Tips for Safe Holiday Decorating

I watched the movie National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation while I was wrapping gifts last night. I laughed at the scene where Clark Griswold (comedian Chevy Chase) skids down the roof, snags the gutter and hangs from his fingertips for one, brief hopeful moment before the gutter comes loose and sends him crashing into the bushes below. Funny stuff on film, but not so much in real life.

Every year overzealous decorators have their own "Griswold moment" while trying to outdo the neighbors and light up the Christmas night. Starting in mid-November when holiday lights start going up, emergency runs increase noticeably, say local firefighters. There's a bit of a lull right around Christmas, then another increase as lights come down after New Year's.

Nationwide, hospitals see an average 5,822 decorating injuries from November through January. Ladders are involved in 43% of those injuries. Foot and ankle injuries (sprains and breaks) are among the most common injuries. The most common causes of ladder injuries are: reaching too far, improperly positioning or supporting the ladder, and not stabilizing the ladder base so it won't slip.

To hang holiday lights without a trip to the ER, follow these safety tips:

• Don't lean.
• Don't overstretch.
• Don't use the top rung as a step.
• Wear skid-proof shoes.
• Make sure the base of the ladder is firmly planted on the ground.
• Have someone hold the bottom of the ladder as you climb.

Take your time putting up outdoor (and indoor) decorations and be safe this holiday. I'd like to see you around to enjoy the new year! Happy decorating!

Keeping Dad Healthy During Summer Fun

Happy Father's Day to all the dads! Summer's outdoor activities tempt us to push ourselves physically and dads often overlook health risks when they're playing hard, trying to wring the last ounce of fun out of the day. The whole family needs to help take care of dad and keep him healthy.

Here are some things you can do to keep dad healthy while he's having fun in the sun.

• Slather up. Toss a tube of waterproof sunscreen into dad's golf bag or swim gear. Men are 2 to 3 times more likely than women to get skin cancer. A study conducted by the Ohio State University Medical Center says men have a lower level of cancer-fighting antioxidants in their skin. Choose sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays and is at least SPF 15


• Stretch out. Encourage dad to stretch out with you before hiking, biking or even throwing the ole pigskin around. Testosterone seems to interfere with men's ability to judge risk. When they're playing, they're 20 again! Unfortunately, their bodies are still 40, 50 or 60+. Let dad lead the calisthenics to get everyone warmed up first!


• Drink in. Men account for 66% of all deaths from extreme heat. If you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated; so hydrate early and often. When you're exercising or playing outdoors, you should average 8 oz. of fluids every 15 minutes, that's 32 oz. per hour. You can help up everyone's fluid intake by serving watermelon at the picnic or barbecue. A 1-inch slice of watermelon contains 92% water, has prostate-protecting lycopene and boosts the skin's natural SPF.


• Back down. Protect dad's back during road trips. Sitting in one spot for long periods can cause back pain, so do this simple stretch every hour: Draw the navel toward the spine and hold for 15 seconds, then release. Repeat for 1 to 2 minutes, breathing normally.


• Bug off. Ultrasound gizmos don't keep away mosquitoes (sorry gadget man). Protect your main man with a bug spray that contains DEET, picaridin or eucalyptus oil. For a particularly nasty bite, apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes once an hour for 6 hours to diminish itching and swelling.