Safety Tips
Infection Control
This may surprise you, but each years many lives and millions of dollars are lost due to spreading of infections in hospitals. How can you help stop spreading infections? Washing your hands really does help, and if you're hospitalized don't be afraid to remind any friends or family, as well as healthcare providers, to wash and sanitize their hands before coming into direct contact with you.
Prevent Falls
There are many different causes for falling, but sometimes when our health becomes an issue or just as a part of aging there can be increased risk for falls. The National Center for Patient Safety has provided an informational brochure on how to prevent falls at home (PDF).
Medications
Be sure to tell your physician, as well as other health-care providers what medications you are taking, even nonprescription medications like vitamins or herbal remedies. When you receive a new medication prescription, make sure it is the right prescription for you and the right dose by asking the pharmacist to double check the container's contents to make certain it contains the correct medication.
The Safe Medication website can provide more information on how to keep track of your medications and it also provides other medication tips and tools.
Oxygen and Fire Safety
If you or a family member have a condition that requires you to be given oxygen, the ACCE Healthcare Technology Foundation has provided an informational patient guide on fire safety and oxygen use (PDF).