Health & Wellness
 

This Winter…. When the lights go off….. http://getprepared.ca/index_e.asp IS YOUR FAMILY PREPARED? For a major emergency – like a blackout or severe storm – you need to be prepared. Ready for at least 72 hours while emergency workers help those in urgent need. START TODAY. PREPARE YOUR EMERGENCY KIT

Air Canada offers tips for smooth holiday travel http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2006/05/c0663.html?view=print HIGHLIGHTS - NEW: Revised security measures for carry-on luggage - NEW: Travel documentation: passport requirement for travel to the United States - Baggage information: carry-on baggage allowance will be strictly applied to meet the needs of all passengers - Checking-in made easy: web check-in available 24 hours before flight departure - aircanada.com has all the information for a one-stop easy and simple travel experience Security measures for carry-on luggage Customers are advised to keep in mind enhanced security measures when preparing to travel. The limited liquid, gel and aerosol carry-on rules previously applicable at Canadian and U.S. airports, including flights to/from Australia via Honolulu, have been extended to India, all European Union (EU) airports including the U.K and many Caribbean countries. Customers can now carry-on a limited amount of liquid, gel and aerosol items. The quantity of liquids, gels and aerosols permitted in carry-on has been increased to 100ml/100g (3.4 oz) per article or smaller. Containers have to placed in one clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag no larger than 1 litre (1 quart), with only 1 bag per person. Since customers connecting through European Union airports do not have access to their checked luggage, all duty-free liquids purchased must be within the 100ml/100g (3.4 oz) per article liquid allowance, and placed in the 1 litre closed and re-sealable clear plastic bag. In addition standard carry-on baggage allowance is restricted to one article for passengers connecting to/from/via London Heathrow airport. For more information, please consult the following official web sites: Transport Canada at www.tc.gc.ca; USA Transportation Security Administration at www.tsa.gov; British Airports Authorities at www.baa.co.uk.

UPS drivers deliver safe holiday driving tips 'Tis the season to be travelling safe and sound on the roads http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2006/05/c3667.html?view=print MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 5 /CNW/ - This month travellers will face more than just inclement weather when it comes to driving. Increased traffic from last-minute shopping trips and social visits to family and friends will also impact road travel safety over the next few weeks. Holiday traffic and unpredictable weather conditions make it more important than ever for Canadians to tune-up on winter driving skills. UPS's 102,000 drivers around the globe are preparing to deliver more than 21 million packages worldwide on December 20 and understand that safe driving requires skill and good judgment. They are among the safest transportation professionals on the road with 4,202 active drivers having completed more than 25 years of accident-free driving. "UPS drivers average less than one accident per million kilometers driven," said Keith Porter, vice president of Operations, UPS Canada. "Whether you're driving to see family over the holidays or delivering packages, it's important for all motorists to focus on applying safe driving practices." UPS has partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada) in support of the annual Project Red Ribbon campaign. UPS and MADD Canada want to ensure road safety this holiday season and remind Canadians to never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs. As part of UPS's commitment to road safety, UPS drivers offer these safe driving tips for the holiday season: - Arrive safely - Always appoint a designated driver when attending seasonal gatherings. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, on average four Canadians are killed and approximately 190 Canadians are injured daily as a result of alcohol/drug related crashes. - Be aware of distracted drivers - Actions such as cell phone usage, eating/drinking, personal grooming or reading maps can take a driver's attention off the road. Be aware of these distracted drivers, always expect the unexpected and leave yourself a way out. - Slow and steady keeps you safe - Sudden moves can cause a loss of control when road traction is poor. Even if the roads are clear, black ice is a major hazard when the temperature dips. Depending on the weather conditions, adjust your speed and following distance accordingly. - Tune in to traffic - Monitor traffic reports for road closures and delays, and prepare an alternate route just in case. Winter storms can sometimes hit without warning, so be sure to check reports on the way home too. - Develop a driving emergency kit - Carry a blanket, flashlight, candles, matches, jumper cables and a shovel in your trunk. Kitty litter or sand is also useful to gain traction if you happen to get stuck. - Sharing the road with commercial vehicles - Commercial vehicles can be a lot heavier than an average car, and need much more time and distance to stop. Avoid cutting in front of trucks or braking suddenly in front of them - and remember, if you can't see the driver's face in their side mirror, they can't see you. - Keep headlights and tail lights clean - Dark winter days make it more difficult to see other motorists and pedestrians. Turn headlights on at least a half hour before sunset to increase your visibility and keep windshields and mirrors clean to avoid glare. Don't look directly at oncoming headlights, instead avert your eyes to the right side of the road. - Buckle-up - Wear your safety belt properly every time you get behind the wheel, even for short distances - and make sure your passengers do too! Young children should always be securely strapped in an age- appropriate car seat. If you need assistance with proper installation, contact your local police service or public health unit.

Give blood, make your gift meaningful - 70 per cent want less emphasis on consumerism OTTAWA, Dec. 5 /CNW Telbec/ - Holidays are a time of celebration, families and togetherness. They are also a time for sharing good stories and special presents and great meals. But the emphasis on consumerism can take a financial and a time-consuming toll. So much so, a recent Ipsos-Reid survey finds 70 per cent of Canadians would welcome less emphasis on gift giving and spending this season. Don't make endless trips to the malls this December, Canadian Blood Services urges holiday-makers instead to make an appointment at a local blood donor clinic, and brighten a life. Call 1 888 2 DONATE (1 888 236-6283). TOP TEN REASONS FOR DONATING BLOOD THIS HOLIDAY: - Nobody will ever try to exchange your gift. No re-gifting, either. - Everyone knows someone who is just impossible to buy for. - Wrapping is not an issue. - Giving blood doesn't have any calories. - Your credit card gets a holiday, too. - Forget making six trips to the mall. Giving blood takes only an hour - and they give you a cookie. - You can certainly claim you made your gift. - Not everyone is home for the holidays. Some Canadians are hospitalized over the holidays fighting injuries and diseases that require blood and blood products for treatment. - You can give blood every 56 days - that's Christmas six times a year - One donation can save three lives.

Chill Out And Drive Safely This Winter Simple Tips To Help Keep Motorists Safe QUEEN'S PARK, ON, Dec. 7 /CNW/ - Winter is almost here, and with it, icy roads and blowing snow. To make sure motorists arrive safely to their destinations, Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield offers some simple winter driving tips. "One third of all winter traffic collisions are caused by excessive speed and loss of control," Cansfield said. "Alert driving and keeping one's vehicle in good working order are the keys to safe winter driving." Here are some simple rules to remember when tackling winter roads: - Skidding - Take your foot off the brake and gas, shift to neutral, and steer in the direction you want to go. - Spacing - It takes longer to stop on slippery roads. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. - Lighting - Turn on your headlights in low light conditions such as blowing snow and whiteouts. Do not rely on daytime running lights. - Plan ahead - Check weather and travel conditions before leaving. In poor weather, give yourself extra travel time or wait until conditions improve. It's best not to take chances if the weather is bad. - Visibility - Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and roof of your vehicle for the best visibility. Loose snow from your vehicle could also blow onto other vehicles and block other drivers' vision. Keeping a vehicle in proper working condition for winter driving is equally important: - Ensure your vehicle is mechanically ready for winter by getting a maintenance check-up. - Keep your gas tank at least half full. Engines burn more fuel in cold weather. - Replace worn or damaged tires. Consider using winter tires that provide better traction in snow, slush and ice. - If you get stranded, don't panic. Turn off your car to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and stay in your vehicle for safety and warmth and wait for help to arrive. Dialing "(*)OPP" on your cell phone will connect you with the Ontario Provincial Police. - Keep a winter survival kit in your car: a candle and a small tin can, matches, blanket, extra footwear and some high-energy food, such as cereal bars. To help drivers plan ahead, information on road conditions across Ontario and on safe winter driving is available on MTO's website. Information on road conditions is also available by calling the ministry's information line, toll-free at 1-800-268-4686, or 416-235-4686 in the Greater Toronto Area. "Winter is a special time of year. Keeping a cool head will help get you to where you want to go safely." Cansfield said.