How to PREVENT Sports Injuries

For many high school students, fall not only means a return to class, but a return to the field. Whether it’s for the school team or an intramural league; whether football, cheerleading, soccer, field hockey or any other sport; knowing how to minimize the chance of injury is vitally important. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention right?

In the weeks before classes start, many athletes are already taking to the practice field. Two-a- days are tough for any athlete; for teenagers they can be dangerous. The number one way to stay safe on a hot August afternoon is to stay hydrated. Athletes should make sure to drink plenty of fluids (without caffeine!) and watch for warning signs of heat-related problems, such as dark- colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nausea, cramps, excessive sweating or a cessation of sweating. If one experiences any of these symptoms, they should immediately take the break to cool down and rehydrate.

A general way to lessen the chances of athletic injury is to have a warm- up and cool down routine. Coaches should work with athletes to develop such routines. Coaches should also be encouraging athletes to train during the offseason. Showing up in shape will benefit in many ways, including making injuries less likely.

Properly fitting pads and helmets are another key to injury prevention. Make sure to have any protective equipment fitted at purchase. If you suspect an improper fit, ask the coach to take a look. While no helmet or pad can completely protect against injury, a proper fit will minimize the risk of serious injuries like concussions.

DID YOU KNOW? Scammers targeting hotel guests

The federal Trade Commission has issued a warning about scams targeting hotel guests. Next time you’re on the road, be aware of the following three dirty tricks. Be aware and you won’t become the next victim.

1. The late night, front desk phone call.  This scam starts with a ringing phone. It’s late at night and when the victim answers, the voice on the other hand of the line says he’s from the front desk. “There’s a problem with your credit card,” the voice says. “Could you give us the number again?” Of course, it’s not the front desk, it’s a scammer. The hotel would not likely bother a guest in the middle of the night. They would deal with the issue at the desk in the morning.
2. Pizza special! A hotel guest finds a flyer slid under their door. Great deals on pizza! They deliver to the hotel! Sounds great! Unfortunately, the pizza place isn’t real ( or at least the number isn’t), and when you order with your credit card you get no pizza, only fraudulent charges.
3. Wi-Fi fake out. Most hotels offer Wi-Fi service, for free or for a fee. Scammers know this and have been known to create their own Wi-Fi networks, with names that sound just like the official hotel network. If a guest logs on, they risk losing personal information to a crook. Guests should always check with the hotel to make sure they are accessing the authorized network.

RECALL ALERT: Graco Strollers Amputating Baby Fingers

Graco Strollers and Travel Systems

Model names: Aspen, Breeze, Capri, Cirrus, Glider, Kite, Literider, Sierra, Solara, Sterling, and TravelMate

For listing of Model Numbers, see www.gracobaby.com
The stroller’s folding hinge poses a laceration or amputation hazard.  Child Injury.  Causes serious injury to children.

Contact Graco immediately for a free repair kit.
Repair kits will be available at the beginning of December 2014.
Until you receive a free repair kit:

• Exercise extreme care when unfolding the stroller
• Ensure hinges are firmly locked before placing a child in the stroller
• Immediately remove the child if the stroller begins to fold to keep fingers away from the side hinge area

For more information contact Graco at: 1 (800) 345-4109 or visit www.gracobaby.com

Some Of The Top Warning Signs Of Elder Abuse Are...

When the time comes for our aging loved ones to move into a nursing home or assisted living facility, we are faced with the difficult task of finding just the right place.  We speak with neighbors and friends, ask for professional recommendations, and tour the different facilities.  Even after the most careful search, unforeseen problems can arise.

Most nursing homes and assisted living facilities provide safe, caring environments, staffed by hard-working professionals.  Sometimes, however, problems arise.  Elder abuse is a disturbingly-common problem across the country.  The law protects the safety and dignity of the elderly in these facilities, but to enforce these laws the authorities need to know there is abuse taking place

If you have a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, keep a watchful eye on these 7 warning signs during your visit:

1. Sudden weight loss or dehydration
2. Bruises, burns, and other unexplained injuries
3. Bedsores
4. Use of restraints
5. Staff inattention
6. Unsanitary/unsafe conditions
7. Financial issues

If you suspect that a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse contact our office immediately at 1-800-669-4878.