by Ginny Hinton | May 12, 2014
New bill would require booster seats for children four years old through age five.
For several years, Florida has been the most dangerous state for children between the ages of 4 and 10 traveling in vehicles. Florida is currently one of only two states in the nation that lacks a booster seat bill for older children – and the only state that allows 4-year-olds to ride in an adult seatbelt.
Booster seats are needed for the simple reason that seat belts are designed to fit adults – specifically the “average” adult male. When a child under age 8 (on average) or under 4’ 9” tall and 80 pounds sits in an adult seatbelt, the lap belt tends to ride up onto his or her stomach. In a crash the belt tightens to keep the child from being ejected. It cuts through the soft stomach and the first bone to stop it is the spinal cord. This is known as “seat belt syndrome”. It can cause severe injuries including internal bleeding and even paralysis. A booster seat “boosts” the child up about six inches so the belt fits below the stomach and can restrain the child properly without causing injury. Using a booster seat reduces your child’s risk of injury by about 60%.
In Florida, some kids are about to get a safety “boost”. The Florida House and Senate just passed the revisions to Florida Statute 316.613 with Bill 225. If signed by Governor Scott, the new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2015. The new law will require children aged 4 through 5 years old to travel in a car seat or booster, NOT an adult seat belt. Unpaid drivers who are not in the child’s immediate family, children being transported for medical emergencies and children with a medical condition necessitating an exception are exempt from the law.
While this law by no means provides adequate protection for Florida’s older children, it is at least a step in the right direction. By a slim margin, Florida will no longer be the most unsafe state in the nation for child passengers.
by Dorothy C. Lee | Apr 14, 2014
Photo credit: Dorothy C. Lee
Spring is officially upon us. There are few rites of Spring more familiar than the annual Spring Cleaning. It is easier and healthier to live in a clean, well-organized home. Spring Cleaning doesn’t have to be synonymous with drudgery, though.
The key to cleaning is being organized and familiar with the uses of different cleaning products. Today’s cleaning methods and equipment make it more efficient and economical to clean. Be an informed consumer when selecting household cleaning supplies. Selecting a few all-purpose cleaners is more economical and requires less storage space.
Make it easy: Get organized. Gather cleaning supplies. Select a few all-purpose cleaners. Put all of your cleaning supplies, brushes, gloves, rags, etc. into one basket and take it with you as you move from room to room.
Clean with ease. Here are some tips that can help you:
- Clean as you go. For example, make your bed as you get out of it.
- Perform preventive measures to avoid big cleaning jobs later. For example, change filters in heating and cooling equipment regularly.
- Plan ahead. Make a list and check off items as you complete the chore. Establish a flexible cleaning schedule.
- Make sure to follow manufacturers’ directions for use and care of items.
- Incentivize by establishing a goal and rewarding yourself when you’ve accomplished it.
- Get in a cleaning mindset. Put on an exercise DVD and think of cleaning as a workout instead of a chore, or put on music you like to move to and let it energize you.
Consider making your own household cleaning supplies…Granny did! Try baking soda, vinegar, and ammonia for cleaning. These old-fashioned cleaners still work today. Making your own cleaners can cost less and be environmentally safe.
Safety considerations should always be followed when making household cleaning supplies. Never mix chlorine bleach with any other cleaning agents, especially ammonia or vinegar. The combination can create toxic fumes. Do not store cleaning supplies in containers that once held food or beverages – this can lead to mistaken identity and accidental poisoning. Clearly label each container. Store all cleaning supplies out of reach of children. Mix cleaning solutions in a well-ventilated area and clean up after using toxic substances. Store containers tightly closed.
Many household cleaners can be made from inexpensive household ingredients. Following are a few DIY cleaning solutions you can prepare yourself:
Multi-purpose Cleaner
1/2 cup ammonia
1 cup baking soda
2 cups warm water
Mix ingredients in a one-gallon container until baking soda is dissolved, and then add enough water to fill the gallon container. Use ½ cup of mixture in a bucket of water to clean floors, walls, woodwork.
Window Cleaner
Mix together 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 quart water in a spray container. Spray windows and use crumpled newspaper, if desired, to shine windows.
Mildew Cleaner
3/4 cup chlorine bleach
1 gallon water
Mix and put into spray container. Apply to mildewed area; let stand for five minutes; rinse with water.
Disinfecting Solution
3/4 cup chlorine bleach
1 tablespoon liquid soap
1 gallon water
Mix ingredients together. Wipe surface and let stand for two minutes. Rinse and wipe dry or air dry.
Aluminum Cleaner
1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 quart water or
2 teaspoons cream of tartar to 1 quart water
Add solution to pan and bring to a boil. Boil until discoloration disappears. Empty solution, let pan cool, and rinse.
Consider making your own cleaners before you buy. They cost less and are eco-friendly. Be an informed consumer and spring into cleaning!
For further information, visit the University of Florida/IFAS Solutions for Your Life website.
References:
EDIS publication FCS 3149 Hazardous Household Substances: Alternatives That are Relatively Free of Toxic Effects
“Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Commercial Cleaners and Other Household Products,” Environmental Media Services, www.ems.org
“Safe Substitutes at Home: Non-Toxic Household Products,” EnviroSense, www.epa.gov
by Judy Corbus | Apr 14, 2014
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Photo credit: American Cleaning Institute
Are you familiar with the new single-load liquid laundry packets? They are a convenient new laundry product which contains highly concentrated detergent in single pouches. However, if not stored properly, the packets can pose a danger to curious young children leading to injury from ingestion or exposure to the eyes. The American Cleaning Institute urges parents and caregivers to keep these products in a secure location out of reach and sight of young children.
For best results with the laundry packets, follow these tips:
- Like all other cleaning products, keep single-load liquid laundry packets out of the reach of children and pets between every load to prevent unintended exposure.
- For best results, add the single-load liquid laundry packets to the bottom – also known as the drum – of the washing machine, both for top-loader and high-efficiency front-loader machines, before adding clothes. Do not put this product in your machine’s dispenser drawer.
- Do not cut or tear the single-load liquid laundry packets. They are designed to dissolve completely in the machine, even in cold water.
- Read the product label to determine how much product you should use.
- Do not use the single-load liquid laundry packets for washing laundry by hand or to pretreat fabric.
- If the single-load liquid laundry packets stick together, throw them away. The packets can rupture if you try to separate them.
- Handle this product with dry hands only, and remember to close the product container completely after each use to keep out moisture. The film that encases the laundry detergent is designed to dissolve quickly, even in small amounts of water. Store this product away from water.
- Always ensure the re-closable bag or container is tightly sealed after use and during storage.
- As with other laundry products, keep product in its original container with intact labels.
- Store products away from food, as you would with other laundry products.
Take the KEY Pledge (one grand prize winner will receive one electronic gift card in the amount of $2,500.)
- Keep single-load liquid laundry packets out of the reach of children.
- Educate your family and friends about the safe use and storage of these new laundry products.
- You serve a key role in laundry safety.
For more information, watch this short animated video available in both English and Spanish.
Source: American Cleaning Institute
by Kristin Jackson | Mar 17, 2014
The deadline to enroll in health insurance through healthcare.gov is March 31, 2014
UF IFAS Extension Northwest District cares about you having all the facts necessary to use research based information to make informed choices for you and/or your family. One important choice coming up for almost 70,000 uninsured adults in the Big Bend (Gadsden, Franklin, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Wakulla, Taylor and Dixie Counties) is the decision to obtain health insurance coverage. The deadline to enroll in health insurance through healthcare.gov is March 31, 2014.
Research estimates that the majority of the uninsured are working families with low to moderate incomes, so some individuals and families are unable to pay for health care insurance. The Affordable Care Act gives individuals that are uninsured or underinsured the chance to obtain health insurance or to obtain better insurance. Due to the cost of insurance some low to moderate income individuals may qualify for an exemption, but there are still financial implications for not having health insurance coverage. Five important financial implications of not having insurance are:
1) Out of pocket and are often billed at a higher rate than insured.
2) Financial strain from medical bills and out-of-pocket cost.
3) Inability to pay for their or their family member’s medical care.
4) Compromised credit score.
5) Inability to obtain assets (such as a car or house)
Individuals and families without insurance and who do not have an exemption, will have to pay a penalty. The fine in 2014 will be the greater of $95 or 1% of your yearly household income. The penalty is expected to increase in 2015 and beyond.
If you have additional questions about the Affordable Care Act and would like free research based information contact your local UF/IFAS County Extension Office. Many local UF/IFAS County Extension offices offer information on the Affordable Care Act. You can find your local UF/FAS Extension Office by visiting http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/map/ or by calling the United Way’s 211 number.
References:
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2013). Key Facts about the Uninsured Population. Retrieved 3 March 2014 from http://kff.org/uninsured/fact-sheet/key-facts-about-the-uninsured-population/
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2013). County Health Rankings & Roadmaps Health Factors Uninsured. ? Retrieved 3 March 2014 from http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/app#/florida/2013/measure/factors/85/data/sort-0
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (N.D.) What if Someone Doesn’t Have Health Coverage in 2014? Retrieved 3 March 2014 from https://www.healthcare.gov/what-if-someone-doesnt-have-health-coverage-in-2014/
by Ginny Hinton | Dec 4, 2013
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Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to reduce the spread of germs.
It seems like such a simple solution. Wash your hands to keep yourself well during this cold and flu season. Unfortunately, even though most people know how important hand washing is, many still don’t follow important hygiene procedures. What do we need to do – and teach our kids to do – to stay well this fall and winter? The answer is: wash frequently and correctly.
Our bodies are covered with bacteria. Some cause disease, while others are actually helpful. Some stay on our skin all the time, while we pick up others through contact with objects such as doorknobs, handles, keyboards, and phones. Those “transient” bacteria and viruses that we pick up can live up to five hours on dry surfaces. Touch your cell phone or scratch an itchy eye and they’re now living in your body!
A study conducted by Russell Research for the American Cleaning Institute® (www.cleaninginstitute.org) found that, even though an overwhelming 97% of parents and children agree that hand washing is one of the most important things they can do to keep from getting sick, they don’t always follow through on that belief. At home, only 66% of parents say they have taught their children to spend 20 seconds washing their hands and a full 33% of parents admitted to not always washing their own hands after leaving the restroom. While many parents have discussed the importance of hand washing with children, the research indicates that they must lead by example and prompt kids every day if the message is going to stick.
The way you wash your hands is just as important as the fact that you wash them at all. Just rinsing them for a couple of seconds and then drying them off helps very little. Soap is important to break up grease and dirt, which can hide thousands of germs. Antibacterial soap isn’t necessary unless you’re a surgeon. Any soap that lathers will work. Wet your hands, soap up, and scrub your hands together vigorously. It’s the friction you create that removes the viruses. Take your time to be sure you’ve removed all the germs. The CDC recommends at least 20 seconds of hand washing. Although that doesn’t sound like a long time, it’s probably much longer than you think. Time yourself the next time you wash your hands. Watch your child to make sure he or she is practicing good hygiene. Remind him or her daily about hand washing because it matters. Get your family in the habit of washing their hands before and after caring for someone who is sick, before and after treating a cut or wound, and after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing. Lessons learned at home last a lifetime!
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/
by Ricki McWilliams | Nov 16, 2013
The Season of Hallothanksmas is upon us. Yes, I know what you’re thinking: treats, meats, and delicious eats. But let’s shift our way of thinking. What if we turn our focus to family, friends, and making great memories? Here are three things to think about this holiday season:
1. Portion control – Have you noticed how portion sizes keep getting bigger with the option to “super-size?” Some portion sizes have increased so much that they now equal the amount recommended for the entire day. With this growth have come increases in waistlines and body weight. Start with figuring out how big your portions really are. Pour/place in a dish the amount you would normally eat then use a measuring cup to find out how much you are actually eating. Take the Portion Distortion Quiz now.
Basic guidelines when measuring portions:
1 cup = baseball
½ cup = light bulb
1 oz or 2 tbsp = golf ball
1 tbsp = silver dollar
3 oz chicken or meat =deck of cards
3 oz fish = checkbook
2. Some easy ways to keep your commitment to healthful eating: Pack your shopping cart with plenty of fresh vegetables like sweet potatoes, winter squash, broccoli, carrots, and green beans. Apples, cranberries, and pears combine easily for a tasty salad, fruit crisp, or topping for the turkey. Reduce fat and calories without sacrificing the taste with these quick substitutions: two egg whites for one egg; low-sodium, fat-free broth in your mashed potatoes; cutting back on added butter or margarine; applesauce for oil, margarine, or butter when baking. Use fat-free yogurt, sour cream, and whipped topping for dips, sauces, and pie toppings. Try sliced almonds in place of fried onion rings for a crunchy topping. Replace regular with reduced-fat or low-fat cheese for salads and casseroles. Substituting ingredients can change the texture of the finished product so be sure to start with small changes.
3. Going to a gathering? With a little preparation, you can still keep off the extra holiday pounds. If you plan on treating yourself later, start your day with a small meal that includes whole grains, fruit, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and protein like eggs, ham, or peanut butter. Don’t starve yourself beforehand. Rather, eat a small, lower-calorie meal or snack so you don’t overdo it at the party. Choose carefully and decide among foods you definitely will eat, those you will sample, and those you will skip. Don’t rush to eat. Socialize and settle into the festivities before you eat. Move your socializing away from the buffet or appetizer trays so you don’t nibble unconsciously.
Sources: www.eatright.org; http://myplate.gov/
