For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6, New King James Version)
"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel which means
(Matthew 1:23, Today's New International Version)
Clarke Griswold...trees...lights...relatives...SQUIRREL! Get the picture? Need I say more? If you want to experience a true Christmas retreat, Give the Gift of Health & Safety to your loved ones AND yourself this season!
Holiday Tips: Electrical Safety
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Check with your local authorities and/or with your homeowners association concerning any regulations and/or restrictions on holiday decorations.
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Assemble and inspect all tools and materials you will need PRIOR TO decorating!
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If you will be using a ladder, make sure all of its parts are in good and safe operating condition. The ladder's foundation should be level, even and dry. Use a spotter to help steady the ladder, pass materials and tools and prevent persons from entering the drop zone.
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Survey the area you plant to decorate. Ensure that nails, screws or brackets will not penetrate electrical or other utility lines. Use proper hangers for the weight of the decorations you intend to mount.
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Decorations should never block access to utility shutoffs such as: facets, outlets or meters.
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Ensure decorations do not block your house numbers.
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If using extension cords, make sure you are using those properly marked for outdoor use or indoor use.
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Do not overload electrical outlets.
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Protect electrical wires from damage...use only non-conductive hangers for hanging lights.
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Check all outdoor light strings for potential damage such as: fraying, aging and heat damage. If any are in question, THROW THEM OUT!!
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Always check lights PRIOR TO hanging.
Holiday Tips: Tree Safety
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Fresh
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When you think you've found that perfect tree, check it for freshness. Remember, a dry tree significantly increases the risk of the tree catching fire!
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Freshness tests include:
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Fresh trees should be green and the needles should be difficult to pull from the branches.
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Shake the tree vigorously or tap it on the ground and watch for excessive loss of needles. If it loses a lot of needles, it's already drying out.
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Take a single needle and bend it between your fingers. The needle should bend, not break
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The trunk should be sticky with resin
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Once home with your selection, secure it in a study stand and keep it adequately watered. Remember, both cut and live trees dry out quickly in a heated rooms!
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Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim your tree.
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Artificial
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Buy only artificial trees that are fire resistant; but, remember it does not mean the tree can't or won't catch on fire!
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Never use electrical lights on metallic trees.
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Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim your tree.
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Lighting
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Check all indoor light strings for potential damage such as: fraying, aging and heat damage. If any are in question, THROW THEM OUT!!
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Always check lights prior to hanging.
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Replace burned out or broken bulbs immediately.
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Never use lighted candles on or near fresh or artificial trees or greenery.
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Outdoor and/or indoor lights should not be left unattended.
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Purchase timers to safely and easily turn lights on and/or off.
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Candles
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Make sure candles are placed in sturdy, non-combustible holders.
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Keep all candles away from decoration, drapes and other combustible materials.
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Do not leave candles unattended.
Holiday Tips: Toy Safety
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Purchase age-appropriate toys.
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Magnets
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For children under the age of 6, avoid building sets with small magnets. If swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
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Small parts
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For children younger than 3 years, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
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Look for sturdy construction:
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Tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts that could come off
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Ride-on toys
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Riding toys of any type pose serious risks of falls, up to and including death. Age and size-appropriate helmets and safety pads are safety essentials!
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Projectile toys
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Air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children only. Improper use can result in serious eye injuries.
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For children under the age of 8, avoids projectile toys that have sharp edges and points.
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Chargers and adapters
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Charging batteries should be supervised by an adult. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
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Pull toys with strings longer than 12 inches in length are potential strangulation risks to babies.
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Immediately discard plastic wrapping on toys before they become dangerous playthings!
Holiday Tips: Visitor Safety
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Clean up immediately after a holiday party. Remember, a toddler can choke on any leftover food items found on the floor.
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When attending a party outside of your home, remember the area may not be child-proof. Keep an eye out for potential health risks.
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If you are leaving your children with a sitter, ensure the sitter has access to all the important phone numbers likely to be needed in case of an emergency.
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Remember, the holidays can increase your child's stress levels as well. Stick to your child's usual routines, including sleep schedules and timing of naps as much as possible.
Beloved Reader, please make the following suggestion a part of your Christmas celebration:
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Gather your loved ones around and read to them the story of Jesus' birth.
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Use a Bible that all, no matter the age or education, can understand.
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Remember, Jesus is the reason for the season!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
*FREE NATURAL HEALTH NEWSLETTER: For more information on natural alternatives; integrative medicine; Pam Anderson, DNM, RN, CNHP, AHNA and/or to receive Pam's free newsletter for optimum health, please visit: www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com <http://www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com>.
Principle for Optimum Health
: Do not ignore symptoms! If you are experiencing symptoms of an injury or illness; have been diagnosed with a disease process; or if you are pregnant, nursing or desiring to become pregnant; you should consult with the healthcare provider of your choice before embarking upon any new health regimen.
In the U.S., only a medical practitioner may diagnose - or name - any disease or disease process. It is not my goal to diagnose you. It is my goal to educate you regarding nutrition and health. For more information, please visit my website: newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com <http://www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcarecenter.com>
