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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 5, 2009)
Page 20 The INDEPENDENT, February 5, 2009 How to tell CO poisoning from the flu Got those winter blues? Do you know how to tell the difference between carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and the flu? The answer to this and other questions about prevent- ing carbon monoxide poisoning can be found in a new fact sheet developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Symptoms could be the re- sult of CO poisoning when you feel better when you are away from home or the symptoms occur or get worse shortly after turning on a fuel-burning device or running a vehicle in an at- tached garage. Carbon monoxide, an odor- less and colorless gas, is the most common cause of poison- ing death in the United States. Action Ads INEXPENSIVE – EFFECTIVE 503-429-9410 $4.50 for the first 10 words, then just 10¢ for each additional word Unintentional CO poisonings are responsible for about 500 deaths and 15,000 visits to the emergency room each year. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented by installing a carbon monoxide alarm, yet less than one third of homes have them installed. Everyone is at risk of being poisoned by CO exposure. Old- er adults with health conditions such as chronic heart disease, anemia or respiratory problems are even more susceptible. De- vices that produce CO include cars, boats, gasoline engines, stoves and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi- enclosed spaces. The letters I CAN B provide an easy way to remember how you can prevent CO poisoning: • Install CO alarms near sleeping areas. • Check heating systems and fuel-burning appliances annually. • Avoid the use of non-vent- ed combustion appliances. • Never burn fuels indoors except in devices such as stoves or furnaces that are made for safe use. • Be attentive to possible symptoms of CO poisoning. More information on pre- venting carbon monoxide poi- soning: http://www.epa.gov/ag- ing/resources/factsheets/ pcmp/in dex.htm . DEQ offers tips to help “Go green” From page 15 conferencing technology. • Carpool to meetings. • Purchase alternative fuel fleet vehicles. • Purchase carbon offsets for air travel. • Replace older on-road (trucks, buses, etc.) and non- road (forklifts, generators, etc.) diesel engines with 2007 and newer models or retrofit them with particulate control devices. Resources available include the following: – Ecological Business Pro- gram or EcoBiz information available at http://www.ecobiz. org/ – Energy Trust offers free assistance, information avail- able at http://www.energytrust. org/business/index.html – Diesel tax credit informa- tion available at http://www.deq .state.or.us/aq/diesel/taxcred it.htm. – Business Energy Tax Credit information available at http: //www.oregon.gov/ENER GY/CONS/BUS/BETC.shtml. From page 8 sional. But for most of us it’s just a minor inconvenience and, for- tunately, one that you can do something about. Since the shorter days and lack of sunlight in winter play a role in bringing on winter blues, the obvious cure is to increase the amount of light in your life. If it’s a bright, sunny day, bun- dle up and get outside for a bit. If it’s gray and dreary, try turn- ing on extra lights to brighten things up and use broad spec- trum bulbs that simulate natural sunlight. Exercise also helps fight those tired feelings of winter. Just a short daily walk or gym workout can help your body and mind overcome those feel- ings of no energy. Even little things can make a difference. When you’re feeling down, give a friend a call and talk about happy things. Watch a favorite funny TV show or movie. Read a book that you know you’ll enjoy, or spend some time on a hobby that makes you feel good. Getting involved with others is another way to feel better. From fun socializing to volun- teering at your church, a local shelter or nonprofit agency, get out more. Helping others al- most always brings better feel- ings, and when you combine that good work with a nice bright smile, you may find you just don’t have time for feeling blue. Of course, there are many things that can cause depres- sion besides cold, gray skies. If you find that you can’t over- come those blue feelings, and if such feelings are interfering with your enjoyment of a nor- mal life, seek help. Counseling professionals can both help pinpoint the cause of your feel- ings and suggest ways to com- bat that depression. Bottom line? Take action and don’t let the winter blues take the fun out of your life. It’s pet dental health month now From page 10 More information, including a tutorial on how to brush your pet’s teeth, can be found at pet dental.com. Many veterinary clinics offer a discount on den- tal services during February – National Pet Dental month. Find more pet health care tips at oregonvma.org. The Oregon Veterinary Med- ical Association is a nonprofit organization of veterinarians who are dedicated to helping people give their animals a high quality of life. Want to know what happens around here all year? Get The Independent delivered to your home for a year for only $20.00 Call today to start your subscription 503-429-9410 Jim Presley, Financial Services Professional Vernonia, Oregon Phone: (503) 429-0747 Email: jcpresley@ft.newyorklife.com