Winter Safety Series: 10 Top Tips For Winter Pet Safety #pets #wintersafety

Our pets or furbabies are laughter and joy in a sometimes dreary world. Just as we protect ourselves, our homes and our cars in the winter,we need to pay close attention to our pets too. Outdoor pets are use to living outside, yes, but they are not all used to bitter freezing temperatures.

Be prepared to bring your pet indoors if the temperatures drop, or at least have a safe warm space for them. A garage or outbuilding that is out of the elements is at least something if you can not bring them inside the house. I realize that not all pets/animals can come indoors, we have owned dogs that would destroy an indoor space if we brought them in. Plan ahead and make these pets a cozy house with lots of insulation materials like straw or cedar chips. Warming pads that are outdoor safe can be purchased at your local farm or pet supply store.
Other animals have cold temperature guidelines too, chickens, rabbits, horses etc need protection too. You can find options for keeping them warm online or just ask your vet. Chickens just don't do very well inside, they are not fond of your kitchen. Lol

 

  My puggie furbabies above (in addition to 5 kitties that stay indoors too)

Here are my Top 10 Tips for keeping your animal friends safe and warm during the cold winter months:

1. Be Prepared!! Don't wait until the temp drops to start planning to bring your pets indoor. Have a plan in place already, stock up on supplies ( pee pads, food, extra water bowls, bedding, etc)
2. Bring your pets inside, don't let indoor pets out during bad weather either.
3. Provide plenty of fresh water for hydration. Use a water defroster/de-icer for outdoor water containers.
4. Make some noise! Check under the hood of your vehicles before starting them. Animals ,especially cats love the warmth of the motor and the tires. Bang on the hood and sides to give them a chance to run out.
5. Protect against hazards,especially if you have brought a usually outdoor pet inside, the sites and smells are new and worth eating or chewing on.
6. Clean up antifreeze spills or other liquid hazards you might use to winterize your vehicle. Antifreeze tastes yummy sweet to dogs, but can be deadly if ingested.
7. Provide warm outerwear, like sweaters and booties for trips outside. You will get some cute photos and protect little Fee-fee from the elements.
8. Take special care to wipe off doggie paws and under bellies when you come back indoors. The salts and chemicals that are outside can make them sick if they lick it off. You can buy special paw care salve or cream to keep feet healthy.
9. Never leave pets alone in the car, just as important in the winter.
10. Never let pets off the leash during a winter storm/ snow. The snow and ice will mask the scent that they need to follow and find the way home. Pets get lost much faster in bad weather. 

We just had our first large winter storm of the season last week, being prepared was the key. I even came prepared to feed all the birds and squirrels in the neighborhood too I think.Those squirrels are eating better than me now!
I wish you safe journeys and warm nights! Stay tuned to my blog for upcoming tips and helpful topics. Next week I am going to try and focus on winter illness's and the plain Jane explanation of topics such as " strep throat " , " pharyngitis " " influenza" "pneumonia's and more. Plus when do you go to the ER for treatment!

If there is a topic you want me to cover, please comment below.

Chow!

Tips for Safe Winter Driving #blizzard2016 #winterdriving

Winter Driving Safety Tips

First of all, why are you out driving in the winter ice and snow to begin with?

It's understandable if you are a healthcare worker, emergency services personnel, police, rescue, fire fighter or even a lineman with the power company, we have to travel in treacherous conditions to take care of the sick, injured and other such problems. If you do not fall into one of those categories, you need to keep your tail at home. Nothing is so important that you need to risk your life or the life of your family to travel on snow/ice covered roads that you may not be used to traveling on. I live in the south, North Carolina to be exact, and nobody here can drive worth a darn when it snows (except the Northern transplants lol), southerners freak out and buy all of the bread and milk they can. They will still drive to the ER for a toothache and a work note.....come on. Please be safe and smart, Stop first and think about your decision to drive anywhere first. Only if you absolutely have to get in a car and drive, please follow these helpful tips to make your journey safer.

Driving in the snow

If you find yourself driving in the snow, stay alert, slow down and stay in control. These are the three key elements to safe driving in the snow.

Here are a few other tips for driving in the snow:

• If you think you may be heading into snow or there is a possibility of driving in the snow, make sure you do a maintenance check on your vehicle before making the trip. Check the vehicle battery, belts and hoses, anti-freeze, oil, lights, brakes, heater and defroster and check the exhaust system for leaks which may allow carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.
• Plan your route ahead of time and give yourself extra travel time. Make sure someone knows your travel plans.
• Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movement while at the wheel. Keep warm clothing available for when you exit the vehicle.
• Always clear any snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and the roof before driving. After starting the vehicle wait for the interior windows to clear of fog so you will have appropriate visibility.
• Make sure there is sufficient windshield washer fluid in the vehicle reservoir and that it is rated for freezing temperatures.
• It takes longer to stop on slippery surfaces, so add additional time to the three-second rule.
• Know the proper handling procedures for a skidding vehicle.
• Slow down in snow and icy conditions, make turns slowly, and make all starts slow and smooth.
• Remember that bridges and overpasses may freeze before the regular travel lanes of a roadway. Watch out for black ice, areas of the roadway that appear black and shiny and where your vehicle can suddenly lose traction. Slow down in these areas and keep your foot off the brakes.
• If you get stuck or stranded, don’t panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth. Wait for help to arrive. If you have a cell phone and are in an area with cell phone service, try calling for help. Try to always know your exact locations while driving.
• Keep your clothing dry. Wet clothing can lead to dangerous loss of body heat.

Winter Driving Survival Kit

It’s a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you might be traveling into an area where you could encounter snow. Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers. The following items are recommended for your winter driving survival kit:

• Ice scraper/snowbrush
• Shovel
• Sand or other type of traction aid
• Tow rope or chain
• Booster cables
• Road flares or warning lights
• Gas line antifreeze
• Flashlight and batteries
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Small tool kit
• Extra clothing and foot wear
• Non-perishable energy foods, like chocolate or granola bars, juice, instant coffee, tea, soup, and bottled water
• Candles and a small tin can to hold the candle
• Water proof matches

Winter driving can be safe with planning and extra caution.

Resource: www.nhtsa.dot.gov/winter/winter2.html

Infographic credit Ford Motor company

Winter Dragging You Down: How Can You Stay Healthy #asktheexperts #healthtips

I was delighted to be included in this article listing some great tips to stay healthy during the long winter months. Along with some long followed professionals in the medical field I feel proud to have my tips and face included. Winter this year has been tough, here in the south we have had our share of ice, snow and low temperatures. The flu has claimed many here and there are still a few more weeks of winters long arms left to pull us down to our knees. Take the tips given seriously, even though many are simple ones. Simple tips are sometimes the best for your body.

Thank you to  Terpening Insurance for putting together this great post. 

Don’t Let Winter Drag You Down: 5 Tips to Stay Healthy

The winter months inevitably arrive with coughing and sneezing. A sudden change of colder temperature means runny noses and sore throats. You may feel like there is nothing you can do to stop from catching these symptoms, but prevention is possible! Feel your best this winter with tips from some professionals on how to stay healthy during this cold season.

1) Hydrate!

It’s easier to remember to consume H2O in the summer when you are sweating buckets and parched from thirst. The cold winter months are another story. Although you may be tempted to fill up on hot chocolate, sugar will just make your immune system weaker. RN Britney Wilson, also know as The Nerdy Nurse, passionately shares how water intake keeps you healthy.

Stay hydrated! Drink water, water, and more water. There are so many occasions where you might be tempted to drink empty calories or sugar and sodium packed beverages that may satiate a craving, but are not fulfilling your bodies desire for straight-up water.

Often, indoor heating in winter will dry you out and dehydrate you. Keep a large bottle of water with you during the day, and by your bed to make sure you continue to consume water throughout the night.

2) Sanitize, Sanitize

You may have been told the importance of washing your hands since you’ve known how to talk, but it’s easy to think it’s something we only have to do after using the restroom or before eating. In winter months, it’s especially important to keep germs from being spread. Nurse Kathy Quan, founder of The Nursing Site, tells us how to properly use hand sanitizer when washing isn’t an option.

Winter tends to be a very busy time with holidays and all as opposed to spring and summer where people tend to relax more and the mood is more laid back.  In the hurry up mode, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself. That starts with good hand washing habits. If you use hand sanitizers, understand that they are designed to air dry and during this air drying process the germs are killed. Don’t try to wipe it off, let it evaporate.

It’s convenient to carry around a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your purse or even attached to your keychain. Make it a habit to use regularly throughout the day, especially when you’re in a public place like a grocery store. You never know who had their hands on that cart before you!

3) Get Your 40 Winks

We asked Leslie Block, a nurse of twenty-five years, and the editor of ER Nurses Care how to stay healthy during winter, and she emphasized the importance of rest and adequate sleep.

We all seem to be busy and forget that nutrition and getting enough sleep are simple things you can do to stay healthy. If you get run down, your body’s immune system is more prone to picking up the first thing that comes along.

A good night’s sleep will do wonders for your immune system. Listen to your body. Often you can tell when you’re coming down with something by your sudden fatigue. Take a nap!

4) Take Your Vitamins

There are many natural supplements you can take to help prevent catching that bug everyone you know has. RN and Nurse Coach, Keith Carlson shares his favorite.

In terms of staying healthy over the winter, I recommend drinking a lot of water, washing hands very frequently (especially when in public places like stores and gas stations), and getting enough rest. Zinc is very helpful, especially when you’ are sick or just coming down with something.

Vitamin C and Echinacea are also helpful and available in many different forms over-the-counter, including fruit flavored chews.

5) Be Good to Yourself

The bottom line is this: take good care of yourself! It is easy to keep going through your daily routine and ignore your body until symptoms come up, but prevention is the best way to have a healthy and productive winter. Follow these simple tips by staying hydrated, clean, well-rested and filled with good nutrition. Eat a healthy and balanced diet and stay active. You will not only survive cold and flu season, but thrive with more energy and life!

Read more here http://www.terpeninginsurance.com/winter-health-tips and check out more information on their blog