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Summer Driving Tips
Sun Safety
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AGM Postponed


                  June 2014

                              

AWARE-NS AGM POSTPONEMENT
 
Please make note that the AWARE-NS AGM has been postponed until September 25, 2014.

Please take note and mark our new date in your calendars:

Over the past few weeks, AWARE-NS has undertaken a formal Membership drive for the Association and Board Recruitment/nomination process.  It has been our plan to invite our Membership to the AGM where the new slate of directors will be presented for approval in keeping with the reduced Board size and with the composition outlined in the stakeholder review recommendations.

 

We recognize the importance of member contribution to our success as an organization and therefore have decided to defer the AGM to September to allow for a broader response to our campaign for membership.

 

Please note that the AGM will now be held on September,25, 2014 at Ivany Place in Bedford. Further details will follow over the summer.




Upcoming Webinars

 

The Importance of Safety Training

Date & Time: Wednesday, July 16, 2014 1:30 pm  

 

Description: We will be discussing why safety training of employees is so important and the benefits that arise from a comprehensive training program.

 

Register Now

 

 

De-escalation Techniques 

Date & Time: Wednesday, August 20, 2014 1:30 pm

 

Description: This session will cover the identification of signs of escalated behavior. The body language and tone of voice the patients or clients are using and how we can use our own tone of voice and body language to De-escalate the situations as they arise and even prevent them from happening.

 

Register Now

 

 

 Healthy Summer Eating On the Road
When you think of summer weekends, what food pops into your mind? Barbecue, beer, and macaroni salad? When you think of eating on the road, is fast food the first thing you think of? This summer, don't eat foods that will leave you feeling depleted, bloated, and tired. Making better food choices will have a positive impact on your leisure time. As athletes know, healthy food and plenty of water sustain your energy levels, fuel your muscles, and help you recover quickly. The food you eat on the road will serve as your traveling repair kit.
Here are some tips to help you eat healthfully while you're traveling or vacationing this summer:
Healthy eating starts where you stop. If you're on the road and stop at a fast-food joint, your food choices will be limited to fast food. But if you stop at a grocery store that offers whole or healthy foods-fruits, bagged carrots, nuts, hummus-or a supermarket that features a salad bar, you quickly expand your choices (and reduce junk-food temptations).
Eat frequently, and in smaller amounts
Eating small amounts of healthy foods throughout the day sends a signal to your brain that the food supply is plentiful, so it's okay to burn through those calories quickly. Limiting your calorie load at a single sitting also gives you lots of energy. Eating too many calories in one meal-even if they're healthy calories-sends your brain the message that leaner times must be around the corner, so those calories will get stored as fat. Eating too much at one sitting can also make you sluggish and sleepy. 
 
 
Eating the right amount of complete protein for your weight and activity level stabilizes blood sugar (preventing energy lags), enhances concentration, and keeps you lean and strong
A complete protein is any animal and dairy product or a grain plus a legume (such as whole grain bread with nut butter, or corn tortilla with beans). When you need energy for a long hike, a long drive, or a day at the beach, stoke your body with high-quality, lean protein. 
 
Pack snacks so you're not skipping meals.
Often when we're traveling, we don't have access to food at regular intervals. Or worse, we skip meals so we can have that big piece of chocolate cake later. The problem is, your body responds as if it's facing a food shortage and your metabolism slows way down to prevent you from starving. To keep your mind and body humming, pack healthy snacks in your car or backpack. Examples are almonds, raw vegetables and hummus, yogurt and berries, fresh and dried fruit, and hard-boiled eggs.
 
Avoid "feel bad" foods
You know what these are: They're foods you crave, but after you eat them you feel sick or depleted. When you're on the road, it's particularly essential to avoid foods that drain your energy and deflate your mood. Foods to avoid: (1) simple carbohydrates or high glycemic foods, such as fruit juices, sodas, refined grain products, or sugary snacks; (2) anything deep fried; (3) nonfat desserts and sweeteners, which are loaded with chemicals that your body can't easily metabolize; (4) anything partially hydrogenated (this includes nondairy creamer, Jiffy-style peanut butter, margarine, and most packaged baked goods); and (5) excess alcohol.
 
Drink lots of water
Yes, water is a food. The body needs water for virtually all of its functions. Drinking plenty of water will flush your body of toxins, keep your skin fresh, and help you eat less. It will also help you avoid travel lag, symptoms of overexposure to the heat or sun, and junk-food cravings. Believe it or not, many of the unhealthy cravings we experience on the road can be satisfied with a refreshing drink of pure water. - See more at: http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/what-to-eat/6-tips-for-eating-healthy-on-the-road#sthash.aODImESu.dpuf

 

 Summer Driving Tips
 
 
 
Road Safety Series: Summer Driving Tips

Summer is no time to take a vacation from safety. Make sure you reach your vacation spot safely by preparing your vehicle, your passengers and yourself for hot-weather travel.

 

July and August aren't just the dog days of summer. They also can be the deadliest of times on our roads.

To be sure, there are other times of year; around the Holidays in November and December, particularly, that may rack up more crashes. But the crashes in July and August appear to have especially deadly consequences.

So the summer is no time to take a vacation from safety.

 

Here are MSN Autos' tips on how to keep you-and those who ride with you during these warm months-safe.

 

Get a vehicle check-up

Summer driving conditions are often hot and stressful on equipment. So, maintaining the mechanical systems of your car or light truck now can mean peace of mind during summer road trips. Preventive maintenance is definitely the key.

 

Before heading out on a long vacation drive, be sure your vehicle is ready for it. Have your vehicle's major systems inspected to avoid nasty surprises on the road. Among the major items to have checked are:

 

Cooling system:

Failures in the cooling system are a major cause of vacation breakdowns. Be sure to check for leaks in the radiator and for cracks, leaks and swelling in the rubber cooling system hoses. It is also wise to replace the antifreeze if it's more than two years old.

 

Air conditioning:

Certainly, don't forget to get this system checked. Be sure the compressor is working properly and isn't making strange noises. This could indicate a compressor that's about to die. Also, ensure that your system has enough refrigerant.

 

Tires, steering and suspension:

Winter potholes take their toll on tires, steering and suspension components. Steering or brake pull can indicate suspension problems or the need for a front-end alignment. Check the tires for dangerous sidewall breaks and excessive or uneven tread wear. Worn tires don't provide sufficient traction, especially in summer's heavy rainstorms. Make sure the tire pressure in each of your tires matches that recommended by the auto manufacturer. It is critical for your safety to match the recommended pressures for your vehicle when loaded. Be it with passengers, gear, luggage, cargo or all that precedes, a common occurrence during this season. Recent tire safety issues have shown how important this can be. And finally, don't forget to check that your spare tire is also correctly inflated.

 

Battery:

A battery can fail at any time, even in summer. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) advises that batteries more than two or three years old be checked for strength so you avoid inconvenient and costly breakdowns. You should make sure connections between the battery cables and terminals are tight and free of any corrosion.

 

Brakes:

A long winter in a climate where road salt is used can lead to brake damage. Now is the time to get those brakes serviced. Even if you haven't been in a road-salt area in the winter, check to see when your vehicle's brakes were last inspected. If it has been more than 20 000 kilometres or six months since the last time the brakes were checked, get them inspected. Make sure the inspection includes all brake linings and pads. The hydraulic system should also be looked over for leaks. A sponginess in the brake pedal, a tendency to pull to one side when braking, or a drop in the master cylinder's fluid level reservoir can all signify a problem and the need for maintenance or service.

 

Engine drive belts:

Engine drive belts operate important parts attached to your engine, such as the alternator, water pump and air conditioner compressor. Belts should be checked for cracks, dry rot, glazing, uneven wear or frayed edges, and replaced if wear is detected. If these belts slip or break it could mean a breakdown, loss of air conditioning, engine overheating or worse, loss of steering. The condition of the timing or overhead cam drive belt(s) is also important, since when these break, they can cause immediate and potentially expensive internal engine damage.

 

Lights:

Summer days are long and bring more daylight hours, but you still want to make sure your vehicle headlights, taillights, blinkers, fog lights and brake lights are in good working order.

 

Exhaust system:

Be sure your system is working properly and is free from leaks.

 

Managing Stress is Important

At this time of year, you can bet you won't be the only one on the road. So be sure to leave plenty of time to get to your destination. Don't wait until the last second to head out, and plan your travel time realistically. Check local traffic conditions, weather and current road work as carefully as possible.

 

Before that long drive, get in the proper frame of mind by practicing stress-management techniques. When you sit down in the driver seat, take a moment before starting the car. Take deep breaths, not shallow ones. Pull the air in deeply, hold it a second or two, and then exhale long and strongly. Use your diaphragm.

 

As you clear your lungs and body of bad air, clear your mind of your stresses. Resolve not to think of them while you're in the car. Instead, pledge to focus on the drive and your responsibility behind the wheel to keep yourself and everyone else in the car safe. Consider turning off that cell phone while you're in the car, too, so you can avoid distractions and further stress. And listen to relaxing tunes.

As you drive, be sure to look far down the road, not just at the bumper of the vehicle in front of you. This will help you better control your car by giving you a view of what's ahead. It also will help you prepare for sudden stops or traffic backups.

 

Carry Emergency Gear

Winter isn't the only time to carry emergency gear. A breakdown can occur at any time, and it's best to be prepared.

 

In summer, along with the usual emergency kit items of a blanket, flashlight, rags, a red cloth or flag, reflective warning signs, you also should have bottled water, extra coolant and oil.

 

Extra food is good, too, especially if you're traveling with youngsters. And don't forget to bring the cell phone and an extra phone battery.

 

The Fatigue Factor

Don't drive if you're drowsy. Take regular breaks every couple of hours if you need them; the kids may need breaks too. Share the driving, if possible, with someone new at the wheel every three hours, according to safety experts.

At least ten percent of drowsy drivers speed while driving, according to an official at the National Sleep Foundation (U.S.). And there's a tendency to be irritable and impatient at the wheel when you're fatigued.

 

There are even worse consequences if you fall asleep while driving, of course. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates at least 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries and 1,500 deaths each year in the United States are the result of drivers falling asleep.

You know that you're fatigued when you start drifting from your lane, hitting rumble strips, yawning repeatedly, having difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open, missing road signs or tailgating.

 

One additional note from the Sleep Foundation: Don't assume just because your teenager is young that he or she has plenty of energy to drive alertly. A report from the foundation says today's teens need 8.5 to 9.25 hours of sleep a night but are getting far less. A typical 19-year-old, for example, averages only seven hours and 4 minutes of sleep per night.

 

The foundation estimates that half of the 100,000 crashes each year that are attributed to sleepy drivers involve young drivers.

 

Adhere to Safe Driving Practices

Don't drink and drive, as a cardinal rule, and then always remember that lack of sleep can heighten alcohol's effect. Drinking any alcohol increases the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. When you are very tired, one drink feels like four or five. Review your medications, too. Be sure they don't impair your ability to drive.

 

Make sure you and all your passengers are properly buckled before you start the vehicle. Adjust vehicle head restraints to just about even with the top of the ears of each passenger. In this position and locked into place, the restraints can provide protection during a rear-end crash.

Keep children age 12 and under in the back seat, away from frontal airbags that may cause injury or death to little ones. And be sure they're seated safely, as needed, in child seats or on booster seats.

 

Secure heavy suitcases and summer gear so they don't

become dangerous projectiles in a crash.

 

Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary for you to change routes along the way, or you may be caught in a traffic delay caused by highway construction, a crash etc.

And have yourself a great summer!

 

http://autos.ca.msn.com/specials/road-trip-guide/article.aspx?cp-documentid=18737086

 

 

 Summer Driving Tips
 
 
 

Sun Safety

Written by Scott Bennett

Occupational Health Program Development Coordinator 

      

Summer's an exciting time of year for many people; they are looking forward to vacations, days at the beach or a camping trip to their favorite campground with their family. Even at work days seem to go quicker. Summer can be fun and it also can be dangerous for us. No one is ever completely safe from the sun. Sunlight in Canada is strong enough to cause skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. The high risk of skin cancer today is greater than it was 20 years ago and continues to rise.

 

For men, the incidence rate of being diagnosed with skin cancer has increase 2% per year between 1986 and 2010. The corresponding figures for women are 1.5% per year for the same time span. This means we are exposed to more Ultraviolet (UV) rays then 20 years ago. There are three types of Ultraviolet rays: Ultraviolet A (UVA) this one made up of most of the sun's natural light. The rays can penetrate deep into the skin, causing wrinkles and premature aging. Ultraviolet B (UVB) these are the main cause of sunburns. They are 1000 times stronger than UVA rays. Ultraviolet C (short-wave radiation) these one's never reach the earth's surface because the atmosphere filters them out. UV rays can penetrate through fog, haze, water, sand and even clouds. Yes 70% of all UV rays can even penetrate clouds. As well as reflect off of snow and concrete. These can even increase the strength of the UV rays.

 

While we spend a good part of our day traveling either back and forth to work or working outside we expose ourselves to these harmful rays. No where do we see that more then with our Home-Care and Community Services workers. They spend close to half there day outside traveling from client to client. Thus putting themselves at greater risk for skin cancer and/or other sun related illnesses that increased exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays may cause.

 
Even with all those scary statistics there are things we can do to help protect us from the sun. Apply sunscreen on all exposed areas at regular 2 hour intervals, because reapplication is a must. It is recommended to use at least 2tablespoons/60ml of sunscreen for each application of at least an SPF 15 of greater. Another way of staying sun safe is wearing protective clothing such as hats, sunglasses and long sleeve shirts that breathe can also give you some protection.
 
Have a fun and safe summer. 

 

 

Sun Safety Quiz

  1. Q: Do you need to apply sunscreen on a cloudy day?

     

    Yes 70% of all UV rays still penetrate through clouds.

     

  2. Q: Will applying sunscreen at regular intervals throughout the day is effective in protecting me from the harmful UV rays?

     

    Yes, reapplication is a must. This should be done no longer then 2hour intervals.

     

  3. Q: Will wearing protective clothing, hat, sunglasses help protect me from UV Rays?

     

    Yes.

     

  4. Q: Will being under water or in shaded area protect me from the sun's UV Rays?

     

    No, UV Rays can be reflected off water, sand snow & even concrete. UV Rays can penetrate up to 30 meters of water.

     

  5. Q: How much sunscreen should I use?

     

    It is recommended at least 2 tablespoons/60ml of at least a SPF 15 of higher according to Health Canada.

     

  6. Q: What are the three types of Ultraviolet ray?

     

    1. Ultraviolet A rays (UVA) make up most of the sun's natural light. They can penetrate deep into the skin, causing wrinkles and aging.

     

    2. Ultraviolet B rays (UVB) are the main cause of sunburns. They are nearly 1000 times stronger than UVA rays.

     

    3. Ultraviolet C rays (short-wave radiation) never reach the earth's surface because the atmosphere filters them out.

     

     

 

 

 

Effective August 1, 2014

 

We are on the move!! Our New Office will be located at 201 Brownlow Ave, Unit 1, Dartmouth, NS. Please note our phone/fax and email addresses will remain the same.