US Media Studios Asks Where Can We Find Lead

There are very few people who do not know that there was a dangerously high amount of lead found in the water in Flint, Michigan. That public health crisis is all but over now and the water is safe to cook with and drink. But where else can we find lead?

image:Google images

It is long-known that lead can be found in school water fountains, wall paint and toys. 

What are the other ways?

Common Places to Find Lead 

Paint – Lead from paint and lead-contaminated dust can be pretty rare to find and determine. Lead accidentally consumed this way is the most common cause of lead poisoning, according to the EPA. While there are some facilities which may still have lead-based paint on walls, doors and windowsills, most don’t anymore.

Drinking water – Lead poisoning is more likely to be in drinking water through distribution systems and corroded household plumbing. Schools, public buildings and some older homes should have pipes and distribution systems examined for possible corrosion.

Common household products – Glazed ceramics can contain lead. Non-glossy vinyl mini-blinds imported from China, Taiwan, Mexico and Indonesia may contain lead. As the blinds deteriorate, dust forms on the slat which children may ingest. Replace these inexpensive blinds with better quality ones.

 Summary

Lead and dust from lead can not only make consumers ill, but can lower the IQ of children who inadvertently ingest it. US Media Studios hopes that readers will be more attuned to where lead can be found every day. 

US Media Studios Highlights National Drowning Prevention Week Guidelines

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 10 people drown every day. Two are these are children aged 14 and under. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the country. US Media Studios highlights some important drowning prevention tips for people of all ages.

Risk Prevention

• People of all ages and genders are at risk of drowning in pools, lakes, oceans and other bodies of water. Risks can range from toddlers falling into the deeper sides of a public or private swimming pool.
• People who don’t know how to swim can drown in any body of water.
• Lack of adequate fencing and secure gates around private home pools can contribute to drowning injuries and deaths.
• Lack of not using life preservers, otherwise called personal flotation devices can contribute to drowning in and around natural bodies of water such as lakes and oceans.
• Not knowing how to swim out of a rip current can cause drowning.
• Alcohol use on boats and other vessels can cause accidents and accidental drownings.

Drowning Prevention Tips

• Keep small children at arm’s length when around water, even a small, portable “baby pool”.
• If going to the beach or boating on a lake or river, be sure there are enough life preservers for everyone onboard. Keep them in an accessible location.
• Pay attention to local water and weather events. Almost every weather-related app will send an alert for small craft advisories, rip current risks, and safety measures to take.
• Do not take any alcohol on any boat. Alcohol consumption leads to poor decision making which can lead to boating accidents, such as going too fast and stopping too fast.
• Be sure the boat has a working radio on it.
• Sign up family members for swimming classes. Ask friends and neighbors to join.  Many public pools and YMCA clubs offer these classes for free.

US Media Studios encourages everyone to practice safe water guidelines this summer. Swimming, boating, snorkeling, wading, paddle boarding – all of these are great fun and refreshing activities. Don’t let them become tragic. Prevention is the key to a long life.

US Media Studios Drinks Up More Good Coffee News

If we had a nickel for every article we have read and written about the good health benefits of coffee, US Media Studios staffers could retire well. Here’s another one to drink up.

Bad News Brews Good Coffee News

The World Health Organization research arm downgraded its listing of coffee as a possible carcinogen. It seems there is not enough proof to show a link to cancer. Recently, a study was released which stated so. But in getting to the bottom of the cup, so to speak, it seems it is the very hot beverages that have the possibility of becoming cancerous. Other research has found that coffee may actually lower the risk of certain types of cancer. People who drink four or more cups per day have a 20 percent lower risk of developing malignant melanoma than those who drink less. People who drink three or more cups can lower their chance of developing basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer.

Need a Refresher?

Moderate coffee drinking, which is defined as three to five cups per day, provides the healthful benefits such as lowering the risk of heart disease, lowering the risk of diabetes, can delay Alzheimer’s disease, and decrease certain cancer risks. All of this is based on thousands of studies published. (Those three to five cups are the smaller cups that fit on matching saucers, by the way.)

US Media Studios Accents the Rehire of Boomerang Employees

People resign from jobs and are let go from jobs for a variety of reasons.  Some of these former employees won’t consider coming back to the company they left. Some will. There are employers who will rehire an employee who resigned or was let go or who wants to come back. Boomerang employees are ultimately a good asset for the business.

(image:spellerinternational.com.au)

Why Rehire a Boomerang Employee

US Media Studios accents why rehiring a returning employee is a good for the business:

• Returning employees are already familiar with the company, its goals and policies, and culture.
• If returning to the same position, they already know the job what is needed to get it done.
• They know their co-workers and supervisors work personalities and know how to get along with them.
• They bring their knowledge, skills and experience with them, and also bring new skills and knowledge to the job.
• They work harder at their jobs because they are grateful to be back in familiar territory and have that steady paycheck.
• Boomerang employees boost morale in their departments and in the business as a whole.

Learning from the Boomerang Employee

It should also be noted that there are good lessons to learn from the returning employee:

• “The grass is not always greener in another yard”. A new job may not have been as good as the one left and returned to.
• Employment opportunities are not that great no matter what industry someone wishes to move into.
• Not all CEOs or managers are equal.
• Starting over someplace else is sometimes not the best choice.

Employers might want to ask the boomerang employee why they want to come back. US Media Studios also reminds employers to ask why the employee resigned. Take time to define to the returning employee any new brands or business processes that started since the employee was gone.

The boomerang employee is a good company asset. Consider all sides of their request to return and bring them back onboard if all signs are positive. 

US Media Studios Offers Suggestions for Getting a Sound Sleep

Why We Need a Sound Sleep

Lack of sleep can lead to being more prone to injuries, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, depression, weight gain, and other ailments. It can also cause poor decision making, irritability, self-harm or suicidal thoughts in teens and adults. A full, good night’s rest is something we all need in order to function well the next day.

 How to Get a Good Rest

Don’t drink caffeine past 7 PM or it could cause the jitters and trouble falling asleep.

Avoid nicotine and alcohol hours before bedtime. It can prevent falling asleep and staying asleep.

Try to avoid eating a large, heavy meal at dinner. Heavy foods may cause some drowsiness but usually wind up leading to a stomach ache hours later.

Try not to argue with anyone before bed or when getting into bed. When emotions are on high, the brain is also, and the heart rate goes up. It takes time to wind down and fully relax.

Exercise before bed can also be sleep booster. Body temp goes up and then goes down during and after exercise. This may help in getting and staying asleep. Try taking brisk walk about an hour before bedtime.

Pleasant Dreams

US Media Studios suggests turning off digital devices or moving them into another room. Avoid watching TV, and especially programs which are suspenseful, or cause emotional upheaval. Stick to a regular bedtime routine and go to bed and awake at the same time every day of the week.

A good night’s rest is essential to having a good day. Rest easy with these suggestions. If there is something that works for you, please share in the comments below.

US Media Studios Examines Fitness in Mid-Life

There isn’t a doctor in the world that would not encourage a patient in their mid-life years to get some form of physical activity every day. A little exercise goes a long way in preventing many medical issues that can arise after one turns 65.

Physical activity offers many protective benefits for people between 40 and 60 years old. US Media Studios reminds that it prevents high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation. It also keeps muscles and joints working smoothly and can reduce the onset of osteo arthritis. Daily exercise can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes also. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. An energetic walk after lunch and dinner counts toward these goals.

There are several good fitness trackers available that are worn on the wrist or clipped to a belt. A good pair of supportive athletic shoes, moisture-wicking socks, and cool, loose tops and bottoms make getting daily physical activity more enjoyable and comfortable. Exercises should include some form of aerobic activity such as biking or swimming. Add strength training work into the routine to keep muscles and joint limber.

It’s never too late to start an exercise plan. It’s never too late to work toward better health.  Some people prefer going to a gym or health club, and enjoy the structure, and variety of classes. Others prefer to exercise at home with a fun DVD or by taking an energetic walk around the neighborhood. Not which way one likes, find a great plan and get started.  

US Media Studios Offers Insight into Sustainable Investing

Not many people have probably heard of sustainable investing. It sounds like someone is investing in the sustainable industry. This kind of investing is rather new and is making some waves in corporate boardrooms across the country.

Social change and investing to advance social, economic and environmental change is rapidly becoming the topic of choice in boardrooms. Companies want to show investors, employees and vendors that the corporation as whole is a caring one. Climate change is one way in which sustainable investing has become a major business topic. People want to know that companies are doing everything they can to reduce their footprint on the Earth.

The forward movement to invest more responsibly is known under several labels: ethical green and socially responsible, ESG or environmental, social or governance. US Media Studios notes that no matter what label corporate boards use, any positive movement that improves the world in which we live –here and far—is good. When social and ethical policies trickle down to employees chances are fewer will leave in the long run.

Sustainable investing can also applied individually when consumers do their part. Buy products and services from the companies with a solid ethical stance on the environment, climate change, and social issues. Shift investing portfolio options to more socially responsible corporate enterprises. 

US Media Studios Reviews How to Prevent Retirement Pitfalls

We long for the day when we can retire, relax and enjoy life without the stresses of work. We plan for it, save for it, and eventually reach it. Don’t let the pitfalls of retirement get in the way.

Live Healthy

Health problems can interrupt the most well-thought of retirement plans. Not only do these obstacles mean expensive hospital stays, ambulance bills, reduced mobility and activity, there is also the probability of not having the best health insurance to help pay the bills. Start today living a healthier life. Get plenty of rest. Eat a well-balanced meal every day, rich in vitamins and nutrients. Stay active by walking, biking, or some other favorite way of movement.

Build a Solid Financial Savings Net

Pensions are great, if offered by an employer. Some pension plans fall apart when companies are bought or merged. A work life’s worth of savings can whittle away by administration fees. Retirement savings plans, such as a 401(K), are offered to give employees the chance to start saving for their after-work life. Add as much as possible into these plans now. Social security saving distributions may or may not be as much as hoped for. There’s no counting on it. US Media Studios reminds readers to work out household financial budgets, both for expenses and savings. It pays to stay on top of personal finances.

Remain Social

Retirement can be lonely for those who lost their spouse or loved one. Retired couples who are still together can still face loneliness. Let this not be the situation for anyone. Stay connected with family and friends. Seek adventures for meeting new people, enjoying new interests, and remaining social. Often, this is one of the keys to a happier, more fulfilling life in later years. Plan excursions. Hit the golf course, baseball field, yoga mat or arts class with confidence and grace. Life is not over when we retire. It’s a whole new way of living, loving, and appreciating what all the hard work of a long career paid for. Grab it by the horns.