Pooh Wisdom

One Safe Mama realizes that most people will never join the ranks of die-hard Disney fan that I have always been.  However, I still believe that  if you allow yourself to, you can find a nice smackerel of honey-laden wisdom in a Pooh storybook or movie.  Christopher Robin once told Pooh,  “Promise me you will always remember … you are BRAVER than you believe, and STRONGER than you seem, and SMARTER than you think.”   A Safe Mama wants her kiddo’s to feel safe INSIDE, too – which means giving your children the inner strength, determination, and self-worth to survive when other kids and adults try to tear them down.   Start early -  tell them you love them, listen to them, show them you care by being involved in what they care about (yes, even video games!) – or somebody else will.

Go LOVE your kids with some Pooh Wisdom!

Connie ~ One Safe Mama

Different Strokes for Different Folks

Different Strokes for Different Folks – Occlusive & Hemorrhagic

After the age of 55 your risk for having a stroke increases – so all you Safe Mama’s need to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms in your kiddo’s grandparents.  Treatment for a Stroke depends on the type experienced, but all Strokes are very serious and should not be taken lightly.  If you or anyone with you has one or more warning signs (see the list below) call 9-1-1 immediately!  An ambulance can be sent to help you.  Make certain you know when the first symptom occurred.  “Clot buster” drugs (t-pa) can be administered to reduce long-term disability (for the most common type of stroke- occlusive) – but only if given within three hours of the start of symptoms!  You must get to the hospital within 2 hours of the onset of symptoms! CT scans must be completed in order to verify the type of stroke the person experienced.  “Clot-busting” drugs can not be given if you experience hemorrhagic stroke – it could cause excessive bleeding, shock, and death.  Do Not Delay!!!

Warning Signs of a Stroke

Sudden Severe Headache – with unknown origin

Sudden numbness or weakness  -  of the face, arm or leg (typically on one side of the body)

Sudden confusion -  trouble speaking or understanding  

Sudden vision problems – in one or both eyes

Sudden trouble walking – balance problems, lack of coordination and dizziness

 

Connie~One Safe Mama

Heart-to-Heart

I’m sure you’re thinking, why does One Safe Mama have a blog on Heart Attacks since children aren’t generally thought to have them.  It’s true that it’s rare for kids to experience them, and so it’s often over-looked.  Most heart attacks occur after age 65 in men and 70 in women.  However, children as young as 12 have unfortunately experienced a heart attack.  So…read todays heart-to-heart with that in mind.

Most heart attacks are not like you’d imagine – they are slow acting.  People often aren’t sure what’s wrong with them and wait too long before getting the help they need.  If you or anyone with you has chest discomfort  – especially with one or more of the other warning signs, call 911! Every minute counts!  Emergency personnel will begin treating you as soon as they arrive and can relay all important information to the Emergency Department Staff once you arrive to the hospital – meaning faster treatment for your heart!  If you can’t call 911 have someone rush you to the hospital right away – don’t drive yourself unless there is absolutely no other way.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Chest Discomfort – pain, pressure, fullness, or tightening that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away but comes back again.

Shortness of Breath – with or without chest discomfort.

General Discomfort – discomfort or pain in one or both arms, the back, jaw, neck, or stomach.

Other Signs – cold sweat, lightheadedness, and nausea.

 *** Women (like men) typically have chest pain/discomfort.  However, they are somewhat more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back/jaw pain.

 

Connie~One Safe Mama

“Go and do likewise”

Do you know what  a Good Samaritan is?  The parable of the Good Samaritan is found in the Gospel of Luke 10: 25-37.  If you’ve seen many Veggie Tales, the town of Fibber-O-Loo may come to mind.  Most people want to help someone in need.  Occasionally you’ll hear of a man pulling a trapped passenger out of a car, a woman running in a burning house to save a child, or a child calling 9-1-1 and actually performing CPR!  However, most of us are afraid of being sued in this extremely litigous society we live in today.  How can we “Go and do likewise” without worry? Well, the basics or the “Good Samaritan Act” are as follows….

The person giving aid is not legally liable for the death, disfigurement or disability of the victim as long as he/she acted as a rational person of the same level of training would have under the same circumstances.  If the responder is an RN – he/she would need to act as a prudent RN would in that same situation. If the responder is a layperson certified in CPR they would only do that which they learned in CPR training – not act as a RN.  In addition to acting prudently, the person giving aid must also obtain consent OR consent must be implied (the victim is unconscious, or a minor with no parent present) before giving aid.

No person is required to give aid of any sort to a victim – Unless…You are a caretaker of the victim (parent/nurse) prior to the illness or injury OR You are responsible for the injury that occurred (car wreck).

Once a person begins to give aid to the victim they must not leave the scene –Unless…They are alone and must call for medical assistance, a person of higher training arrives to the scene (EMT, RN, MD), or the scene becomes unsafe to continue giving aid (fire).

***The Good Samaritan Act can vary.  The above description is meant as a general guideline for the United States of America. It is a “general” description therefore it does not specify the exact law in any one particular state.  Please verify with the laws in the area in which you live or are traveling.

 

“Go and do likewise” Luke 10:36

Connie ~ One Safe Mama

Shock Advised

Shock Advised is what my AED says when it has determined the victims rhythmic pattern of their heart needs a “shock” to get back sinus rhythm.  Ok….so you may be saying, “what are you talking about One Safe Mama?”  So…why don’t we discuss AED’s!   

The A-Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a computerized medical device that checks a person’s heart rhythm. You can learn how  to operate an AED safely by attending a CPR & AED class (I’ll explain it more later)!  It’s SO Easy!  There are A LOT of AEDs on the market these days, but the same basic steps apply to all of them.  The AHA does not recommend a specific model- but I happen to like (unsolicited, too) the Philips HeartStart Onsite AED, probably because I find it SO friendly to the average person.  The Philips Heartstart Onsite AED turns itself on when you open the lid (so there’s no chance you’ll forget and have to wait for it to power up after the pads are already on).  However, they are all fairly easy and will prompt you with either audio or visual text cues.  AEDs are manufactured and sold under guidelines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Price of AED’s varies ($1,000 and up) by make, model and the additional support equipment (barrier mask, razor, gloves, box to hold AED, etc)  it comes with. 

One Safe Mama knows that the Chain of Survival  are key to increasing the rate of survival for the victim as well as safety for you the rescuer – and now you do, too!  If at all possible, it’s great to receive training on the AED model they will use so that during an emergency it will come more naturally to you!   If you’re interested in learning CPR (adults, children, &/or infants), how to help a choking victim (of all ages), and use an AED (adults & children 1 year and up), please visit my One Safe Mama website to learn about CPR classes & party packages held at your location. 

Connie~One Safe Mama!

Love Your Family – Learn Your ABCD’s!

As a young child you learned your ABC’s – well it’s time you learn them again….with CPR! A-airway, B-breathing, C-circulation, and D-defibrilation are the keys to your loved ones survival in crisis.  Being One Safe Mama, I’m a HUGE FAN of CPR!  I think everyone should learn the chain of survival, how to use barrier protection, correctly perform CPR, use an AED & help a choking victim – for adults, children, and infants!   The average response time for EMS is 8 minutes – every minute matters, so please take 2 hours out of your busy life to ensure you can SAVE the LIFE of your baby, mom, grandma, or friend.   And while you’re at it, take a friend to learn with you!

As One Safe Mama, I am certified to teach CPR and First Aid courses through the American Heart Association.  CPR class does require physical contact with the manikins – but in my classes, each student will have their own manikin for class participation.  I own my  equipment and it’s cleaned & decontaminated thoroughly after each class.  Each manikin has a new set of disposable lungs installed before class.  Students should only postpone CPR training if they are known to be in the active stages of an infectious disease, believe they have been exposed to an infectious disease, or have sores or skin lesions on the hands or mouth or around the mouth.  If you’d like to learn more about the CPR parties, showers, and classes offered please see the One Safe Mama website. 

Have One Safe day!

Connie ~ One Safe Mama

Safety Tips for Babysitters

~~~Safety Tips for Babysitters~~~

Information You Need Written Down & Next to the Phone :

*Emergency Phone #’s *Doctor’s Name & Phone #’s *Address where you are babysitting  * Full names of each of the children you are babysitting (for emergency help/doctor)  *Poison Control Phone number : 800-222-1222. *Parent’s Phone Numbers *Where the Parent’s will be *Neighbors Name and Phone #’s *Medical Release for emergency care – a note from the parents saying you can get them emergency help if needed.  This should be dated and signed by the parents.

Giving Medicine to Children:

Get written instructions about any medicines to be given to the children — how much and what time.

NEVER give anyone under the age of 18 Aspirin.  Aspirin can cause Reye’s Syndrome which is deadly!

Children’s Tylenol is safe if given in the appropriate dosage – have the parent’s tell you how much the child weighs, their age, and if it is o.k. to give to a child with a headache &/or fever.

Choking Hazards:

Anything that fits inside a child’s mouth can be a danger.  When someone is choking the transport of oxygen to the brain is not happening.  In as little as four minutes brain damage and death can occur! Children under the age of 3 are especially vulnerable to airway obstruction/ choking.  Put away all small toys, never leave them unattended. And ALWAYS  stay with children (of any age) while they are eating!  Avoid foods such as popcorn, nuts, hard candy, chunky fruits and veggies, grapes, and hotdogs.

 

Cook only with Permission!

Never leave cooking unattended and use microwaves safely!

Never place anything in a microwave oven unless you are absolutely sure it is safe.

Most metal objects are not safe to place in a microwave.

Keep children away from the microwave.

Cool food before serving children

What to do first:

Make sure you have the Important Information Next to the Phone!

If it is evening, turn on the porch/outside light.  Also shut and lock all doors.

Put away all choking hazards, medicines, lighters, matches, and your purse!

Plan what you would do during a fire and discuss with the children in a calm and reassuring manner.

 

General Safety :

If the children are asleep, check on them about every 15 minutes.

ALWAYS put infants & toddlers on their back or side when sleeping!  Think “back to sleep”

If the children are up, know their location at all times and never leave them alone too long.

If for any reason you must leave the house, TAKE THE CHILDREN WITH YOU!

DO NOT open the door for anyone unless you personally know the person.

If someone insists on coming in and you do not recognize them, or if you suspect a prowler, CALL THE POLICE AT 911.

Also remember babysitting is not a time to have friends over – As a good babysitter your FULL attention is needed to ensure the safety of the children you are watching!

~Fire Safety~

Protect yourself and the children in your care by taking some simple precautions. Be familiar with the home. Learn all the exits.  Then PLAN your ESCAPE & DISCUSS it with the children you are babysitting!  Make sure you tell the kids where the meeting spot is outside!   To get out you may need to crawl low on the ground under the smoke.  When you get out STAY out!  Don’t go back inside for anything!!!  Call the Fire Department from a neighbor’s house or your cell phone.  If you or the children you are babysitting have fire on your clothing STOP DROP & ROLL!  As a GOOD babysitter you may have to help the children do this.

In the event of an Emergency ~ Call 9-1-1

Identify yourself by name, tell them you are babysitting and state the problem. State the address of the house where you are and the nearest cross street. Give the phone number you are calling from.

Love Your Baby!

Connie~One Safe Mama

Immunizations

If you are a new Mama, then you probably remember your baby getting the Vitamin K and Hep B shots while in the hospital.  In the beginning it seems as if every visit to the Pediatrician requires holding little junior down so he can get another shot.  Just when it seems your child is finished getting a vaccination at each visit,  it’ll be time to think of Preschool or Kindergarten – which of course requires more vaccinations!  Little ones never enjoy getting shots, I know mine still doesn’t, and his Mama is a Nurse!   Visit the state Department of Health website to look at & print the recommended immunization schedule (for infants, children, teens, & adults).  Most importantly though, speak with your Pediatrician, Family Physician, or Family Nurse Practitioner about your  child’s specific needs.  Don’t forget to update your shots, too!  A Mama needs to be healthy to take care of her kids!

Connie ~ One Safe Mama

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/docs/6-105.pdf