warning about locally sold first aid kits, tips for hospital stay, tips regarding candles

A small first aid kit, sold locally, contained capsules which did not bear any indications, visible to the unaided eye, as to the expiration date of said capsules.


Candle Safety Essentials
Candle safety: the essentials Keep them away from draughts and anything that can easily catch fire like furniture or curtains.CANDLE SAFETY Treat lighted candles as you would any other flame with care! Always place candles on a heat-resistant surface. Night lights and tea lights can melt plastic surfaces like TV tops and bathtubs. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.Keep your home and family safe from fire.Don't lean across candles! You could set fire to your clothes or hair Mind the gap! Don't put candles under shelves or other surfaces. Always put out candles before you move them. Always leave at least four inches (10cm) between two burning candles. Remember: Use a glass or metal holder for scented candles,which turn into liquid to release their fragrance. Don't let candles fall over! You need to keep candles firmly upright in a proper holder. Don't let anything fall into the hot wax, like matchsticks.Use a snuffer or a spoon to put candles out. Its safer than blowing them,which can send sparks and hot wax flying.

Your Hospital Stay
A guide for patients & families to help you during your hospital stay

Your role
You play a vital role in your care by becoming an active, involved and informed member of your health care team. Express your needs directly.

Working together with your team: Work with the staff and try new ideas or ways of doing things
Teamwork assures safe, high-quality care. It takes teamwork to bring you the best care possible. As a member of our team, here are some things you can do to help assure your stay at the hospital exceeds your expectations:

At home and during your hospital stay, always carry a list of current medications so our caregivers know the medications you are taking.

Learn about your diagnosis, medical tests that are ordered and your treatment plan. Resources include your physician and the nursing staff, the library, respected Web sites and support groups.

Communicate information about your health as accurately and concisely as possible. Write down questions and important information to discuss with your physician.

Ask questions if you have concerns or if you have been given information you don't understand.

Expect employees to introduce themselves when they enter your room and look for their identification badges. If you are unsure about who someone is, ask. It's our expectation that our caregivers introduce themselves to you.

Make sure your nurse or doctor checks your wristband or asks your name before administering medications or treatments. Ask if you are expecting a medication or treatment and you don't receive it.

Notice whether people have washed their hands. Hand washing is the most important way to prevent spreading infections. Don't be afraid to ask a doctor or nurse to do this.

Ask a family member or friend to be your advocate. The person you choose as your advocate: *Should understand your preferences for care and know if you have an advanced directive or
other legal document stating your wishes.
*Can help you get information or speak up for you if you can't do so.
*May function as a bridge between your physician and your family and friends to help
communication.

Hand Hygiene - Practicing good hand hygiene is the single most important thing we can do to stop the spread of infection. It's OK To Ask your care providers and visitors to wash their hands or ask if they have.

Your health care team
Members of your health care team during your stay at the hospital may include:
Medical Staff Your physician is in charge of your care. He or she may also ask other specialists to see you during your stay.
Admissions
Nursing
Each shift you will have a nurse assigned to care for you. There is also a Charge Nurse responsible for your patient care unit. Please talk to your nurse or the charge nurse if you have questions, concerns or need help during your hospital stay.

Patient Relations
The Patient Relations Coordinator may visit you to discuss your hospital stay. You are also free to contact Patient Relations by calling the hospital operator.

Other members of the health care team:
Case management & discharge planning
Housekeeping
Laboratory
Nutrition and Food Services
Therapy Services
Physical
Speech
Occupational
Respiratory
Pharmacy
Radiology
Social Work

Preparing to go home
Make sure you understand the care you need at home and the need for any follow-up appointments.
Ask about other medications that you were taking before your hospitalization and whether you should continue taking them.
If you are going to receive a new medication, ask about the purpose and possible side effects. Request written information.
Be sure you have your discharge prescriptions and that you have a way to get your prescriptions filled.
Talk to your doctor, case manager or social worker if finances or other factors limit your access to medications or care.
Update your list of medications you are taking and keep a copy of the list with you at all times.



News from CPSC - Two Recalls, Press Release Date: Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:26:53 -0500 From: listserv@cpsc.gov NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 18, 2007 Release #08-137 CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 Deadly Danger: CPSC Urges Parents To Not Place Infants on Air Mattresses WASHINGTON, D.C. - When traveling, parents may choose alternative sleeping environments for babies. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning families nationwide that air mattresses are too soft for use with sleeping infants. Never place infants to sleep on air mattresses or other soft surfaces (such as water beds and adult beds), which are not specifically designed or safe for infant use. Since 2002, CPSC has received reports of 16 tragic deaths, mostly infants younger than 8 months of age who were placed to sleep on air mattresses: 11 suffocated in a face down position on an air mattress and 5 died due to suffocation after falling into gaps between the mattress and bed frame and mattress and adjacent furniture or wall. Generic twin-, full-, or queen-sized inflatable mattresses are usually intended for adults and older children. Even properly inflated air mattresses are usually too soft for infants to maintain a clear airway. Air leaks and under-inflation also contribute to incidents. Wherever your baby sleeps should be as safe as possible. CPSC recommends these safe sleeping tips: Always place your baby to sleep on his or her back to reduce the risk of SIDS. Never place baby to sleep on an adult bed. Infants can suffocate on bedding or can become entrapped between the mattress and bed frame or mattress and wall. When using a crib, make sure it meets current safety standards, has a firm, tight-fitting mattress and tight-fitting bottom sheet. When using a portable crib or play yard, be sure to use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer.