Search Results for: blog is it safe to use an electric blanket

EMFs and Safety

Call me dumb, but I just never stop to think about the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) around me. Yet these little invisible lines that come from power lines and electronic devices are all around us. Then there are the radio frequency EMFs emitted by wi-fi, baby monitors, routers, and cell phones. It seems like I always have at least one of those things, if not more, in constant reach. If that doesn’t cause enough concern, some believe that something as simple as a lamp plugged in but not on may be doing harm. Electric fields (V/M) occur even when something plugged … Continue reading →

Stay Safe

Sometimes when our smoke alarm goes off as it does when Mick is cooking toast because he likes his toast charred, I get fed up. The shriek of the smoke alarm is piercing. Nearly as bad is the noise out dog makes as she runs around hysterically. But would I be without the smoke alarm? No way! They are a great invention. In Australia all new homes must have smoke alarms installed. Sadly, not all older homes have them but they should be mandatory. We have one just outside our bedroom door and near the front hall. That’s the first … Continue reading →

The Pregnancy Blog Review for Dec 7 – 15

The weeks leading up to Christmas are among the busiest of the year. Add the fatigue of pregnancy and it can be hard to keep up with the hectic pace. The week in review is the perfect way to catch up on recent topics in the pregnancy blog. Tattoos have become really popular in recent years, especially among women of child bearing age. If you’ve been dying to get a tattoo, you may be wondering if it is safe for the baby. Learn more in Is it Safe to Get a Tattoo? Winter is certainly here. In an effort to … Continue reading →

Is it Safe to Ski During Pregnancy?

This is the time of year that winter sports lovers long for. If you are pregnant, you may be wondering if it is safe to ski this year. The answer to this isn’t always clear. Opinions vary on skiing during pregnancy, even among obstetricians. Before participating in any strenuous activity, including skiing, talk to your health care provider. Advice from doctors and midwives is mixed on the subject of skiing for pregnant patients. Some will tell you to avoid skiing due to the risk of falling and being injured. Others will base their advice on the level of proficiency of … Continue reading →

Is it Safe to Use an Electric Blanket?

Winter is here with a vengeance in some areas of the world. The sub zero temperatures will have you searching for additional heat sources. One solution to the cold temperatures is an electric blanket. Is this safe during pregnancy? As with many things in pregnancy, this is a controversial subject. There are two concerns associated with using an electric blanket, overheating and electromagnetic fields. Becoming overheated during pregnancy is not a good thing. An increased body temperature for a long period of time has been shown to increase the risk of neural tube defects and miscarriage. Does this mean that … Continue reading →

Winter Weather Weapon No. 1—The Electric Blanket

I’ve spent the past 10 days complaining about the unbearably frigid temperatures that have slammed into the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast regions of the country… and today is no different. While the rest of my family is rejoicing because the mercury actually climbed into the teens today (we’ve been dealing with below zero temps for more almost two weeks) I simply refuse to take part in the festivities. I’m cold. Forgive me if I don’t consider 16 degrees cause for celebration. And, no, dear daughter you can’t wear shorts today (poor child was baking under the Hawaiian sun … Continue reading →

Top 10 Tips For Dealing With Electrical Hazards In Your Home

Years ago our family suffered a terrible tragedy as a result of electric shock. A seemingly innocent frayed toaster cord was later found to be the culprit. This simple household device found in practically every home in the universe turned into a deadly weapon. Not a lot has been written about the risk of death from electric shock. The media tends to focus on potential fire dangers in homes, the risk of poisoning, and ways to baby proof a house, but little is said about how to prevent electric shock. The best way to reduce the risk of death from … Continue reading →

The Confusing Process of Learning

My son is starting to get excited about things. He used to just be interested in what was right in front of his face: small objects, fingers, blanket corners. These small things helped him figure out the amazing things his hands could do. He controlled these amazing things floating in his visual field. He could turn them and twist them and move them up and move them down. He could animate other parts too but with less certainty. Soon enough he could use individual fingers to manipulate zippers or grab blankets or flip light switches. He could not only pick … Continue reading →

Staying Warm (and Why It’s Important!)

Winter “officially” starts on December 21st for the Northern Hemisphere… but it’s cold right now here in the Pacific Northwest. With the economy the way it is at the moment, it might be tempting to try to keep energy bills lower by keeping the house cooler than you might normally like it. Here are some tips to help you keep warm if you’ve got the thermostat set low. Number one: Check doors for drafts. If you can see daylight around your door, then the cold air can get in. Think about weather stripping or a draft stopper to help keep … Continue reading →

Heat for Healing

Heat is a great natural healer. For pets with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint conditions, heat can make the difference between a stiff, painful morning and an easy start to the day. A friend of mine takes her older dog into the sauna in the mornings to help loosen things up! Be careful! Electrical sources of heat like heat lamps and heating pads can be dangerous to your pet. These heat sources can burn the skin — so never apply them directly to your pet. Always supervise your pet when using an electrical heat source. Gentler heating sources are … Continue reading →