WPSU’s Health Minute is a collaboration with Penn State’s College of Nursing.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that’s produced when fuel is burned in gas stoves, fireplaces, furnaces, or vehicles. The gas can build up in closed areas and poison people and animals who breathe in the vapor.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to headaches, weakness, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and even death.
You can prevent exposure to carbon monoxide by installing a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home, and by having your heating system checked by a professional every year. Make sure gas appliances are vented properly, and never run your vehicle or generator inside a garage, even when the garage door is open.
WPSU’s Health Minute is a collaboration with Penn State’s College of Nursing. It’s likely that we’ll continue to wear masks regularly to protect ourselves
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You’re listening to WPSU’s Health Minute, a collaboration with Penn State’s College of Nursing.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, it’s important to take the time to wash your hands properly to prevent the spread of germs.
For proper handwashing:
1. Wet your hands with running water, then lather with soap.
2. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. To ensure accurate timing, hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice from beginning to end.
3. Finish by rinsing your hands with running water and drying them using an air dryer or a clean towel.
If you don’t have access to running water, use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol.
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You’re listening to WPSU’s Health Minute, a collaboration with Penn State’s College of Nursing.
With the holiday gift-giving season approaching, many ask how to choose the right toy for a child. Play is important for children’s cognitive, physical, and social development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends choosing toys that engage children socially and physically and urges limiting electronic toys.
Ideas for age-appropriate toys include: sensory-friendly toys for infants; large blocks and wooden puzzles for toddlers; dress-up clothes and other pretend play items for preschoolers; and books and art supplies for younger school children.
Children with special needs benefit from functional toys. Consult a specialty therapist for options.
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You’re listening to WPSU’s Health Minute, a collaboration with Penn State’s College of Nursing.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, taking measures to avoid getting influenza and pneumonia is more important than ever. Catching either on top of Covid-19 can increase the severity and duration of illness. Each year, 35 million people in the United States are sickened with influenza and 1.3 million are diagnosed with pneumonia.
Those who get flu and pneumonia shots are less likely to get sick from these diseases. If they do get sick, they tend to get a milder form of the illness.
Contact your primary care provider and ask if you could benefit from the flu or pneumonia shot.