6 Stress Prevention Ideas

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal

We can’t avoid stress, but we can be mindful of situations that trigger stress and anxiety. Here are some suggestions for preventing stress.

Identify Your Streesors

Stress in an unavoidable reality. Part of stress management is working to avoid situations that cause the most stress and anxiety. Identifying stressors can be difficult. It might be obvious, such as a difficult relationship, health concerns or work environment. Sometimes there might be a root cause that is more challenging to identify. Keep a journal of stress reactions and anxiety and look for patterns as to what increases anxiety. Plan ways to avoid those situations.

Modify Your Schedule

Many stressors are uncontrollable; however, some we can modify. If you know grocery shopping on Monday after work rattles you because of long lines and no parking, then adjust your schedule to shop another day and time. Set limits. Don’t stretch yourself too thin with activities. Set priorities for things you are most passionate about and dedicate time to those. Learn to say “no”.

Don't Become Overwhelmed

When faced with multi-tasking, make a list. This helps to see what needs to be prioritized and what can wait.

Involve Other People

Talk with your spouse, friends or coworkers and let them know you are trying to reduce stress. They may be able to help you identify stressful situations. Be open to advice and help from others.

Be Active.

Exercise is often skipped when we are stressed. Regular exercise improves mood and lowers symptoms of anxiety and stress. It also can help with sleep.

Be an Optimist.

A positive attitude helps keep us from slipping into feeling overwhelmed.

For more stress management techniques and ideas, check out healthline.com.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416

Manhattan, KS 66505
medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Improving Your Smile

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal

A little attention to your smile and oral hygiene can help improve self-confidence. Here are a few tips for whiter teeth and fresher breath.

Pay attention to our gums. Proper brushing and flossing will help keep gums healthy. Periodontal, or gum disease, is often painless, but it can make gums red and puffy. It involves infection of the tissue that surrounds and supports teeth. It is caused by bacterial plaque buildup on teeth. Gum disease is almost always preventable with brushing and flossing twice daily and regular dental checkups.

There are many option for whiter teeth, including toothpastes, rinses and gums. You can also speak with your dentist about prescription treatments.

Bad breath can be caused by many factors including poor oral care, tooth infection, gum disease, mouth sores, infection of the nose or throat, dry mouth, and foods. The best way to combat bad breath is to stay hydrated and floss and brush twice daily. Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue also. Dentures or mouth appliances should be cleaned daily.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416

Manhattan, KS 66505
medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

6 Secrets to Longevity

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal

What are the secrets of long life and healthy again?  According to the US Census, about 84,000 folks over age 100 currently live in the United States.  A survey by United Healthcare of people over 100 revealed some commonalities among this age group.

Consider the following tips for promoting longevity and wellness:

1. Stay current. Keeping up with the times, learning new things, and embracing new technology seems to help. Curiosity and creativity are recommended.
   
2. Stay connected. Daily communication may also contribute to living longer. Some studies show that those with satisfying social relationships experience less mental decline.
   
3. Eat, sleep and exercise. Eating right, sleeping enough, and exercising regularly are at the top of the “To Do” list for people who have made it to 100.
   
4. Stick to routines. Many of those who live long have daily or weekly routines for healthy habits and connecting with others.
   
5. Volunteer. Giving back seems to aid long term health and happiness.
   
6. Feel satisfied. It is often said, that the secret to happiness is wanting what you have. The oldest folks harbor few regrets and express contentment with their lives.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505
medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

All About the DOT

By Rose Kreller of Medi-WasteDisposal

The US Department of Transportation(US DOT or DOT) is a federal cabinet department of the US government concerned with transportation. It was established by Congress on October 15, 1966. It is governed by the US Secretary of Transportation.

The DOT’s mission is to serve the US by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible, and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.

Prior to the DOT, these functions were administered by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Transportation. In 1965, it was suggested to President Lyndon B. Johnson that transportation be elevated to a cabinet level post.

Various agencies are within the DOT including Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration, just to name a few.

The DOT’s budget funds various entities including light and heavy rail projects, commuter rails, subways, and transit projects. The budget for fiscal year 2014 for the DOT was $77.2 billion.

How does the DOT affect our daily lives?

• It governs all highway structure and infrastructure as well as motor carriers hauling materials on those highways, ensuring safety and compliance.
• It also oversees pipeline transportation and shipment of materials, some of which are hazardous.
• All shipments from waterborne transportation, rail transportation, and aviation fall under the DOT.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505
medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

All About OSHA

By Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal

The Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA) is an agency of the US Department of Labor that was created by Congress in 1970.

OSHA’s mission is to assure the safety and health of America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. The bill was initially proposed in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and was signed on December 29, 1970 by President Richard Nixon.

OSHA is headed by the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health. This position is appointed by the President. OSHA’s statutory authority extends to most nongovernmental workplaces where there are employees. Workers at state and local government agencies are not covered by OSHA, but have OSH Act protections if they work in those states that have an OSHA-approved State Plan. State Plans are OSHA-approved job safety and health programs operated by individual states instead of federal OSHA.

OSHA also created the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as a research agency whose purpose is to determine the major types of hazards in the workplace and ways of controlling them.

Since the agency was established in 1971, workplace fatalities have been cut by 62% and occupational injury and illness rates have declined 40%. At the same time, the US employment has nearly doubled.

OSHA and its state partners have over 2,000 inspectors, plus complaint discrimination investigators, engineers, physicians, educators, standards writers, and other technical and support personnel spread over more than 200 offices throughout the country.

www.osha.gov is the official website of OSHA. There, you will find numerous resources for employers. Many training and reference materials are available.

The OSHA Outreach Training Program provides training for workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces. The OSHA Training Institute provides training and education in occupational safety and health for federal and state compliance officers, state consultants, other federal agency personnel and the private sector. OSHA's Hazard Identification Training Tool is an interactive, online, game-based training tool for small business owners, workers and others interested in learning the core concepts of hazard identification.

OSHA offers cooperative programs under which businesses, labor groups, and other organizations can work cooperatively with the Agency to help prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505
medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com

Cleaning Electronic Gadgets

by Rose Kreller of Medi-Waste Disposal


We don’t need a microscope to know that electronic gadgets get dirty. Dust, grease, and germs accumulate on our electronics. In one study, 92% of tested cell phones were contaminated with potentially harmful bacteria. Hair and crumbs also like to find ways into keyboards.

Most things needed to clean your gadgets are likely already in your home or readily available at the store. A simple cotton cloth, distilled water and alcohol can be quite useful. Here are some guidelines for cleaning gadgets without damaging them.

-Screens of TV or Computer:

• Cleaning screens of the TV or computer should start with a dry wipe down. Avoid paper towels if possible.
• For stubborn smudges, use a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and alcohol with a clean cotton cloth.
• If using a spray bottle, spray the cloth, not the device.
• Of note, some portable gadgets have special screen coatings that can be damaged by alcohol. If that is the case, use water.
• Avoid moisture in the very edges, instead use a dry cotton swab on the edge.

-Keyboards, Mice, Remotes, Other Plastic/Metal Surfaces:

• Use the same 50/50 mixture to wipe over keyboards, mice, remotes and other plastic/metal surfaces to quickly kill bacteria and cut dirt and grease.
• Dust is one of the biggest enemies to electronics. It can accumulate and block charging connections on cell phones. It can also settle on power cords and into keyboards.
• For hard to reach areas on the keyboard, use a can of compressed air.
• For cameras, invest in a special lens cleaner to avoid damaging it.

-Spills

• If a spill happens on or near your gadgets, try to minimize damage.
• Turn off or unplug the device.
• Wipe as much of the spill to keep it from spreading.
• If the spill seeps into the electronic, remove cover pieces and wipe the inside; but be aware of warranties from manufacturer.

Midwest Medical Waste, Inc.

PO Box 416
Manhattan, KS 66505
medimidwest.com
Office: 785-539-MEDI (6334)
Toll Free: 855-631-MEDI (6334)
info@medimidwest.com