21
Dec
Below is a list of five different things you can do to better yourself. These are usually tasks. More often than not, it is about establishing a good pattern.
Clean Up Your Mess
Take care of your living environment. Throw out the trash, clutter, and all items that you just don’t really need and aren’t using. Under the bed, closets, in storage, and under the kitchen sink are places that useless possesions accumulate. Clear out the clutter to make room for open space and a free mind. Vaccum, mop, dust, wash your windows, scrub your tub, wash your dishes, and set out some nice candles or a handful or fresh flowers. Its amazing how just wiping away dirt and junk can make you feel like a million bucks.
Brush Your Teeth, And Mean It
We all know we are supposed to brush our teeth, morning and night, but are we really “brushing” them? Oral hygeine is not only important for health, but for appearence and self esteem as well. You only get one set of adult teeth, so take care of them. Pay attention to what you are doing. Feel around in your mouth and make sure you are really getting every part of every tooth. Brush your tongue and the insides of your cheeks as well. Break out the dental floss and take your time to really get between and around each tooth. Finish up with a splash of minty mouth wash and apply some tasty chapstick.
Exercise, But Don’t Obsess About It
There are probably about a million ways that a person can sneak some sort of physical activity into their day, without hitting a gym or a weight set. Washing your car, walking your dog or with a good friend, playing sports, hiking, yard work, window shopping, cleaning your house, playing with kids, etc. are just a few ways that you can get exercise without paying gym membership fees and while actually being productive or having fun. Don’t make exercise a depressing chore. Try to have fun!
Learn Something New
Take care of your brain. Take a class, join a book club, learn to sew, or take up a new hobby. Keeping our brain learning and growing is what keeps us young and alive. If you stop learning, then you stop living. Classes can be taken at community colleges, community centers, and even online. Even becoming certified in CPR and first aid can be done online now at www.cprclass.org.
Cook for Yourself
I have come to find that there is no greater skill or art than knowing how to cook. And this is becoming a lost art, due to frozen and fast food. However, the skill is invaluable. Not only is cooking cheaper and more healthy that fast and frozen food, but making your own dinners for yourself and your family gives you a deep self appreciation and sense of accomplishment. Grab yourself a cookbook, make a grocery list, and give it a shot!
- Jennifer Major, B.A.S Early Childhood Development
20
Dec
The new 2010 CPR Guidelines are out. Take a look for yourself:
2010 CPR Guidelines
ILCOR
These guidelines really aren’t a substantial change from the past as far as CPR is concerned. Interestingly enough, the American Heart Association has chosen to change some of the steps of CPR. Personally, I think it is a grave mistake. I will explain briefly.
The ILCOR 2005 Guidelines call for CPR in a methodical 3 step process designed purely for simplification. The 3 steps are: 1. Airway; 2. Breathing and; 3. Circulation (Compressions). Seems relatively easy to remember, right? In simple terminology, you want to open the Airway, give some Breaths and then start Compressions; hence the acronym ABC. I think this makes it so easy to remember. And I’m sure thousands of others agree as well. Now, the American Heart Association has chosen to make a change to their curriculum which has not been based on conclusive scientific evidence.
The new guidelines call for Compressions prior to Airway and Breathing. So the new acronym is CAB. I think this is a horrible idea and will result in less retention because it is not nearly as easy to remember as ABC. I hope I am wrong, but my hypothesis is that it will result in less lives being saved because of the complication of terminology. Additionally, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support the change. As stated, “There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of the combination of chest compressions plus airway opening and oxygen inflation (compared with conventional CPR) by professional rescuers during the first few minutes of resuscitation from cardiac arrest.” – ILCOR ERC 2010 Paper. p. e6.
Hopefully, the American Heart Association will change their guidelines to fall in line with previous ILCOR guidelines and work harder towards international consensus and sharing of scientific data which yields positive results. For this reason, I would advocate continuing to use the ABCs instead of changing. Rest assured that EMS University will not only stay up to date on current standards, but seeks to advance the understanding of CPR and First Aid and sets standards for its course curriculum in the best interest of cardiac arrest victims and their rescuers through our educational programs.
- Ruben Major, EMT-Paramedic, M.A. CEO, EMS University
15
Nov
Children are curious, by nature, and tend to wonder and experiment with everything in their world. Foods and chokable items included. A “chokable item” is any item that is small enough to fit through a toilet paper or paper towel roll, thus the object is small enough to become lodged into the wind pipe.
Children choke more often than adults do because, for one thing, they are more likely to put things in their mouth that are not food, and also because they have more of a tendancy to play and run around while eating, raising the chance for food to accidentally get stuck in their wind pipe. Also, childrens mouths and tongues are less developed than adults and they are not as skilled in manipulating foods in their mouths, causing them to be more likely to choke.
Some common items that children choke on include little round slices of hot dogs, balloons, hard candies, and chunks of raw fruits and vegetables. It is imperative that anyone supervising children at any time have thourough knowledge of CPR and first aid, including the Heimlich Manuever, in such the event that choking occurs.
Although it is almost entirely impossible to prevent a child from choking one hundred percent of the time, steps can be taken to lessen the chance.
- Be sure that children are sitting down quietly while eating and are not laughing or running around.
- For very young children, cut foods julienne style (into long thin strips almost like grated carrots) to lessen the chance of food becoming lodged in the wind pipe.
- Keep all hard and large pieces of candy away from young children.
- Keep all small objects that can fit through a toilet paper roll out of reach from young kids.
- Supervise children at all times.
- KNOW CPR!!!!!!!
- Jennifer Major, B.A.S. Early Childhood
Administrative Director, EMS University
Tags: aed, aha, american heart association, american safety and health institute, ashi, basic first aid, certification, child, children, choke, choking, course, cpr class, first aid, first aid training, foreign body, infant, instruction, kids, kit, learn, manikins, mouth to mouth, obstruction, online, online cpr, online cpr class, performing, pet, supplies
Filed under: CPR Guidelines and Science
1
Jul
Summer is among us, and while in many parts of the world, this can mean fun and relaxation, it can also mean serious danger. Heat exhaustion,heat stroke, dehydration, sunburn, and water related accidents are just a few of the not-so-relaxing parts of the summer sunshine. Here are a few tips to keep your summer months safer:
Stay hydrated. The recommended 8 glasses of water a day might not be enough, especially during prolonged outside activity and/or sun exposure. Drink plenty of water, whether you feel like you are thirsty or not when engaging in outside fun-in-the-sun activities.
Pets need water too! Make sure your pets have access to PLENTY of water which should be placed in the shade. They should also have a cool area out of the sun to rest in. On extremely hot days, pets should be kept inside the house.
Wear sunscreen – ALWAYS! We often forget to slather ourselves with this sunburn preventing goop and we are sometimes very sorry the next day. Keep sunscreen with you in your purse or car at all times because you never know when you or someone else is going to need it. Be prepared!
Don’t touch! It’s hot! Be cautious of objects and surfaces that absorb the heat and can burn you when you touch them. Objects such as seat belts, car door handles, children’s car seats, the street and sidewalk, metallic pieces, and other sun exposed surfaces can cause painful burns when they come in contact with the skin. Be aware of such surfaces during the summer months of the year.
Keep plenty of drinkable water in your car with you when traveling on long trips. You never know when or where your car could break down, and having a supply of water with you could be crucial.
Have a fully supplied first aid kit in your car at all times, and know how to use it.
Watch children of ALL ages around water, at ALL times. Anyone at any age can drown. Even those who know how to swim. Accidents happen. Someone could hit their head while jumping off of a diving board, causing unconsciousness, which could lead to drowning. A person can drown in as little as one inch of water. This means that, not only swimming pools, but pet’s water dishes, puddles, buckets of water, and toilets are all drowning hazards for children. Please keep these water sources in mind when children are around, and use caution.
Never leave your children or pets in the car unattended. Not even for a minute. Vehicles heat up fast to a very high temperature. Too many animals and children have lost their lives this way due to over exposure to heat.
Know CPR! It never hurts to try. Be the one to save a life.
Be sure to keep a close eye on people who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of a medical emergency and do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 when in doubt. Taking the simple steps outlined above can make for a safer time when playing in the sun.
- Jennifer Major, B.A.S. Early Childhood
Administrative Director, EMS University
Tags: aed, aha, american heart association, american safety and health institute, ashi, basic first aid, certification, child, course, cpr class, drowning, emergencies, first aid, first aid training, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, infant, instruction, kit, learn, manikins, mouth to mouth, online, online cpr, online cpr class, performing, pet, summer, supplies
Filed under: Advice and General Information
28
May
If you are going to be around other humans, at any point in your life, knowing CPR can be a very valuable tool. Not to mention, it looks great on job applications, and makes you a more well rounded and knowledgable person in general.
And in this economy, anything that you can do to increase your chances of getting and keeping a job, is a step in the right direction. Think of all the times in your life where emergency medical care has not been readily available. Camping, hiking, and long road trips, etc. are a few examples of times where knowing CPR and basic emergency medical skills could save someones life.
As our society ages and the “Baby Boomer” generation hits it’s peek, the need for medical care will increase historically. And with this increase come the need and demand for workers in the medical field. All position in the medical field require CPR certification.
Obtaining CPR and First Aid certification is a simple and inexpensive process. Check out www.cprclass.org for more information and get your certification today!
- Jennifer Major, B.A.S. Early Childhood
Administrative Director, EMS University
Tags: aed, aha, american heart association, american safety and health institute, ashi, basic first aid, certification, child, course, cpr class, first aid, first aid training, infant, instruction, kit, learn, manikins, mouth to mouth, online, online cpr, online cpr class, performing, pet, supplies
Filed under: Top Stories
15
Jan
With the economy being the way it is, people are having to fight tooth and nail to get even
the most low paying jobs. 
Engineers are working at coffee shops and teachers working as
housekeepers, just to make ends meet. Many are looking for extra “sides jobs” to bring in
supplemental income, such as pet sitting, babysitting, yard work, house cleaning, and having
yard sales. Craigslist has seen a big increase in people selling household items, cars, and services,
just to pay their home mortgages and utility bills. Will this ever end? No one seems to
have the answer to that. But in the mean time, here are a few tips on things that you can
do to help get a job/better job:
- Have a good resume ready. There are plenty of templates available online, for free, to help you set this up. Make sure your resume is in a professional format with correct grammar and spelling. Be sure to include volunteer work. It makes you seem a like a real person who is compassionate about life!
- Basic computer skills are a plus. Know your way around Microsoft Office, Quick Books, and Excel. You can take a free WPM (word per minute) typing test here: Typing Test.
- Get certified in CPR and First Aid. Many jobs out there require this anyway. All care giving positions and any job working with kids will require this. And even if the job doesn’t require it, well, it just makes you look really good. You can get certified online here: www.cprclass.org.
- Look presentable. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look professional. Second hand and thrift stores can have some really good deals and some really nice, name brand clothing, if you are willing to take the time to look. You can’t lose with black slacks and a nice top. Put on a little makeup, put your hair up, smell nice, and you are good to go! And guys—shave and tuck your shirt in.
- Look harder. Don’t just rely on Career Builder or Monster.Com. You are competing with hundreds of people for each position that is posted on there. Also try the local newspaper and Craigslist.
- Be positive! Even if you feel like throwing rocks through windows, try to smile and keep your head up. You are more likely to get hired if you are friendly and people pick up good vibes from you. Keep looking and you will find something eventually!
Happy job hunting!
- Jennifer Major, B.A.S. Early Childhood
Administrative Director, EMS University
Tags: aed, aha, american heart association, american safety and health institute, ashi, basic first aid, certification, child, course, cpr class, employee, employer, employment, first aid, first aid training, infant, instruction, job, kit, learn, manikins, money, mouth to mouth, online, online cpr, online cpr class, performing, pet, professional, resume, supplies
Filed under: Advice and General Information
10
Oct
Halloween is a long-standing tradition of fun activities for both children and adults! Trick-or-treating, costume parties, carnivals, pumpkin carving…and all of those candies and goodies! And with all the commotion, excitement, and “silly-ness,” sometimes we can forget about safety. Here are a few tips to keep your kids safe around Halloween…and still have a great time too!
- Make sure that children are able to comfortably walk and move about in their costumes. Kids get excited during Halloween and tend want to run and bounce around. Minimize trip and fall injuries by making sure that footwear is comfortable and fits well, and that they are able to see well through masks and head coverings.
- Although it is not always possible to wear costumes that can easily be seen in the dark, it is always a good idea to have your kids carry a flashlight, glow stick, or some type of reflective item so that they can better been seen by others…especially those driving vehicles.
- Talk with your kids about not going in to stranger’s homes and not accepting rides from them.
- Before your kids dig into their candy, be sure to inspect it for opened wrappers, unfamiliar candies or items, or anything else that looks suspicious. When in doubt, toss it out.
- Be sure to keep your cats and dogs inside the house on Halloween night. Pets get nervous and excited with all the extra people walking around the neighborhood.
Have a fun and safe Halloween!!!
- Jennifer Major, B.A.S. Early Childhood
Administrative Director, EMS University
Tags: aed, aha, american heart association, american safety and health institute, ashi, basic first aid, candy, certification, child, children, course, cpr class, first aid, first aid training, halloween, halloween safety tips, infant, instruction, kit, learn, manikins, mouth to mouth, online, online cpr, online cpr class, performing, pet, supplies, trick or treat
Filed under: Advice and General Information
1
Oct
CPRclass.org will be participating in supporting a flu shot clinic at
Abiding Savior Community Church. They are offering the “seasonal” flu
and pneumonia shots on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
If the Mollen Clinic has the H1N1 available to them, then that too
will be offered on the 17th as well. If you know of someone who
would like to get their flu shot, please invite them to come.
You will need to bring your insurance card with you on the day of the
clinic. Shots without insurance are $25 each.
Also, the Abiding Savior School will be holding a bake sale during
clinic hours. So come on down and get your shot while munching on some
tasty Halloween treats! 
Abiding Savior Community Church
515 East Continental Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 947-7495
Tags: aed, aha, american heart association, american safety and health institute, ashi, bake sale, basic first aid, certification, child, course, cpr class, first aid, first aid training, flu shot, flu shots, h1n1, infant, instruction, kit, learn, manikins, mouth to mouth, online, online cpr, online cpr class, performing, pet, preschool, supplies, swine flu
Filed under: Top Stories
27
Sep
This week we sponsored an event in Chicago to support nanny’s nationwide. Checkout the story here:
Nanny Event
