extreme heat and take the proper precautions to stay safe whenever temperatures soar during the summer. Extreme Heat Safety Tips First, those who are particularly at risk of extreme heat-related conditions should stay inside whenever it’s hot outside. This can include older adults and those with chronic diseases. Young, healthy adults can also suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke if exposed to extreme temperatures too long. With that in mind, here are some important tips to keep you safe this summer: Don’t leave kids in the car – Cars heat up fast, so don’t leave kids or pets in your car, even if it’s just a few minutes. Go outside when it’s cooler – Temperatures won’t be as high in the mornings or evenings. Try to limit outdoor activities to these times. Keep your indoor space cool – Have your HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) inspected spring and fall. It’s important it operate efficiently and reliably. If you don’t have air conditioning or it breaks down in the middle of a hot day, go to a public space such as a library or a mall, to stay cool. Take a cold shower – Cold showers and baths are a great way to cool down if you’re feeling too hot. This is especially true if your home doesn’t have or loses AC. Wear cool clothes – The thicker your clothes, the more they will trap heat. During extreme heat, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing as well as light-colored clothes (They don’t “absorb” heat.) These are a few heat safety tips to keep your cool For more summer safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store. #extremeheat #heatstroke #summerheat

A firework display is a sight to behold! It’s no surprise people love to set off fireworks during celebratory events, such as the Fourth of July. However, fireworks can be quite dangerous if they aren’t handled properly. In 2017, roughly 12,900 people were injured and eight people were killed as a result of fireworks-related incidents. It’s estimated approximately 20,000 fires are caused by fireworks every year. Because of this, you should be sure to practice fireworks safety if you’re planning to handle fireworks for the Fourth of July (or any time). 10 Fireworks Safety Tips These are 10 fireworks safety tips that ensure nobody gets hurt and no accidental fires are caused: Always have a bucket of water or a garden hose ready nearby in the event of a fire. Always make sure there’s an adult supervising if children are near fireworks. An adult should be present at all times, no matter how small or harmless any particular firework appears to be. Do not let small children handle fireworks, even if they aren’t incendiary. This goes for smaller fireworks like sparklers, as well. Sparklers can cause injuries too. Don’t light fireworks near flammable objects (wooden structures, etc.). Have a first-aid kit handy in case someone is injured. If you’re setting off larger fireworks, make sure there are no children in your vicinity. If your firework malfunctions the first time you tried to ignite it, don’t attempt to re-light. Never point fireworks at anyone. Once you’ve set off a firework, douse the base or remains in water before throwing it away. This prevents it from reigniting. When lighting fireworks, ensure no part of your body is above the fireworks device. Once you’ve lit your firework, retreat quickly to a safe distance. Be sure to follow these fireworks safety tips for this summer. For more general safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store today. #FireworkSafety #fireworksawareness #fireworkssafety #safetyawareness

Unfortunately, almost everyone experiences a headache sometimes. Headaches can range from mild to debilitating migraines and there are many different headache causes. Knowing what some of those headache causes are could prevent them from occurring or at least help you treat them when they do occur. 5 Common Headache Causes There are many types of headaches. Many headaches have “triggers,” but their underlying causes are seldom known. The following are some of the more common triggers that can cause mild to severe headaches: 1. Alcohol Alcohol can cause headaches for a number of reasons, including: It’s a direct vasodilator, which can cause headaches in some people. It contains ethanol, which is a diuretic that causes dehydration. Many people have severe headaches if they’ve had too much to drink the night before. 2. Dehydration Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t have enough water. Your brain tissue needs water. If it doesn’t have enough water, your brain can actually shrink. When your brain shrinks even a little bit, it will pull away from your skull, causing a headache. 3. Light Bright lights and glare are known to be triggers for migraines. The link is thought to be a result of the connection between the cells that detect light in your eyes and the nerve running from your eyes to your brain. 4. Stress When a person experiences anxiety, certain chemicals are released in the brain to combat the tension. These chemicals sometimes cause blood vessel changes that can result in headaches, including migraines. 5. Underlying Medical Conditions Blood clots Brain tumors Concussions Strokes …and the flu can cause headaches that range in severity. Although you may not always be able to prevent a headache from developing (especially if you suffer from an underlying condition), you can take steps to avoid certain triggers, such as drinking lots of water and avoiding alcohol overconsumption. For more health advice, keep visiting us at The Benefits Store. #causesofheadaches #headache #headacheawareness #headachecauses

There are many health conditions that affect men much more than women. Overall, women tend to be healthier than men; that accounts for men’s higher mortality rate. Men’s health has been deteriorating in the U.S. along with a lack of awareness and poor health education. Men’s Health Week was established to promote wellness and awareness. This year, Men’s Health Week falls between June 15-21. 3 Health Tips for Men Men in their 40s and 50s tend to be particularly susceptible to certain health risks. To observe Men’s Health Week, keep the following health tips for the men in your life in mind: 1. Go to The Doctor You should go to the doctor routinely for preventive care. Your doctor can spot minor issues before they become major health problems. You should observe screenings and exams annually or as-needed for: Cholesterol Diabetes Heart Physical condition/lifestyle Testicular cancer Vision 2. Maintain a Healthy Weight Men in their 40s and 50s often gain weight. If you’re overweight, the risk of developing heart disease or diabetes will increase. Not only should you exercise regularly, but you should maintain a healthy diet for a healthy weight. 3. Reduce Stress Some men deal with a significant amount of stress for a variety of reasons, including finances, family, and their jobs. Stress is also linked to heart disease, which afflicts men at a younger age than women. In fact, heart disease kills more men between the ages of 45-54 than any other condition. Managing stress better reduces the risk of heart disease. You can do this by exercising regularly, meditating, doing yoga, or taking stress management classes. These are some important men’s health tips for men of all ages but especially those in their 40s or 50s. You can improve your health and even extend your life all year, every year. For more health tips, be sure to return to the Benefits Store. #menshealth #health #healthawareness #menhealthawareness #menshealthawareness

Diabetes is a serious disease affecting millions of people around the world. It’s a chronic illness that affects the body’s ability to break food down into energy. When you eat, the food becomes glucose, which is then released into your bloodstream. The glucose is used as energy because of a hormone called “insulin” that’s produced by your pancreas. People with diabetes have issues either producing enough insulin or processing the insulin their bodies produce. Most of us have heard of diabetes, but many don’t quite understand the disease. That’s why March 24, 2020 was Diabetes Alert Day. 10 Diabetes Facts You Should Know Here are some important diabetes facts to help improve your awareness of this serious disease: Almost 2 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. Diabetes can be fatal. It’s the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. Diabetes can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy, exercising, and not smoking. Diabetes is the number one cause of adult blindness, amputations of the lower limbs, and kidney failure. It’s estimated about 25 percent of people in the U.S. have diabetes and don’t realize it. Over 30 million people have diabetes in the U.S. alone. That’s close to 10% of the country’s population. Over 84 million adults – almost 34% of our population – have prediabetes. Prediabetes is diagnosed when blood sugar levels are higher than normal. People with prediabetes are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. The number of adults diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. has tripled in the last two decades. There are three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational. There is no cure. For more information about diabetes or for more health awareness tips in general, be sure to keep visiting us at The Benefits Store. #DiabetesAwareness #diabetesfacts #DiabetesPrevention #DiabetesTreatment

Poisoning is a more serious risk than most people realize. Of all the emergency room visits that occur every year, drug-related poisonings are responsible for 700,000 of them. Poisonings are linked to over 35,000 yearly deaths. This makes poisonings the number one cause of injury death. The third week of March (March 17-23) is Poison Prevention Week to increase awareness. The Risk of Poisoning Roughly 50 percent of all poisonings happen to children under the age of six. Of all the poisoning deaths every year, 90% of them are adults over the age of 20. Four of the major causes include: Cosmetics Household cleaning products Painkillers Prescription medicines (sedatives, antipsychotics, etc.) 5 Poison Prevention Tips The following are safety measures you should follow in order to reduce the risk of poisoning: Discard products safely – When a product is finished or no longer usable, discard it in a sealed, outdoor trash receptacle. Keep medications and household products out of reach – Make sure children can’t reach poisonous detergents, chemical products, or medicines. Ensure you store them safely. For example, keep drain cleaners on a top shelf in your garage instead of below the kitchen sink. Keep poisonous items isolated – Don’t put poisonous products near your food. They should be stored in different cabinets to avoid accidentally mixing them up. Lock cabinets – Prevent children from getting into medicine cabinets and household cleaners by installing safety locks or childproof latches. Return products after use – As soon as you take your medication or use a household cleaner, return it to where it’s stored. Don’t leave it out. These poison prevention tips will reduce the risk of poisoning. For more safety tips, keep visiting us at The Benefits Store. #poison #poisonprevention #poisonpreventionweek