Wednesday, August 15, 2012

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ELECTRONICS FROM POWER SURGES - Part 2

Continued from 7/16/12  - Don't want a fried flat screen?  Follow these tips . . .

Buy surge protectors - but be sure to read the fine print.  Some power strips and multi-plug outlets, especially the less expensive ones, provide no protection against power surges.

Surge protectors come at different levels.  It's actually better to get a lower number of volts, with the most protective level being the 300 volt range.  For example, if your building is hit with power surge of 1000 volts, a 2000 volt protector won't help you, but the 300 volt one will.

Be sure to check on the label that the device has been tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a not-for-profit organization that promotes safety standards.  The label should also state if a power strip has surge protection and the voltage rating level.
Source: Underwriters Laboratories


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Wednesday, August 1, 2012

WATCH OUT FOR TICKS! - Part 1

The number of ticks carrying Lyme and other diseases is increasing in Massachusetts.  And the unusually warm weather this year is producing expanding insect populations.  So, if you venture off the pavement, be sure to take precautions.

If diagnosed and treated promptly, Lyme disease can often be cured with antibiotics.  Untreated, it can lead to chronic arthritis and neurological problems.  Getting Lyme disease once does not mean that you can't get it again.

The symptoms of Lyme disease vary; they can include:

- a rash that looks like a bull's-eye (however, the rash may not look like this and can still indicate Lyme disease)
- flu-like symptoms such as joint pain, sore muscles, headache, chills, and fever
- shortness of breath and other heart and lung abnormalities
- no symptoms in the initial phase

You should get immediate medical attention for any tick bite, as well as for a rash or other symptoms, which can occur up to a month after tick exposure.  If possible, bring the dead tick with you to the medical facility for lab testing.
Source: UC Berkeley Wellness Letter

Next month - how to protect yourself from ticks . . .


COULD YOU USE HEALTH EDUCATION CONTENT FOR YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG, WEBSITE, OR HAND-OUTS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS, OR EVENT?  I CAN SAVE YOU THE TIME AND EFFORT -- BY PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED MATERIALS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS FOR YOU TO REPRODUCE AND PERSONALIZE WITH YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION.  PLEASE CALL ME FOR MORE DETAILS AT 617-738-8222.