If you’ve ever gotten the flu, you know it’s nothing to sneeze at. In a word, horrible, the flu is absolutely horrible. Not only do you feel bad, but you also make everyone else around you feel awful and/or afraid for his or her life. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year because of flu-related complications (mostly dehydration), as well as approximately 36,000 people dying from flu-related causes annually. But you can protect yourself by discovering flu fact from flu fiction.

Myth #1: Get a flu shot?! No way! They get people sick!
Truth: Truth is, getting the flu from the flu shot is like getting a double zero on a roulette wheel. 14 times. In a row. It’s that unlikely. If you do get sick after getting the flu shot, it’s most likely because you were exposed to someone beforehand. Flu shots only contain dead viruses (only the nasal flu mist contain weak active virus). So unless you know how to resurrect the dead (I don’t think you really need to worry about the flu in that case), it is extremely unlikely you will get the flu from the flu shot.

Myth #2: It’s January 1^st, I guess it’s too late to get that flu shot…
Truth: Quick, when does the flu season reach its peak? If you answered February, congrats! You probably work in the medical field! Yes, this is the month that most people catch that darn flu bug. But luckily, you can still get the flu shot anytime during the winter, though it’s ideal to get one in September, before the official start of the flu season. Remember, getting the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself!

Myth #3: I’m a strapping young man. I don’t need a flu shot!
Truth: Everyone should get it. Everyone should get it. Have you heard? Everyone should get it. Two reasons: One, immunization is vacation protection: It helps ensure that you won’t have to spend all your sick days on actually being sick. Two, by protecting yourself from the flu, you protect your coworkers, friends, and family by not spreading it.  There are some exceptions to this rule however. You shouldn’t be vaccinated if you’re allergic to eggs, have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, or have had a severe reaction to a previous flu shot. Also, infants under 6 months should not get a flu shot.

Now, armed with these facts (and hopefully the flu shot!) you can help protect yourself from ever getting sick! 

Photo by Daniel Paquet

One of my favorite times of the year is the week following Valentine’s Day. Yes, after Valentine’s Day. Why you ask? The discount candy? There’s no longer an hour wait to get into Chili’s? Everyone stops wearing red? Did I mention the discount candy? I love all of the above but the real reason the week after Valentine’s Day is awesome? Four words: Dumb Valentine’s Day Criminals.

Every year, people decide to make grand “romantic” gestures in the way of home invasion and vandalism. I began my love affair with Dumb Valentine’s Day Criminals when I was in high school. One of my friends, who shall remain nameless due to extreme embarrassment, decided to confess his love for a very popular girl by lighting her lawn on fire. His big romantic gesture back”fired” in every way possible. He meant to draw a lovely heart on the lawn but instead ended up with an inferno when he didn’t calculate how dry the grass was. He was promptly arrested for arson. Thankfully he was soon released when the girl’s parents and the police realized he was just a stupid boy trying to impress a girl and not an actual vandal.

Ever since that fateful Valentine’s Day, I’ve always enjoyed sitting down and going through the long list of giant Valentine fails on the Internet. But this year, my favorite romance flub once again happened to one of my close friends. It had all the elements of an incredible Valentine’s Day date: a new girlfriend, roses, chocolate, and oh yeah, mace. My friend, let’s call him Bob, just started dating a new girl, Jenny. In the hopes of being romantic on the level of Lloyd Dobbler from Say Anything… or Hugh Grant from every Hugh Grant movie, Bob decided to go to Jenny’s house and cover the place in white rose petals and boxes of her favorite chocolate. There were only two problems with his plan: he didn’t have a key and he is kind of a dunce. So, Bob heads over to her place, finds the door locked so he lets himself in through a cracked window. Jenny is nowhere to be seen so Bob starts lovingly decorating the place with flowers and chocolate. He’s about finished when he hears a noise behind him. As he turns around, he sees a very old woman standing in front of him before he’s hit full force with industrial strength mace. It was only later that Bob found out that he had broken into Jenny’s neighbor’s apartment, a paranoid woman who had a security system with a police panic button installed. So while Bob was decorating the place with goodies, the cops were already on their way.

My friend was again, thankfully let go with no charges. But some aren’t so lucky. Do you have any funny Dumb Valentine’s Day Criminal stories? Leave me a comment below!

Photo by Yoppy

If you talk to any of my friends, you would very quickly learn about my kitchen “expertise”. I’ve made a beautiful apple pie (set on fire in the oven), a gorgeous birthday cake (salt substituted for sugar), and my personal favorite, pasta al dente (so stuck to the pan, that we just threw it out; yes, I mean the pan). I can’t even step into the kitchen without a meal getting ruined, even when I’m not the one cooking it. Not only am I the Top Chef of disasters, but I’m also ridiculously accident-prone. My friends love to tell the story where our George Foreman grill and I got into a fight. I lost. Kitchens are a dangerous place and not just for people like me, so here are some quick safety tips for the clumsy kid in us all:

1. Don’t leave the kitchen with pots & pans cooking on the stove. It’s also a good idea to turn off the stove immediately after you move a pot. Accidentally touching those babies will make your victory of successfully making Mac and cheese for the first time slightly less sweet.
2. Avoid wearing inappropriate clothing while cooking. Have you ever tried cooking bacon in a tube top? That’s one mistake I’ll never make again.
3. Keep dishtowels, potholders and oven mitts away from the stove. They catch fire quicker than the food in the oven.
4. Keep matches and lighters in high places out of reach of curious little hands. On that same note, never leave the room or house if you’re burning a candle. Your friends will not be happy with you.
5. Keep a fire extinguisher in or near the kitchen. You and your roommates will regret it if you don’t.
6. Keep emergency numbers handy – 911 is easy to remember, but phone numbers to Poison Control aren’t as widely known. Trust me, if your cooking is as bad as mine, people will want this number close by.
7. Scalding is one of the most common injuries in the kitchen (see bacon story). Make sure to turn pot handles away from the front of the stove so nothing gets overturned accidentally. Scalding can occur from hot steam as well. Be careful when lifting lids from hot food and opening your Lean Cuisine bag.
8. Handling Knives: (a) Always cut away from your body when using a knife. It can slip and cut you, (b) Always use a cutting board, (c) Protect your counter tops, (d) Keep blades sharp, (e) Keep knives clean (including handle) – slippery handles can cause injuries, (f) Don’t put knives in a sink of soapy water – they may not be seen and accidents will occur, (g) Wash and dry carefully keeping sharp edge away from your hands, (h) Always lay them flat, never on the back or edge, (i) Don’t attempt to catch a knife as it falls – better it hits the floor than cut your hand, (j) Wash knives with warm soapy water after each use. My roommates won’t let me touch knifes any more but I feel like these are all good ideas.
9. Never stick a fork in a toaster to retrieve trapped toast –it’s not worth it. NOT WORTH IT I TELL YOU.
10. Always be sure the blender, or any other appliance with swirly blades is unplugged before touching it. Also, make sure the lid is on before you blend anything. Mopping the ceiling sounds fun but is actually exhausting.
11. Casualness causes casualties – don’t answer or talk on the phone while cooking – trust me, telling your mom about the squirrel you saw won’t be nearly as important when you overturn that pot of spaghetti sauce on to your bare feet.

These are some very simple tips we can all follow to make sure that we stay safe in the kitchen. Happy cooking and be careful! Credit: Photo by Jordon Nordholm

“Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Benjamin Franklin said this over 200 years ago and it still holds true. Yes, unfortunately it’s that time again. Tax Season. But one thing Mr. Franklin never had to deal with was a tax scam artist. Today, on top of trying to figure out complicated tax forms, we also have to navigate our way through a field of phishing emails, shady accountants, and bogus paperwork. Money Talks News founder and CPA Stacy Johnson recently published the top three scams he’s seen over his 20 year career. Check them out and make sure you don’t get duped…

1. Phishing. We’ve all seen the email from the Nigerian prince claiming he’s about to gain a bazillion dollar inheritance but first, he needs two grand and your social security number. He then promises that he’ll repay it ten fold. Most of us have laughed off fake emails but what if a frighteningly real message from “the IRS” popped up? Might be a bit more persuasive. Fortunately, the government is very clear: the IRS has never and will never ask for personal information through email or social media. They’re the IRS; they already know everything about you. If you find one of these scam messages in your inbox, forward them to phishing@irs.gov so they can track down the sender, and if you ever get a letter or phone call you’re not sure about, contact the IRS immediately at (800) 908-4490.

2. Fishy accountants. Some find it easy to hire a professional to take care of their taxes. But before you do, make sure he or she really is who they claim to be–there are “accountants” out there who will imply that they can double your refund by fudging numbers or faking info. In exchange for a cut of the extra money of course. A certified account must take the IRS required competency test, continuing education classes, and have an identification number that’s easily verified. Make sure to ask about these things when you look for a tax preparer and remember that you’re the one who signs the return, so you’re responsible for every mistake the IRS finds.

3. False forms. Some scammers use the sheer number of different tax forms to try and bilk you out of your money. If you don’t know what forms to fill out or the rules that each follow, go to the IRS website or see a professional tax preparer. Many websites (especially those ending in .com) are set up just to scam the naïve into giving out their sensitive information. Be careful and always verify the information with the IRS.

Yes, taxes are complicated. And yes, there are a ton of scams out there. But if you don’t do the research to cover your assets, you only have one person to blame—yourself. You know the IRS certainly will.

Photo by John Morgan

Over 50% of US homes have at least one pet and that number is increasing annually. Are you a devoted dog person? Or a loyal cat person? No matter the answer, one thing’s for certain, our pets aren’t just pets, they’re part of the family. They say that animals understand love and compassion so by providing them with a safe and secure environment, you give them the care and affection they need. Before you decide on a pet, you must take into account a variety of factors that will affect you and your pet’s life and safety.

Before you rush out and grab the next stray cat you see, you must decide which kind of pet is the right kind for your family. Does your son have a severe allergy to dog dander? Does your wife have asthma? If this is the case, then hypoallergenic animals or possibly a feathered or scaly pet is right for you. Recognizing health concerns is a crucial part of choosing the perfect pet. Also, make sure that if you have other animals that they and the new addition will get along well. If you have a dog that absolutely can’t stand the sight of a cat, showing up with Mr. Meowmers might not be the best idea. All of these factors contribute to the safety of your pets and your home.

When researching the ideal pet for you, investigate the place or people you’re buying it from. A respectable seller will provide you with proper documentation of the pet’s breed, vaccinations, the pedigree (if that’s something you value), and where it came from. There are many people out there trying to make a quick buck by misleading others into thinking the animal is an exotic breed, thus demanding higher prices. There are even people who knowingly sell animals that are sick or dying just to make money. And we’ve all heard of puppy mills. By going through respectable venders, you help prevent the spread of disease and abuse, keeping you and your pet safer.

Vaccinating your pet is critical to ensuring their and your safety. There are many diseases and infections that can be transmitted back and forth between your pets and you (Lyme Disease, Rabies, Hookworm). Kids are especially prone to these diseases because of their lower immune system strength. Not to mention, they love to roll around with Mr. Meowmers and Mrs. PawPaw, giving them prime access to all those lovely germs. By vaccinating your animals at the proper times, you can almost entirely eliminate this possibility.

25% of people blow-dry their pets. While this isn’t necessary, it is important that you keep your pets as cleans as possible by giving them baths regularly. This will improve their hygiene, keeping everyone in your family safe from those nasty infection-inducing germs.
 
 
By keeping your pet safe, you keep your family safe.
 
 

Photo by Normanak

The world is a dangerous place, but with some basic knowledge, common sense, and a cool demeanor, you can ensure that you come out of most emergencies unscathed. You can never anticipate what may happen, but with these few skills, you can be prepared for any situation.

1. CPR or Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: CPR methods have changed over the years, but the principles remain the same. If the victim is unresponsive, call 911, then begin chest compressions if they’re not breathing normally. The rhythm of the compressions is (appropriately) the Bee Gee’s “Staying Alive”. Tilt the victim’s head back making sure the airway is clear and give 2 one-second long breaths through the person’s mouth. The recommended pattern is 30 chest compressions then 2 one-second breaths. Continue this process until the victim begins to breath or help arrives.

2. The Heimlich Maneuver: If faced with an adult who is choking and cannot breathe, the Heimlich maneuver can free the foreign body responsible. There are 2 steps to the recommended technique: 1) from behind the person, wrap your arms around the back of the victim, forming a fist below the victim’s ribcage but above their belly button. 2) Grab your fist with your other hand and press into the victim’s upper stomach/abdominal region. Continue to do this until the foreign object is coughed out. The Heimlich maneuver is modified for children so before you attempt it on a child, get formal training.

3. Preventing Hypothermia: Hypothermia occurs when a person’s core temperature drops below normal, impairing normal muscular and brain functions. Some symptoms are uncontrollable shivering, loss of coordination, becoming drowsy, or a noticeably slower breathing or heart rate. To start treating hypothermia, bring the victims inside out of the cold, remove any wet clothes, and wrap them in blankets or a sleeping bag. Making sure that they drink warm fluids without caffeine or alcohol will also help stabilize their temperature.

4. Controlling Bleeding: If you are ever faced with a substantial cut, quickly apply pressure on the wound. In order for the blood to coagulate, or clot, it needs to be stopped from flowing freely. Apply pressure to the wound, preferably with something sterile but a towel or ripped t-shirt will work as well. If possible, you should also elevate the wound above the heart to help slow down the flow of blood.

5. Providing Aspirin for Heart Attacks: In addition to ordinary pain relief, the FDA suggests aspirin to help treat heart attacks. Aspirin acts as an anti-inflammatory and a blood thinner, which helps blood pass through the large clots that tend to lead to heart attacks. If you suspect someone of having a heart attack, call 911, then check to make sure the aspirin won’t react negatively with other medicine they may be taking. Then give the person a standard 325 mg dose of aspirin and tell them to chew and swallow it.

6. Help With a Severe Allergic Reaction: With the increasing rise of allergies to common foods like peanuts, milk, and wheat, it’s important you know what to do if someone appears to be having a severe allergic reaction. Call 911 right away, then try and talk to the person. Ask them if they’ve ever had a reaction before and if they possibly have an EpiPen (a shot of epinephrine). If they have an EpiPen, but can’t administer it their selves, you will need to give them the shot. Instructions should be printed on the outside of the pen and should be easy to follow. Be prepared to give CPR if need be.

Taking a class, such as a Red Cross CPR/First Aid training course, will help you gain the experience and confidence to use these skills. An added bonus is that the certification looks great on a resume. You can never be too prepared for an emergency, and knowing these skills can help save your life or someone else’s.

Photo by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

This Sunday is a big one for football fans: the Sunday to end all Sundays, The SuperBowl. New York Giants and New England Patriot fans alike will be out in full force all around the country, celebrating their team’s greatness, and hoping to rack up the ultimate “W”.

But…some of us aren’t exactly in the football loop. Or to be more precise, some of us have no earthly idea what is going on. Why are there so many players? Why is the ball so weird? Only one person ever uses his foot to kick the ball, so why is it called football? I’ll admit it; I’m one of these people. I grew up in a baseball family; I can tell you the difference between a four-seam fastball and a knuckle changeup, but tell me the quarterback dodged a blitz to throw a “Hail Mary” and my eyes glaze over. I have no frame of reference for any of it, and I know I’m not the only one out there.

So I started thinking about how I should probably know a little bit more about it (seeing as everyone and their grandma watch the SuperBowl) and this crazy idea popped into my head…the quarterback is sort of like a control panel in a security system. Hang in there, I know what your thinking, “This girl is crazy. Those things have nothing to do with each other!” And in full disclosure, I would never had thought about this if my parents hadn’t made me house-sit for them while their new alarm system was set up, but I swear, it actually makes sense. Before some of you cry foul, yes, I know, the quarterback is on the offensive line and has nothing to do with the defense, but hear me out. The quarterback is responsible for relaying the coach’s orders to everyone in the huddle and making sure the proper play is run to combat the other team. Well, that’s what the control panel does too. The homeowner (the coach) tells the control panel (the quarterback) to arm/disarm the system, turn the lights on/off, or move the security cameras. The control panel runs the “plays” just like a quarterback would on the field.

Then I began to really think about how football can compare to the other security features my parents got installed. The defensive tackle and defensive end are similar to door and window contacts. They’re both responsible for containing the other team, making sure no one gets past them. Contacts do the same thing for your house. They provide coverage to any door or window they’re placed on, preventing intruders from entering your home. What about the defensive backs? They’re like the motion detectors of a security system. As the last line of defense in football, cornerbacks and safeties stop the other team if they get through the defensive line, providing wide coverage of the field. If someone breaks through the “first line” of defense of your home (the contacts), motion sensors alert you and the authorities immediately to any unwanted movement.

No matter whom you end up cheering for this weekend (if you end up cheering for anyone at all), remember to stay safe and have fun!

Photo by Daniel X. O’Neil via Flickr