PULSE Magazine | January 2020 Issue

January is National Bath Safety Month, which is a great time to reflect on the safety of your bath- room. Bathing is such a routine activity that we often neglect to take proper precautions while we’re in what is absolutely one of the most dangerous places in our homes. But there are a lot of things we can do to minimize the risk of injury. Each year thousands of people of all ages visit the emergency room due to bathroom-related slips and falls. The accidents that occur while bathing are often overlooked, but remind us the importance of recognizing bathroom safety. Before you grab the bubble bath and have a good soak, make sure you take a few precau- tionary measures to prevent an accident from happening to you or a loved one. Never take for granted the importance of taking care of our bodies and our health. Tips for Adults While we may not think we need to be reminded of safety rules – after all, we’ve been bathing successfully for years – there is no harm in being conscious of, and minimizing the risks of, slip- ping and falling, especially as we get older. Grab handles should be installed, as towel racks and sliding glass door handles aren’t meant to steady people. Non-slip mats are a must for exiting the shower to minimize the risk of slipping on a wet SAFETY TIPS FOR ALL AGES

floor, as well as within the bathtub/shower floor. All toiletries should be kept within arm’s reach, and hallways that lead to the bathroom should be well lit. As we age it becomes more difficult to rise from a sitting position thus putting a strain on joints and muscles leading to potential falls. With that in mind it would be important to place a riser on the toilet seat. Children ages 4 and under should always have a caregiver present when they are near water, including the bath tub. Always wait until the tub is finished filling up before placing your child in the water, and make sure the water is no hotter than 120 degrees. Affix a slip-resistant plastic mat that suctions to the bottom of the tub and make sure there is a non-slip mat outside of the tub. A grab bar is great for kids as well as adults, so remind them to use it and not the towel rack or door handle. Always fill the tub with water before placing your child in the water, checking to be sure it isn’t too hot or too cold. Make sure bath toys do not have hard edges or points that could be hazardous. Use a rubber cover over the faucet head. Tips for parents With Young Children

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