Robin Wilson

Top 10 Home Hazards for Children

 According to SafeKids, a non-profit organization – more than 2,000 children under the age of 14 die as a result of injuries in the home. And here is the list of the most prevalent issues for families to be aware of:

 

#10      Small Toys and Foods that can create a choking hazard. NOTE: if the toy can fit inside a toilet paper roll, then it is too small. And monitor a child while eating grapes, hotdogs and popcorn.

 

#9        Cleaning Supplies & Pesticides are toxic to adults…and your child can have a stronger rate of breathing and smaller body mass which means that the concentration in their bodies can be deadly.

 

#8        Bathtubs & Mop Pails are not safe if children are too young to support themselves; drowning can occur in 15 seconds.

 

#7        Firearm safety is becoming an issue as we hear more about children taking a weapon to school or accidentally “playing” with a sibling. Make sure you know if a child is visiting a family that has firearms. And if you have one, make sure that the weapon is stored with a safety and your child is educated that this is not a toy.

 

#6        Pills and Alcohol can be deadly as some people forget to child-proof medications and they forget that “fruity drinks” at a picnic can taste like a slurpee and alcohol poisoning can result. Never refer to pills as “candy” or the child may think it is okay to eat.

 

#5        Burns. Stoves can be the biggest issue, but most people forget about the microwave. Imagine the child trying to warm up a cup of cocoa or bowl of soup/oatmeal and then dropping it…a third degree burn in less than five seconds from a cup of hot coffee.

 

#4        Cribs & Crib Bedding can suffocate a child if they are tangled in the crib. While that “amazing bedding may look great, the only items that should be in a baby crib are mattress, sheet and blanket. And don’t buy the cheapest crib because the adhesives used to glue it together could have formaldehyde. If you want to check on products that have been recalled, visit www.cpsc.gov to research

 

#3        Bookcases, Stoves & Larger Furniture can topple when a child uses it to leverage when they are reaching for something; make sure it is anchored to the wall. If you store cookies and candy at the top, a child may not have impulse control and may try to “climb” the bookcase. And imagine if a child opens the oven door and stands on the door to reach something on the stove and you forget to install a ‘bracket’

 

#2        Window Screens & Flimsy Fences Around Pools. Imagine a child leaning on the window screen that is only meant to keep a bug out; or a flimsy fence around a pool when kids are playing tag.

 

#1        Cords from televisions, window treatments, lamp cords, or athletic equipment (note: Mike Tyson). And beware of any toy with a 7” or longer string as that is a bit smaller than the size of a child’s neck.

  

(Robin Wilson presented this list on Sept. 18, 2009 on Martha Stewart Radio, on "Living Today" hosted by Mario Bosquez - Sirius Satellite Radio)

Sick Homes: Hidden Home Hazards & Great Cleaning Products

Robin Wilson Home uncovers some hidden areas that could be making your home a "sick home" and causing all those uncomfortable allergy and frequent colds or other recurring illnesses that plague you or your children. And you might want to consider using hypo-allergenic and non-toxic cleaning products such as The Method (see left) available online and at retail stores.

Dishwashers: most people don't know that they should run their dishwashers at least once a week, or clean the trap to prevent mold growth. For example, some of the 'drawer' dishwasher models leave a small amount of water after a cycle in the tub. If you do not empty this out using an absorbent towel, and you leave for vacation, you will have a perfect environment for mold growth. Remember to check your manual to see if you should periodically clean the trap in your dishwasher.We suggest that you run an empty cycle and add 2 cups of vinegar (do not use bleach!) once a quarter. Let it sit for 30 minutes.

Furnace/AC Filters: you should change your air or furnace filters to prevent dust from circulated in your home, especially for those with asthmatic and allergic conditions. This also will increase the efficiency of your furnace. We suggest that you change your air or furnace filters monthly.

Front Load Washers: run a cup of bleach through your washer and leave the door open between usage so that the moisture cannot create a mold-environment. We suggest that you do this bleach procedure once a quarter.

Mops: the bacterial environment on a mop is just like a sponge in your sink. We suggest that every six months, you should replace a fabric mop and every quarter, you should replace a sponge mop.

Sinks & Countertops: A lot of people don't realize how much bacteria they spread by using the same sponges without washing. Be careful not to spread germs from a sponge onto your countertops and onto the set of dishes you are trying to clean. We suggest that change sponges monthly and you have a different sponge for every room in your house - and every time you wash dishes, you might want to throw your sponge into the dishwasher.

Vacuums: If you vacuum regularly, you may not realize that you are picking up dust mites and other microscopic organisms. We suggest that you change your filter bags monthly.

Bed Linens: Make sure to change them weekly (at least!) as you may not realize how much dirt and pollens 'live in your bed'. And we also recommend that you get a new pillow annually. We recommend that you completely strip your bed, including duvet covers and mattress covers at least 2x a year and wash in hot water with bleach.

Safety Tip of Day: Pool Alarm System for Children & Pets

Summertime, Swimming and Sun...and water safety! The hidden danger is that many people assume that they can keep an eye on their pets, grill and guests - while still watching the children. We want to make sure that you are aware of a product that will give you "peace of mind"...

Consider a purchase of a Safety Turtle Alarm which will allow you to have an immediate alert if your child or pet enters the pool area, or if the fall into the water.

Originally introduced in 1998 as a “last layer of protection” for young children near water, the Safety Turtle personal immersion alarm has been adapted for pets, patients doing water physiotherapy, for workers near water hazards, to automatically alert lifeguard rescues, and as a “wireless lanyard” - and the pool safety gate alarm is 'wireless' and can remotely monitor pool and property gates.

A Safety Turtle Wireless Alert system consists of one or more Base Station receivers and an unlimited number of radio sensors. The sensors may be of different types, immersion, gate, panic, but must be the same color to work with the same Base Station.

Learn more at Safety Turtle. We recommend this product for all homeowners who have children or pets around a pool, pond or body of water. Enjoy the last few days of summer!



Safety Tip Of Day: Kitchen Dangers

Your kitchen may be the central point in your home, but it is also the MOST accident prone room in your home after the bathroom! Think about the dangers that lurk from unsafe practices -and review this list to understand which dangers your family may overlook:

• Towels on Stovetop: Most home fires take place in the kitchen - typically caused when an item is left on the top of the stove, which is flammable - specifically dishcloths and potholders near burners are common fire-triggers. And what about the e dishtowel near the stove which covers another pan. The Home Safety Council recommends keeping anything flammable at least three feet from a stove.

• Grease fires are leading cause of kitchen fires: Did you know that grease fires occur not only when you are deep-fat-frying? Oil, butter, or shortening that has dripped on the stove or which has not been cleaned from the bottom of a pan (from an earlier cooking session) can catch fire the next time you cook.

• Extension cord jungle: countertop appliances - microwaves, toasters, blenders, coffee makers, mixers, and more - often totalling more plug-ins than any other room in the house. And they're often crowded onto a relatively small stretch of countertops - with many people not understanding that one plug should not have multiple power strips...be careful!

• Wet hands cause Shocks: a busy and multitasking cook will often fly around the kitchen doing several things at once. However, you must thoroughly dry your hands after washing them. For example, using an appliance or unplugging one with wet hands can cause an electric shock. 

Information from  CARE

 

 

Wellness Tip of Day: Top 5 List of Fruit with High Pesticide Levels

Shocker!!! We just learned that "the apple a day" saying may not be true...in fact, it may cause you to have to visit a doctor - for pesticide poisoning. The research team at the Environmental Working Group studied 53 popular fruits and vegetables and conducted 51,000 tests...and here are the results for the Top 5 List of Fruit with High Pesticide Levels in the U.S.:

1. Apples
2. Strawberries
3. Peaches
4. Nectarines (domestic)
5. Grapes (imported)

Keep your family safe with the right fruit selections...Learn fruits with LOW pesticide level

Tip of Day: Where to Buy Wooden Toys?

How many parents want to find eco-healthy wooden toys? And toys that are made in America, toys that will remind parents of their childhood memories and toys that will last as an heirloom for the next generation. Begin your search with Ron Voake, who is in Middlebury, Vermont with a team of woodworkers who suggest that you order now for the holidays...visit Vermont Wooden Toys

Tip of Day: 5 ways to use Baking soda

• 

  Who knew that banking soda has so many uses - from cleaning to caring for your hair/skin - and it is often one of the least expensive items in the grocery store! Baking soda can be a great way to replace harsh cleaning chemicals as well as over-fragranced personal care products.
• Here are great ways to change your lifestyle by using baking soda in a healthy way for your everyday cleaning and non-toxic activities in your home:
• Stop the Itch-for insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply  to ease the itch.
• Freshen your Hair-sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly–baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind.
• Sandal-ready Feet-dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub.
• Remove crayon marks-applybaking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.
• Deodorize Trashcan-sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your trashcan to keep stinky trash smells at bay

Information from Care2

Diet Tip of Day: Allergy Free Restaurant Website

AllergyEats is a website that will save your family if you are allergy and gluten sensitive. So many families struggle to find a restaurant that will accomodate.

Visit this website to get a list of allergy-friendly restaurants based on your zip code and preferences. (...view)

Eco Tip of Day: EcoSmart, a non-toxic Pesticide

Imagine using a natural pesticide that is as strong as synthetic chemicals, but non-toxic to your children and pets! Yes, this product exists and is on the market - it's called EcoSmart. With formulations for your specific pest problem - either indoors or out...and its affordable. Poisons that affect everything are one option...but it might be healthier to target the poison to the problem pest...Try EcoSmart Non-Toxic Pesticides 

Wellness Tip of Day: Website to locate Allergy Free products!

If you or your children have a sore stomach due to food allergies, there is a solution! A new website helps mommies and families select allergen free products and helps those who suffer from digestive disoreders such as gluten allergies, celiac disease or lactose intolerance. Food allergies can create a challenging situation when grocery shopping - and this is a great solution for those families - check out a pre-packaged tote! Learn more at HappyBellyBags

Germ Tip of Day: Dirty Magazines in Waiting Rooms!

Do you go to the doctor healthy for a checkup and then leave with sniffles because you read a magazine touched by a sick person? Have you thought about the person before you who was coming in to get diagnosed with the flu or other malady. Bring your own book to avoid getting sick or buy a Kindle reading device.  

 

Germ Tip of Day: Grocery Cart Handles have Germs!

Do you snack while purchasing your groceries, and then touch the handle of the grocery cart? Let the "snack while shopping" practice end right now as the grocery carts & baskets have been found contaminated with many bacteria and viruses including cold and e-coli. Stop the snacking and "stop the stomach flu"...Learn more

Germ Tip of Day: Restaurant Menus are Dirty!

Do you let you or your children touch restaurant menus and then pick up your food? Yes, you washed your hands BEFORE you read the menu...but, there are everyday places and activities we may not realize are germ-filled. And a restaurant menu is among the top hidden health hazards. Hundreds of people touch them, they are dropped on floors, and babies slobber on them and then place their fingers in their mouth. And viruses stay alive for at least 18 hours. You should wash your hands or use antibacterial wipes AFTER ordering your meal. Don't get sick and blame the restaurant for their food...it may simply be the germs on the menu. Learn more

Wellness Tip of Day: Why is BPA in your Canned Goods?

Canned goods can be exposing you to BPA, a chemical linked to behavioral problems, hormone disruption and brain health issues, according to a study done by National Workgroup for Safe Markets. The label does not always have this information...the can lining is the issue...so try to find alternatives which are glass or porcelain and plastic which has the label No.7 recycling symbol. Learn more at BPA For Parents

 

Wellness Product of Day: Fan without Blades

WOW! A fan without blades?  The future has arrived thanks to the innovative designers at Dyson...it looks like something out of Star Trek. No blades, yet powerful airflow and cooling capabilities using an airfoil shaped ramp. The air is drawn in and forced out (think jet engine!)  It's a safe option if you have children and pets and eco-friendly because it is easy to clean (no fan blades for dust accumulation!) and it has a control to set the perfect airflow level.  Click to view Dyson Air Multiplier

This $1 Solution for a Stove Can Save Your Life

How many of you ask you stove installer to put the brackets onto the floor so that your stove does not tip? We all think that the stove is installed properly when it lines up with the cabinets. Did you know that a simple $1 solution is often missing from the installation process...and without installing a bracket, the stove can topple onto you or your child when you are cooking...and you will be able to prevent mild or fatal injuries. Watch this CNN segment

Flu Shot Locater by zip code

Please know that flu season is upon us - and many people who are risk, such as children, elderly and those with asthma need to know the nearest location for flu shot providers. The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America has created a locater...just put your zip code in the box in the top right corner (...see the locator)

Biggest Epidemic in 55 years: Whooping Cough

California officials have indicated that more than 4,000 people have been diagnosed in the state - and over 11,000 people have been diagnosed nationwide - with the treatable disease, whooping cough (clinically called pertussis). Parents and caregivers forget their booster shots and sometimes infect babies (...learn more)

Is Tylenol causing the Rise in Childhood Asthma?

From MSNBC: A pair of studies suggests that the common painkiller acetaminophen -- better known as Tylenol in the U.S. -- may be fueling a worldwide increase in childhood asthma.  (...learn more)

Who Loves Mohawk with Robin Wilson

Review this video about Mohawk - and learn why the Kennedy Green House used their products, from Dal Tile to Karastan Carpets to Mohawk engineered floors. Hear Robin Wilson narrate you through the pictures of the home.

Click here for Mohawk & Robin Wilson video. Enjoy!