If you have ever heard the saying “take care of your body, it’s the only place for you to live” you know that safety in our lives is important. Today is world health day and we have compiled some considerations to keep you, your family, and friends safe and healthy.

Safety for pedestrians

Car accidents, car wrecks, and car crashes don’t just involve vehicles and their passengers, but pedestrians too. Coeur d’Alene is a quiet local community resting by the lake surrounded by mountains, and an abundance of recreation. It gets busy in the summer!

The U.S. Department of transportation reported 4,743 fatalities in the United States, year 2012.

• 1) Use a sidewalk when available. If there isn’t a sidewalk use the shoulder and face traffic while walking.
• 2) Increase visibility at night by using a flashlight or reflective clothing.
• 3) Be aware. 34% of all pedestrian deaths take place when alcohol blood content is over .08 grams per deciliter.
• 4) As for kids, make sure they know the boundaries and guidelines of crossing the road and make sure to keep watch on them.
• 5) Bike paths operate like roads as well. Bicycles average a 10 mph speed and it is easy to forget their presence.

Safety for post operation

After surgery patients should feel more better everyday after the procedure. Unfortunately, for some, this isn’t the case. Fever, swelling, and redness is common, but how do we know that the limits of these side affects have been exceeded?

• 1) Fevers: After an operation it is normal to have a warmer temperature throughout the body. This means the body is working to heal incisions, and the lungs may have collapsed slightly which is normal as well. Taking deep breaths will help get them up and running after some time. If the body temperature is higher than 101.5, a surgeon should be contacted immediately.
• 2) Swelling: The incision will swell as a part of the healing process. However, if the swelling becomes hard or balloon-like it can become a problem, and thats when the surgeon should be contacted.
• 3) Redness: Blood is attracted to the incision as the incision heals causing redness. The pain level is the area of concern in this situation. Also if the redness spreads irregularly a surgeon can be contacted then as well. Debating whether or not to see a surgeon? With today’s technology, you can email a good photograph to the office to determine whether or not a visit is necessary.

Skydiving Safety

Skydiving seems dangerous but when done safely, there is a slim chance things can go wrong. With .0075 fatalities per 1,000 jumps, skydiving has reached the lowest fatality rate in sports history.

• 1) Research regulations before you go to sign up for sky diving. Considerations such as age and health are important. When you do sign up, plan for the activity to take all day. You have to be 18 years old in most cases.
• 2) Do not hesitate when pulling the parachute. It is not easy like opening a car door, but achievable of course!
• 3) Don’t be scared, be aware and awake
• 4) Be ready for the “trap door effect” in which you’re mind doesn’t realize it’s falling.
• 5) Use a parachute

Skydiving places in the northwest are located in Kalispell Montana, Snohomish Washington, and Mulino Oregon.