FOUR THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT FALLS:

1. Begin an exercise program to improve your leg strength & balance

2. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines

3. Get annual eye check-ups & update your eyeglasses

4. Make your home safer by:

a) Removing clutter & tripping hazards

b) Putting railings on all stairs & adding grab bars in the bathroom

c) Having good lighting, especially on stairs

See your doctor for further evaluation and suggestions.

ACCIDENT AND INJURY PREVENTION

AT HOME:

• Plan escapes routes in case of fire accidents
• Keep/install smoke detectors
• Practice use of fire-extinguishing devices
• Proper handling of heating equipments like gasoline, coals, candles, lanterns
• Keep floors dry/ avoid slippery floor surfaces
• Avoid contact of plugs, switches and electrical wires with water
• Switch of electric current of electrical appliances not in use.
• Keep chemicals and poisons out of reach of children
• Keep knives, sharps and polythene out of reach of children
• Leave products in their original containers so the contents are known
• Ensure good vision: check your vision periodically
• Learning to swim
• Store unloaded firearms under lock and key (in a place separate from the ammunition)

USE OF SEAT BELTS

Wearing a seatbelt dramatically reduces your chances of death in an accident.

• Keep children under 60 pounds in an appropriate car seat or booster.
• Do not ride with someone who has been drinking or drugging.
• Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle.

HAND HYGIENE

Wash your hands regularly to avoid the spread of germs. Hand hygiene is considered the most important and effective measure to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) are the preferred method to routinely decontaminate hands in ANY situation when they are not visibly soiled. It rapidly kills most transient microorganisms, is less time-consuming than soap and water, and is gentler on skin.

STEPS FOR USE OF ALCOHOL-BASED HAND RUB

1. Apply 1 to 2 pumps of products to palms of dry hands

2. Rub hands together palm to palm

3. Rub in between and around fingers

4. Rub back of each hand with palm of other hand

5. Rub fingertips of each hand in opposite palm

6. Rub each thumb clasped in opposite hand

7. Rub hands until product is dry. Do not use paper towels.

8. Once dry, your hands are safe

STEPS FOR HAND WASH WITH SOAP AND WATER

1. Wet hands with warm water

2. Apply soap

3. Lather soap and rub hands palm to palm

4. Rub in between and around fingers

5. Rub back of each hand with palm of other hand

6. Rub fingertips of each hand in opposite palm

7. Rub each thumb clasped in opposite hand

8. Rinse thoroughly under running water

9. Put hands dry with paper towel

10. Turn off water using proper towel/ elbow

11. Your hands are now safe