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By Lois Kelly

The holidays have arrived and holiday shopping is in full swing! Unfortunately, scheming and scamming do not take a break for the holidays.

For most people the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, including scammers and thieves. Be vigilant. The holidays provide extra opportunity for a variety of theft and financial-fraud scams.

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Silence is Not Golden

It’s hard to believe, but elder abuse can happen anywhere. It can take place at home by family or friends or in a nursing home by professional caregivers. Many people don’t think of elder abuse as a crime, but it is.

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Mandated Reporters Can Make Elder Abuse Reports Online
To report suspected elder or dependent adult abuse through the following URL:
AISWebReferral.org

The online system is not available for the general public, who should still report potential abuse through the AIS Call Center:

1 (800) 510-2020.

 
 

 

Decorating with poinsettias has become a holiday tradition


 

.....One of the most delightful decorations at Christmas is the poinsettia.

Beautiful Poinsettia Ornaments are often used as a holiday center-piece decorations, and are a beloved holiday tradition.

Before you put the poinsettia on the mantel and hang that mistletoe, there are a few things you need to know.

Every plant has different chemicals a d potential reactions, and while those in plants such as rosemary and aloe vera have beneficial qualities, we need to be aware that others can actually be toxic. The good news is that contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are not poisonous. Contact with the sap of a poinsettia plant may cause a mild, itchy rash. If this happens, wash the affected area with soap and water and apply a cool compress to ease itching.

Poinsettia sap does irritate the mouth, and eating the leaves or stems of a poinsettia plant may cause a mild stomachache, vomiting or diarrhea — but severe signs and symptoms are unlikely. Some people are more sensitive to poinsettia plants than are others. However, if you find a child eating a poinsettia plant, clear his or her mouth and move the plant out of reach.

So go ahead and enjoy this special holiday floral tradition secure in the knowledge that it is not only beautiful but safe, and enjoy it for the gorgeous plant that it is.


 

 
 
 

The California’s Poison Control Center Help People like You Everyday

 

The California Poison Control System (CPCS) provides immediate, free and expert treatment advice and referral over the telephone in case of exposure to poisonous or The Poison Control Centertoxic substances.You can obtain emergency information on:

• Swallowing poison
• Eye or skin irritation from toxic substances
• Inhalation of noxious fumes or vapors
• Animal, insect, snake and spider bites
• Food or mushroom poisoning
• Drug reactions and interactions
• Attempted suicides or drug overdoses
• Pet poisoning exposures

Pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and poison information providers answer the calls to 1-800-222-1222. Calls are handled quickly, accurately, professionally and free-of-charge. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Language interpreters are always available. Please visit: http://www.calpoison.org/home.html for more information.

 

Don’t Let Bacteria Crash Your Party

 

People getting ready for a holiday party don’t picture themselves sick in bed or in the hospital shortly after the festivities, but that’s what could happen if food on party buffets isn’t handled and served safely.

Bacteria can bring foodborne illness for everybody to the party. To be a safe host, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends following the four basics of safe food preparation: “Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill.”

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Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and injuries

 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), unattended cooking is one of the leading sources of home fires that occur around the holidays. Always always watch the food cooking and set timers to remind yourself to check on it every so often.

Avoid cooking when you’re distracted, tired, under medication and at risk of falling asleep. You must be alert while cooking to avoid accidents.

 
 
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Salud+HealthInfo is for information and educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned abut your health or that of a child, please consult your family's physician or health provider immediately and do not try to diagnose yourself. Salud+Health Info is published and distributed free of charge by Info Option Network (ION) Publishing Company. Copyright © 2001-2013 Info Option Network