ExecutiveMom's Safety and Self Defense Blog

Ohio Woman Found - Keeping the Safety Message Alive at Home

Ohio mother found - This is a story about a man, a woman, an unborn child and loss.  It's about domestic abuse...It's about making mistakes and trusting the wrong people... It's so sad but unfortunately it happens everyday... maybe not to this extreme but abuse that can lead to this outcome.... Here is the way it works...First they wine and dine you, you feel like you are on cloud nine...They act like they adore you and there has never been anyone like you...Then after they hook you... they slowly start to degrade you and diminish your self esteem, it starts of with small comments then leads to bigger things...then they crush you so you think you are worthless and cannot do any better. That is why women stay...moving on is a very hard thing to do...especially when children are involved..

The signs in this story were there early on with the first girlfriend...but maybe Jessie didn't know about his past, maybe she didn't know he was even married, he could have been playing boyfriend to her and busy husband to his wife...who knows, maybe her family does. Anyway the bottom line is there are always red flags in an abusive relationship... one needs to be educated to know the signs, and know and have the strength and support to get away. The problem today is most women in a relationship that is abusive hide it. they are too embarrassed…especially if the husband or boyfriend is a well known and respected person they feel no one will believe them. So they just keep it to themselves. They lie to family and friends and show a pretty picture of the relationship. They do not share the details with others of the abuse. If there are small children, they become the voice... when they are old enough to speak, they will. That is if they are not frightened by the abuser to keep silent.

This is such a sad story, and it has effected me as much as Laci Peterson...I know what happens behind closed doors...do you?  Try to put yourself in the shoes of those that live it and you will understand...it has nothing to do with race... it has to do with dominating behaviors and the victims of that behavior. Our society needs to offer more in the way of support for these women and children. Many times, even if they want to escape, they do not have the financial means and support to do so because they've been isolated. Many do not work or have friends any more. How will they survive outside this home?

 In this final week of "safety month", why not reach out and help at a shelter, help someone in need of support, ask a co-worker why so many bruises? get involved….help cut the cycle of violence … teach the children living in these homes that this behavior isn't right or accepted so they don't grow to be like their parents … WE CAN ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE no matter how we chose to be SAFE this week!

 Don't forget to schedule your safety training class at www.safetytrainingsystems.net and have a SAFE and ENJOYABLE week. Who can you help today?

Weekend Movie That Can't Be Missed(SICKO) and FUN

DON'T Miss out on the Opportunity to See the Movie SICKO!!  I know what you are thinking...Michael Moore...Love him or hate him this is a Film that SHOULDN'T be Missed!  As a Pharmaceutical Rep with opinions from the "inside" and as a consumer who has recently been denied insurance and treatment due to my husband's disability, WE NEED TO FIX THIS SYSTEM that we call US Health care.  This country is suffering.  And just because you are lucky enough to have insurance and medical coverage today doesn't mean that will always be the case! I know - one auto accident, a suit for workers comp which cost me my job and endless struggles now to survive - took 30 seconds with another driver plowing into my car door and life will no longer be the same!! Don't let this happen to you or your loved ones.  Again, love him or hate him - Michael has a point.  Listen, read, educate yourself, form your own opinions and help change this system!!  I have a book coming out soon covering my experiences as a pharma rep - find what you can and READ, Vote and Make a difference!! This will only change if WE make it change. On a FUN note - go visit I can't wait to see this one!  Have a SAFE and fun weekend!

10 Worst Jobs

So you think your job's bad...here's something to help put it all into perspective this Friday:

                    

The next time you're tempted to complain about your job, think about the poor soul who works 9 to 5 cutting the testicles off elephants Or studying bugs on corpses.        Or scooping up whale dung and analyzing it for clues.        Or bottling frogs, cats and pigs for biology students.        Those are among the 10 Worst Jobs in Science, listed in   the July issue of Popular Science magazine.        The worst job, as ranked by the editors, is that of a hazardous- material diver who often works in water contaminated by toxic spills and everyday pollutants. One hazmat diver, the magazine said, had to retrieve the body of an accident victim from the waste lagoon of a factory pig farm.           10   WORST JOBS

In order, from not-as-bad to   downright terrible, the worst jobs in science as ranked by Popular Science   magazine:     • Whale-feces researcher:   The feces part just smells bad.     • Forensic entomologist:   Studying bugs on corpses combines two unpleasant things.     • Olympic drug tester:   Watching athletes urinate into cups and testing samples thousands of times   during the Games can't be fun.     • Gravity research subject:   Stays in bed for three weeks and lets muscles atrophy.     • Microsoft security worker:   Deals with every Microsoft user's problems.     • Preserved-animal preparer:   Bottles frogs, cats and pigs for biology students.     • Garbologist: Sifts   through garbage, literally, to analyze consumption patterns and how quickly   waste breaks down.     • Elephant vasectomist:   Elephants are big, and so are their testicles.     • Oceanographer:   Pollution, overfishing and coral reef destruction mean the oceans keep   getting worse.     • Hazardous-materials diver:   Swimming in sewage is a dirty task.

    Don't forget your Mace and Have a SAFE and enjoyable weekend!

Any People You'd like to Nominate for the Darwin Awards?

Yesterday, I was with a group of 18 women presenting my safety seminar.  We were talking about various personal safety tips.  As the program progressed, people began to share stories of scary situations they had run into.  We had just finished presenting: "if you feel like you are being followed, make 4 consecutive right turns.  If the car behind you continues to follow you, they are up to no good.  Go to the nearest police stations or well lit crowded area but DO NOT GO HOME". 

One of the ladies said she had done just that.  Drove to the police station, got out of the car, went inside to report the person who had been following her for the last 30 minutes and had followed her there.  They all walked outside and yes - the perpetrator was still sitting in his car, outside the police station waiting for her!  He was arrested....

If you have any funny or unbelievable stories like this, I'd love to hear them to add to my presentations.  Sometimes, it is just hard to believe the lengths some criminals will go to get what they want!

THANK YOU FOR SHARING AND HAVE A SAFE DAY! To schedule a presentation for your business or organization, click HERE.

Speeding - Is it really worth it?

I am a punctually challenged person and have to admit I have a problem with maintaining the speed limits because I'm always 20 minutes late for my next appointment.  I also have a problem with those who enter the fast lane - yes, I know it is the law to go 60 - slow up traffic and do not pass and get over.  But is driving fast really worth it?
This week's Safety Month Focus is safe driving:

How much money do speeding-related crashes cost the United States every hour? $4.6 million per hour
Is it really worth it?
•         The annual cost of speeding-related traffic accidents to the U.S. is $40.4 billion.
•         30% of all traffic fatalities are related to speeding.
•         Maine (50.9%) and Hawaii (49.3%) have the highest proportion of speeding-related fatalities.
•         Florida (6.7%) and Iowa (9.8%) have the lowest proportion of speeding-related fatalities.
•         Speeding kills an average of 36 vehicle occupants per day.  This figure has not changed significantly in the past ten years. Speeding…
•            Reduces a driver’s ability to negotiate curves or maneuver around      obstacles in the roadway.
•            Extends the distance necessary for the3 vehicle to stop.
•            Increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a hazard.
•            Compromises the integrity of the vehicle structure.       
•            Decreases the effectiveness of vehicle design features,  such as air bags and restraint systems.       
•            Decreases the ability of roadway hardware, such as guardrails, barriers and impact attenuators to protect occupants.
•            Increases tread wear on tires and wear on braking systems.       
•            Increases the risk of crashes because other vehicles and pedestrians may not be able to judge distance accurately.

My husband reminds me every morning as I speed out of the drive way in my corvette that the highway is not my own raceway...so is it really worth that chance of danger or would I rather be a few minutes late and arrive safely?  (and yes, I know, I could leave a few minutes earlier but easier said than done for a busy, working mother....) Be considerate of others on the road as you leave in the morning and be SAFE....

Hot Days - Secure Pools

Our pool is FINALLY open and the neighbors have all jumped in.  During the summer - we are the house to run for carrying your toys, water guns and towels. As a parent, I don't want those carefree days of fun to turn into a nightmare or legal battle for myself.  Pools are great fun, a lot of extra work and come with a huge responsibility.

Each year, about 260 children under 5 drown in swimming pools. In addition, the suction from drains in swimming pools and spas, under certain conditions, can entrap swimmers underwater. To help protect our family, be sure to take the following steps:

Use Layers of Protection To prevent swimming pool drownings, layers of protection are essential. Place barriers completely around the pool, closely supervise young children, and be prepared in case of emergency.in addition:
*  If a child is missing, always look first in the pool. Seconds count !
*  Knowing how to swim doesn't make a child drown-proof. Never use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
* Keep rescue equipment and a phone next to the pool.
* Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
* Install physical barriers around the pool to limit access.
* Fences and walls should be at least 4-feet high and installed completely around the pool.
* Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of reach of small children.
* If your house forms one side of the barrier for the pool, doors leading from the house to the pool should be protected with alarms that sound when the doors are unexpectedly opened. Or, use a power safety cover, a motor-powered barrier placed over the water area, to prevent access by young children.
* For above-ground pools, steps and ladders to the pool should be secured or removed when the pool is not in use.
Pool and Spa Entrapment Dangers
* Consider installing a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) , a device that will automatically shut off a pump if a blockage is detected.
* Plainly mark the location of the electrical cut-off switch for the pool or spa pump.
* If someone is entrapped against a drain, cut off the pump immediately. Instead of trying to pull the person away from the powerful suction, pry a hand between the drain and the person's body to break the seal

ENJOY the sunshine and fun this Saturday afternoon - Be a responsible and SAFE Pool owner

Sneakers to die for?

Trendy wheeled sneakers that let kids zip down sidewalks, across playgrounds and through mall crowds could also send them rolling into emergency rooms on a stretcher, say doctors who blame a rash of injuries on the international craze.

 

It's called "heeling," named after Heelys, the most popular brand. They're sold in 70 countries and are so hot that their Carrollton, Texas, maker, Heelys Inc., recently landed atop Business Week's annual list of fastest growing companies.

 

All it takes is one small pebble or not getting your weight distributed correctly and it's a trip to the ER.   Because the shoes are sold in department stores many parents feel a false sense of security and don't require children to wear protective head or wrist gear like they would with in-line skates. 

 

According to a new study published in the June issue of Pediatrics.,  over a 10-week period, 67 children were treated at Temple Street Children's University Hospital in Dublin for injuries stemming from heeling. Many of those inured were new to heeling and the majority – 73 percent – were girls. The upper extremities were the most commonly injured body part.

 

Heelys Inc. responded to the study with a study of its own, suggesting heeling is safer than activities such as basketball, baseball and bicycling when children wear the recommended protective equipment.

 

My 9 year old son is begging for a pair and as I witness more and more kids flying by me at shopping malls, etc I think of giving in - my husband has put his foot down with an adamant NO … what do you think of these shoes and their safety?  Are they worth investing in or are they too dangerous?

Don't forget to be aware of your surroundings and be SAFE while out enjoying yourself this Friday night!

Protecting the Arts

Sometimes, it's hard to have a web presence as well as protect yourself and your online assets.  If you make a living with your writing or artwork, safety online doesn't only mean safety for your personal well being - it also includes the "safety" of your hard work and products.  If you have images that you want to display on your weblog, but would like to protect, you may wish to look into digital watermarks, which provide some protection and a way to deter others from using your images. There is a very good article on digital watermarking at Wikipedia.

Since this is Safety Month - goint to work hard at bringing you new tips on a daily basis covering a wide array of topics - don't forget to check back and have a SAFE day!

Beginning Safety Month with Medical Safety Tips

Warning About Counterfeit Drugs From Multiple Internet Sellers

w. FDA received information showing that 24 apparently related websites may be involved in the distribution of counterfeit prescription drugs. The websites appear to be operated from outside the United States.

On three occasions during recent months, consumers obtained counterfeit versions of Xenical 120mg Capsules, a drug used to help obese individuals who meet certain weight and height requirements to lose weight and maintain weight loss, from two different websites. Instead of receiving Xenical, a product manufactured by Hoffmann-LaRoche, consumers received sibutramine, the active ingredient in Meridia. Although Meridia is also used to help individuals lose weight and maintain weight loss, the drug should not be used in certain patient populations and is not a substitute for other weight loss products. Consumers should be wary if there is no way to contact the website pharmacy by phone, if prices are dramatically lower than the competition, or if a prescription from their doctor is not required. Additionally, consumers are urged to review the FDA web page at www.fda.gov/buyonline for additional information prior to making purchases of prescription drugs over the internet. See the FDA press release for the list of the 24 web sites that may be involved in the distribution of counterfeit prescription drugs.

[May 01, 2007 - Press Release - FDA]

Harry Potter and Employee Safety

The scene: The tiny town of Poessneck in a rural region of Germany. Darkness. An industrial building. People entering are frisked; their cars are searched; guards and security cameras are everywhere. A meeting with international intrigue? The opening of a James Bond movie? No--it's the printing of the new Harry Potter book--or so the publisher, Bloomsbury, would like the world to believe.

According to press reports, the GGP printing company in Germany has printers, inspectors, and packers working 24/7 to print the seventh and last Harry Potter tome, The Deathly Hallows, in time for the publishing date of precisely 12:01 a.m. British Summer Time on Saturday, July 21.

Supposedly, to keep the plot from being leaked, workers, their belongings, and their cars are being subjected to searches coming into and out of the facility, and employees are on notice that anyone spilling the plot, smuggling out copies, or even betting on who will be killed in the plot, will be fired and/or sued. The number of books are being constantly counted and recounted, and security agents are on continuous walkabouts of the factory floor.

While this scenario has plausibility because the facility printed copies of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in 2005, the far-fetched aspect of the story is that the book is being printed "in total darkness" to prevent workers from reading it.

Running printing presses in the dark would be pretty difficult--and dangerous! And the European Union does have workplace safety rules.

Don't keep YOUR employees in the dark about SAFETY! Order your personal protection products today by clicking HERE.  Or to schedule a program for your organization click HERE.

Have a Safe and Enjoyable Weekend!