Make Cleaning Fun With a Remote Controlled Pool Skimmer

The Hydro-Net is the very cool remote controlled pool skimmer that you guide using a handheld remote control.  Gliding along the pool’s surface like a boat, the Hydro-Net scoops up twigs, leaves, bugs and other floating debris in its net.  Once your kids discover how much fun this pool accessory makes clean up, they’ll be lining up to help!  The Hydro-Net works from up to 100 feet away and operates for up to 5 hours on a single battery charge.

Try a Pool Leveler for Easier Maintenance

Filling the swimming pool is one of those time-consuming but necessary chores. If a pool is under-filled and the water level drops below the skimmer, the pump can run dry and result in serious damage to the pump motor.  Install a Pool Sentry M-3000 Pool Leveler and it will automatically add just the right amount of water to your pool.  It also turns the water off when the level you set is reached.

Pool levelers can be used on almost any style swimming pool, as well as most hot tubs, spas and fish ponds.  Just place the unit on the pool deck at the water’s edge and attach it to a good grade garden hose.  If you have an above-ground pool, the pool leveler can be attached with a pair of special brackets.

Make Safety Your Priority with a Pool Alarm

Safety should be a priority for every pool owner.  Installing a pool alarm is one of the best ways you can prevent accidental drownings in your backyard pool.  For a tamperproof solution, try the Poolguard PGRM-2 Pool Alarm for in-ground pools.  It uses a new sensing technology designed to reduce the chances of false alarms due to wind, rain or small objects falling into the water.  But when an unsupervised child, pet or intruder falls into the pool, the Poolguard’s electronic sensor sets off a loud, pulsating alarm that can be heard in your home as well as by the pool.  Even neighbors will hear the siren so they too can respond to the emergency in case you are out.

Other Pool Accessories

For information on some other pool accessories you may want to try, follow these links to read about In-ground Pool Alarms, Above Ground Pool Alarms, Pool Alarms & Pool Gate Alarms, Pool Water Levelers & Pool Gadgets, Child/Pet Immersion Alarms, Public Community Pool products, Pool Fencing and Pet Water Safety.

New Safety Products for Pools

Safety Turtle Aquatic Incident Alert System for Extended Range Alarming

The Safety Turtle Aquatic Incident Alert (AIA) System addresses the need for an efficient emergency response communication system at public swimming pools.  In the event of an emergency, lifeguards can quickly activate the Safety Turtle AIA System and focus their attention on assisting the victim, instead leaving the scene to get help.

Once activated, the system sounds a loud alarm in the pool area as well as at the front desk or reception area to alert other personnel of the incident.  The Safety Turtle AIA System is especially effective for pools that need an alarming device with a range 150 feet or greater.

The Safety Turtle AIA System comes with an integrator base and transmitter (placed in the pool area) and a receiver and a 105 db siren (placed in the office area).  Lifeguards can activate the Safety Turtle alarm by pushing a Panic Button or when their SOS Wristband gets wet when they jump in the water (both sold separately).  All components plug into AC outlets and require no wiring or installation.

Safety Turtle Aquatic Incident Alert System with Wisdom Wireless Security Panel

A lifeguard working solo needs all the help he/she can get when there’s an emergency!  By pairing the Safety Turtle AIA System with a Wisdom Wireless Security Panel, the lifeguard can concentrate on helping the victim while the Wisdom Wireless dials out for emergency assistance to a pre-programmed phone number.  At the same time, the Safety Turtle base station sounds a loud alarm to get the attention of anyone close by.  Multiple wireless indoor sirens can be added to increase the audible alarming, as well as wireless outdoor siren/strobe lights to provide visual alerts.

As an extra layer of protection for outdoor pools, a Safety Turtle wireless gate alarm can be added to the system to enhance the security of the pool’s safety fence.

Viking Emergency Dialer Pool Phone

This hands-free, two-way voice communication system provides a quick and reliable way for lifeguards or anyone who is poolside to call for help in the event of an emergency.  With just the push of a button, the Viking Emergency Dialer Pool Phone will dial up to five pre-programmed emergency phone numbers and two central station numbers.  The phone can also be programmed to automatically deliver a digital announcement to identify the location of the emergency call.  This safety product is ideal for community pools at condos, apartments and motels with limited or no lifeguard coverage.

For outdoor pools, a EWP (Enhanced Weather Protection) enclosure can be added to protect the unit against heat and humidity.  The Viking Emergency Dialer Pool Phone meets Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for emergency telephones and is phone line-powered, so it doesn’t need batteries or an external power source.

Stingl Switch – Safety Vacuum Release System

The strong suction of a pool or spa drain has caused many victims to drown by entrapping them underwater!  Shallow wading pools designed for young children with easily accessible suction outlets and in-ground spas with flat suction outlet grates pose the greatest danger.  With the passage of the Pool & Spa Safety Act in 2007, all public pools and spas with a single main drain or suction outlet must have an ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 compliant drain cover and a second type of anti-entrapment system, such as the Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) by Stingl.

The Stingl SVRS reduces the risk of pool and spa entrapment by shutting down the pump operation and sounding an alarm when a blockage in the main drain or skimmer causes a sudden rise in the vacuum level.  The pump will remain off and the audible alarm will continue to sound until it is manually reset.

The Stingl Safety Vacuum Release System is designed to be easily retrofitted on all existing pools, hot tubs and spas and is easily installed during new pool and spa construction.  For pool and spas that share one common pump, choose the Pool and Spa Combo model.

Additional Practices to Improve Water Safety

In addition to using the safety products mentioned above, here are some additional water safety practices that pool operators can employ to prevent accidental drownings:

• Have two lifeguards on duty whenever the pool is open to ensure adequate scanning coverage and emergency management.

• Test and evaluate emergency action plans regularly and have the entire staff practice them monthly.

• Provide monthly in-service training to lifeguards to make them “rescue ready” so they know how to properly scan the bottom of the pool, recognize a distressed swimmer, and reinforce pool rules.

• Require deep water testing to identify non-swimmers.

• Restrict non-swimmers to shallow water and provide them with personal flotation device (life vests) or a water immersion alarm wristband.

• Ensure that lifeguards and staff are familiar how to use the facility’s water safety equipment.

Some real-time GPS tracking systems also provide reports so fleet managers can evaluate the good (or bad) driving habits of specific drivers or get useful maintenance information on each vehicle.  If you are a business owner with a fleet of cars, trucks or buses, here’s more detail on how a real-time GPS tracking system can benefit your business.

Knowing Vehicle Location = Informed Decision Making

Knowing the exact location of every vehicle in your fleet at all times is invaluable information to fleet managers and dispatchers that allows them to:

• Flexibly schedule drivers for unexpected deliveries;

• Add or remove a stop from the schedule;

• Navigate around traffic tie-ups and substitute one driver for another;

• Locate and recover a vehicle in the event of theft;

• Oversee the position of drivers without having to place distracting phone calls to them, reducing risk of accidents.

With an advanced real-time GPS tracking system like the LandAirSea SilverCloud Real-Time GPS Tracker or SilverCloud Sync Fleet GPS Tracker, the location data provided is highly accurate — usually within a few feet of the where the vehicle is at that very moment.  It’s also updated continuously, in as little as every few seconds, and can be viewed “live” on a user-friendly 2D or 3D map via any Internet-enabled computer, smartphone or tablet, making it possible to manage a fleet from a desk or on the road, 24/7.

GPS Tracking Reports = Better Fleet Management

Knowing the current location of every vehicle and being able track their movement can help save companies valuable time, money and resources by allowing them to focus on priorities beyond vehicle operation.

Some real-time GPS tracking systems, like the SilverCloud Sync Fleet GPS Tracker, take reporting a step further by providing important diagnostic information such as: 

• Vehicle’s VIN number

• Current speed and whether it is using excessive RPMs

• Low battery and fuel warnings

• Harsh braking and idling warnings

• Rapid acceleration and high speed warnings

• And odometer readings

The SilverCloud Sync calls their built-in reporting system “On-Board Diagnostics.”  Fleet managers can use this data to generate historical usage reports for each vehicle and to stay on top of preventative maintenance issues.  They can also use the data to monitor individual drivers, which can be very useful when there’s a concern of driver misuse or hazardous driving.

Share Spot ^® Technology = Instant Customer Contact

If your business will benefit by letting customers know the precise location of your vehicles at any given time, then the Share Spot® feature of both the LandAirSea SilverCloud Real-Time GPS Tracker and the SilverCloud Sync Fleet GPS Tracker is a big plus.  ShareSpot shares location information through your personal or corporate website, blog or Facebook page and is ideal for public fleet transportation services, such as airport shuttles, taxis, limousines or school buses.  It’s also great for smaller operations like food trucks that serve local offices and want customers to know when they’re in the neighborhood.

Who Can Benefit From Real-Time GPS Tracking?

Real-time GPS tracking systems, like those offered by SilverCloud, can benefit all kinds of public or private vehicle fleets, large and small, such as:

• Localized material transport: cartage, catering, messenger service, parts delivery;

• “People movers,” like bus and taxi services or car rental agencies;

• Public service organizations, including police, rescue, snow plowing, environmental and forestry services;

• Companies that specialize in time and temperature sensitive, classified or hazardous materials;

• Long-haul trucking services.

There are many other uses for GPS tracking devices, including monitoring new drivers and to record where you’ve hiked.  For more information on the different types of GPS tracking devices, see the article “Mom Uses GPS Tracking Device to Monitor New Teen Driver.”

Personal Weather Station with Large LED Display

For those storm watchers on your list, here’s a full-featured weather station and clock with an easy-to-read display.  Priced at under $45, the Meade Personal Weather Station is a battery-powered weather station that gives grandparents everything they need to know to about the upcoming forecast, including:

• 12 to 24 hour forecasts with cloud icons
• Atomic clock that shows hours/minutes/seconds and never needs resetting
• Indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity
• Current barometric pressure plus 24 hour barometric pressure history
• Add two more sensors to monitor temp and humidity in additional locations

Energy-Saving Motion Sensor Light Turns on Automatically

Entering a dark room can be a hazard, especially for seniors.  With a Datexx ZenLight Motion Sensor Light, rooms or hallways are illuminated as soon as grandma or grandpa enters the room and shuts off when they leave.  This unique motion sensor light features authentic Japanese Shoji Paper that gives its energy-saving LED lights a soothing and peaceful glow.  Its sensor can be adjusted to shut off after 1, 5 or 10 minutes.  A great gift idea for around $45.00.

Clever Parking Aids for the Garage

Here are two useful items for driving seniors who park their car in a garage, especially if the garage is too small or too tight.  Buy them as a set for less than $50.

The Innovations Park Right Garage Laser Park makes it easy for grandparents to park correctly in the garage every single time!  It shines a bright red laser beam on the hood or dashboard to guide the car to a pre-selected parking “sweet spot.”

To help protect their car and garage when they’re parking or opening car doors, get them a pair of Innovations Park Right Car Door & Bumper Guards.  These padded reflective strips adhere right to garage walls and provide just enough added protection to prevent dings and scratches.

Wide Platform Bathroom Scale with Easy-to-Read Display

Tracking weight gains or losses is important for monitoring health, especially with seniors.  For grandparents who are unsteady on their feet, a wide-platform bathroom scale provides more surface area on which to stand.  We recommend the Conair Wide-Platform Weight Watchers Body Analysis Scale which also has a large 1.5″ display, 350-pound capacity and the ability to measure body fat, body water.  It comes with a long-life lithium battery and costs around $40.

Comfortable Wristwatch/Heart Rate Monitor

Active grandparents will appreciate this attractive wristwatch that doubles as a heart rate monitor so they can easily and safely monitor the intensity of their workout.  Made by OMRON, a leader in easy-to-use heart rate monitors, the Strap-Free Heart Rate Monitor gives accurate readings in less than 6 seconds with a two-finger tap.  It can also be worn as an everyday watch and is water-resistant up to 164 feet.  Priced under $45.

Flashlight with Built-in Personal Protection

Grandparents will feel much safer on their walks carrying this innovative flashlight with a pull-tab, high-decibel siren to ward off threatening followers.  In addition, the Viatek Handheld Bark Stop with Flashlight also emits a silent ultrasonic sound that can repel pesky barking dogs!    It’s the perfect personal protection device for less than $25.

Vibrating Pill Box for Medication Reminders

Grandparents who take one or more types of pills each day may need a little help remembering when it’s time to take the next pill.  The Vibrating Pill Box takes the guesswork out of medication time by vibrating (or beeping) at four different pre-set alarm times.  Each of the four pill compartments has individual alarms.  Another practical gift that is affordably priced – about $30.

Radio Alerts for Weather & Disasters

If you want to keep grandma and grandpa really safe at home, get them a weather alert radio so they’ll automatically receive early warnings of natural or man-made disasters affecting their area.  For under $40, the Midland All-Hazard Weather Alert Radio will provide them with official updates on severe weather and other important emergencies broadcasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS).

Extra-Loud Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker

For grandparents who are heavy sleepers or hard-of-hearing, a multi-sensory alarm clock is a sure-fire way to make sure they wake up on time every morning.  The Sonic Alert Sonic Bomb Alarm Clock, which was designed for teens but is equally effective for seniors, is everyone’s favorite!  It has a powerful super-charged bed shaker to slip under the pillow and a turbo-charged 113dB extra loud audio alarm.  Costs just under $50.

Water Meter Nozzle to Conserve and Measure Water

Grandparents who garden will love this special hose nozzle that lets them measure exactly how much water they are spraying.  The P3 International Save a Drop water meter nozzle helps prevent over-watering plants by showing how much water they are giving each plant.  It’s also a useful tool for conserving water.  The 5″ long handle grip area is comfortable to hold.  Priced at under $25, this is a handy gadget for just about everyone.

More Gift Ideas for Grandparents

If the suggestions ideas here aren’t quite right for the grandparent on your shopping list, take a look at this page of additional gift ideas for grandparents and seniors.  There’s sure to be something here that will please that special grandma or grandpa on your list.

Whatever fitness regime you choose, remember to check with your doctor first before you begin and advance slowly — you don’t have to become Superman to improve your health!  To help you monitor your progress and keep you safe while you exercise, try some of these fitness gadgets which we selected specially for each activity.

Walking

Make Every Step Count — No matter where you’re going, make every step count by wearing a pedometer.  We like the dual-axis GOSMART HJ-112 pedometer by Omron that features 2D smart sensor technology so you can wear it horizontally or vertically.  Clip it to your pocket, belt, or bag and program it to your personal stride length for an even more accurate count.  Under $30.

Be Visible to Prevent Accidents – Increase your visibility to motorists while walking by wearing reflective material and carrying or wearing a light.  For the ultimate in visibility up 2,500 feet away, wear a Maxsa Innovations Reflective Safety Vest that’s made of a highly reflective fluorescent material and has 16 flashing LED lights on the front and back.  Less than $30.

Carry a Personal Siren for Personal Protection – You’ll feel safer as you walk carrying this innovative flashlight by Viatek that features a pull-tab siren that sets off a high-decibel siren. Use it to attract attention should you feel threatened.  The Viatek Handheld Bark Stop with Flashlight also emits a silent ultrasonic sound to repel pesky barking dogs.  Under $25.

Running

Run in Your Heart Rate Zone – To get the best results for burning fat and losing weight, run within your “target heart rate zone” and wear a heart rate monitor while you exercise.  Many runners like the wristband OMRON HR-310 Heart Rate Monitor because it’s comfortable to wear and has programmable visual and audio zone alerts to warn if results are too high or too low.  Sale priced at under $65.

Track Your Workout Distance and Data – Dedicated runners and multisport enthusiasts will love this GPS-enabled training device that measures distance, pace and heart rate on land and sea.  The water-resistant Garmin Forerunner 310XT GPS Receiver with Heart Rate Monitor has up to 20 hours of battery life and sends data wirelessly to your computer.  About $360.

Be Seen in Low Light or Darkness – If you run when the sun is high or low or at night time, wear a safety light armband to increase your chances of being seen by passing cars.  Check out the Marpac FoxFire Armband Lite – it’s a reflective, weather-proof band that has a long-life lithium battery and four super bright LED lights.  Affordable safety for under $11.

Hiking

Light the Way with a Hands-Free Headlamp – Good lighting is critical on the trail and a hands-free headlamp like the PELICAN HeadsUp Lite has multiple advantages over conventional flashlights, including the option of using the Xenon lamp for intense bright light or three LEDs to conserve battery life.  It also has a multi-angle pivoting head to aim light where you need it.  Sells for around $40.

Pack an Emergency Locator Beacon – No one plans on getting lost, but if you do, you can assist search and rescue teams by identifying your location with an emergency locator beacon.  The compact Datexx LED-76 LED Waterproof Light and Beacon doubles as a flashlight and operates in beacon mode for about 70 hours on fresh batteries.  Less than $20.

Make Extreme Hiking Safer – For the true adventurers who plan to hike off-trail or in unchartered wilderness, the Land Air Sea SilverCloud Real-Time GPS Tracker can track or assist in finding someone who is lost. Designed for locating commercial car and truck fleets, this sophisticated device lets you view live GPS tracking data online anytime on any high-speed Internet device. Great for amateur hikers and children too. Sells for under $300 plus a one-time activation fee and a pay-as-you-go data plan.

Swimming

Track Fitness Data in the Pool – Swimming is one of the most intense types of exercise, so if this is your sport, you will want to try the water-resistant Magellan Switch Up GPS Watch that tracks your position so precisely you can record time, distance, speed/pace, elevation, calories and more.  Comes with mounts and a heart rate monitor.  Data can be uploaded to fitness websites to analyze and share.  About $300.

Enjoy iPod Music While you Swim – Fitness is supposed to be fun, so make listening to your favorite music part of your swimming routine with the Swimline PoolTunes Floating Pool Speaker and Transmitter.   The transmitter broadcasts music wirelessly from your iPod to the floating speaker as far as 100 feet away.  Fun for everyone for under $60!

Cycling

Check Heart Rate, Location and Distance While You Peddle – A wristband-style heart rate monitor makes it easy to check if you are cycling within your “target heart rate zone”.  Include a GPS receiver and you can also track your time, speed, distance and calories burned, and that’s what you get with the GARMIN Forerunner 70 GPS Receiver.  Priced at around $240.

Increase Visibility up to Half-Mile Away – Make sure you can be seen from the rear by mounting a tail light on your bicycle.  We recommend the Marpac FoxFire 3 Pattern Personal Safety Lite which features four LED lights with three different light patterns plus magnifiers to enhance the brightness and visibility.  And, it operates for up to 200 hours on two AA batteries.  Less than $15.

Get Fit, Stay Fit to Improve Your Health

Regular exercise will improve your health, make you feel better and have more energy.  It may also help you to live longer.  According to the Mayo Clinic, there are seven ways exercising can improve your life.  So, make a commitment this spring to make fitness part of your daily routine, and try one of these exciting fitness devices to make it more interesting and enjoyable.

To avoid becoming one of these statistics, take a minute to learn more about CO poisoning and how to protect yourself and family by eliminating sources of CO at home and installing a carbon monoxide detector that will warn you if CO levels get dangerously high.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas with no smell, taste or color, making it difficult to so detect you can inhale it without even realizing it!  When there is too much carbon monoxide in the air you breathe, your ability to absorb oxygen can greatly diminish, leading to serious tissue damage that can cause sudden illness and death.

What Creates Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is produced by vehicles, appliances and other devices that generate combustion fumes, such as those that burn gas or other petroleum products, wood and other fuels.  Examples include cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and gas ranges and heating systems.   The danger occurs when too much carbon monoxide accumulates in an enclosed or semi-enclosed poorly ventilated space.

What are the Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

The longer you inhale CO gas, the worse your symptoms will be. You may lose balance, vision and memory. Eventually, you may lose consciousness. This can happen within two hours if there is a lot of CO gas in the air.

A dull headache is the most common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning.  Other common symptoms include:

• Dizziness and nausea (feeling sick)
• Vomiting (being sick)
• Tiredness and confusion
• Stomach pain
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
• Blurred vision

How to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure

According to the CDC, you can help prevent CO poisoning by following these steps:

• Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year. 

• Install a battery-operated or battery back-up carbon monoxide detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911. 

• Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseous. 

• Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window. 

• Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open. 

• Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented. 

• Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.

Choosing a Carbon Monoxide Detector

Modern carbon monoxide detectors trigger an audible alarm based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. There are three basic CO detector technologies, each with a different type of sensor – metal oxide, biomimetic and electrochemical.  While there are differences between these technologies, each type is tested and approved for operation.  Here are some tips on choosing and installing a CO detector:

Battery-Backup is Critical

Most carbon monoxide detectors require a continuous power supply.  Whether you choose an electrically hard-wired CO detector or the type that plugs into an AC outlet, make sure it has back-up battery power so it will continue to operate even during power outages.  It should also have a “low battery” warning alarm.

Protect the Hard of Hearing

If you or someone in your family is deaf or has hearing loss, protect them with a carbon monoxide detector with a visual alarm, like the Silent Call Carbon Monoxide Detector with Strobe Light or the hard-wired Kidde Lifesaver Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Strobe.

Combination Smoke & CO Detectors Do Double-Duty

Many manufacturers offer carbon monoxide detectors that also function as smoke detectors, so you can protect your family from both threats with one device.  Look for combination detectors that activate independently and have distinctly different alarm signals for smoke or high CO levels, such as the Gentex Hard Wired Combo Smoke and CO Alarm.

Placement is Key

No matter which type of CO detector you choose, proper placement and installation is essential for proper functioning.

• Place detectors in or near sleeping areas, where the sound of an alarm will easily wake people up.
• Place detectors on each level of a residence.
• To ensure that the alarm is heard throughout the house, choose carbon dioxide detectors that are “interconnectable” so that all of the alarms in your home will sound when one of them is triggered by a CO event.  The BRK Electronics Hard Wired T4 Carbon Monoxide Alarm is an example of an interconnectable alarm.
• For added protection, place a carbon monoxide detector 10 to 15 feet from the furnace as well as other fuel burning sources.

Connect to Your Home Security System for Ultimate Protection

If your residence is already equipped with a home security system or autodialer, choose compatible carbon monoxide detectors that you can connect to the system so you will be notified locally and remotely of high CO levels.

Who is at Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

All people and animals are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning and is especially dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated who can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.  And, certain groups of people are more susceptible to its effects, including unborn babies, infants, young children and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems.

But you can protect everyone in your household from this from this potentially lethal illness by following the steps to eliminate sources of carbon monoxide poisoning at home;  by knowing the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning; and by installing carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your house.

Sources:  Mayo Clinic; CDC; NHS UK

Why 10,000 Steps?

The value of walking 10,000 steps a day can be traced to Japanese researchers in the 1960s led by Dr. Yoshiro Hatano.  They showed that walking 10,000 steps a day could burn 20% of our caloric intake.  The practice quickly gained popularity amongst Japanese walking clubs and eventually spread around the world.

How Far is 10,000 Steps?

Just how far is 10,000 steps, you may wonder?  Assuming that the average person’s stride length is approximately 2.5 feet long and it takes just over 2,000 steps to walk one mile, then 10,000 steps is close to 5 miles.  The average person walks between 3,000 and 4,000 steps per day, so adding extra steps to reach a goal of 10,000 should not be too difficult for most people.  In terms of time, 1,000 steps is the equivalent of around 10 minutes of brisk walking.

Experts recommend increasing the number of steps you take gradually.  For most healthy adults, adding 500 steps per day is easy to do until you reach your 10,000 steps a day goal.

How Many Steps Do You Take Each Day?

To find out how many steps you take each day, buy a pedometer.  A pedometer is a gadget that counts the electronic pulses each time you take a step, and multiplies those by your pre-programmed stride or step length. In addition to the total number of steps, some pedometers also measure distance traveled and calories burned.

Begin by measuring the length of your stride.  Having an accurate measurement of your stride is key to getting the best results from your pedometer. There are several ways to do it, but one of the easiest is to make a mark behind your right heel, then walk 10 steps and mark the spot where your right heel ends. Measure that distance and divide by 10.  That number is your stride length.

How to Wear a Pedometer

Make it a habit to wear your pedometer all day to count your total daily steps.  Just put your pedometer on in the morning when you are getting dressed and forget about it!  A basic pedometer, like the Oregon Scientific PE320 Pedometer, clips on your belt or waistband.  Other pedometers, like those made by Omron with dual-axis or tri-axis technology, allow you to conveniently slip the pedometer in your pocket or bag or clip it to your hip.

Some more advanced pedometers have a memory and can store and track your activity.  If you want to download the data to your computer, a pedometer like the OMRON Pocket Pedometer can store up to seven days of information and that easily downloads to a special health management software program that comes with the device.

How to Fit 10,000 Steps into Your Day

It really isn’t that hard to fit 10,000 steps into your daily routine.  By wearing your pedometer all day, you will be surprised at how quickly you can increase your step count!  Here are some easy ways to add more steps to your life:

• Park further from the store or office and walk the rest of the way
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator
• Get off of the bus sooner and walk the rest of the way
• Go for a walk with a friend, family member or co-worker
• Take the dog for a walk
• Get outside and play with the kids or do some gardening
• Walk the golf course instead of riding in the cart
• Join a gym and use their elliptical machine or treadmill, or invest in one for your home.

Get the Most From Your Walk

To get more fitness and health benefits out of your walk, gradually and steadily increase the frequency, intensity and duration of your walk.  Trainers also recommend that you change up your style of walking and vary between continuous and interval walking while you track your progress using your pedometer.

Types of Smoke Detectors

Although there are many different brands of smoke detectors, there are two basic types: ionization and photoelectric.   Within the fire protection and prevention industry, it is recognized that neither sensor type is universally better at detecting all types of fires.  That’s because each sensor operates on a different principle and may therefore respond differently to various conditions.

Ionization Smoke Detectors – This type responds more quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion particles, such as paper burning.  It is generally less expensive.   Note that ionization smoke detector packages are labeled with an “i.”

How they work: Ionization-type smoke detectors have a small amount of radioactive material between two electrically charged plates, which ionize the air and causes current to flow between the plates. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the flow of ions, thus reducing the flow of current and activating the alarm.

Photoelectric Smoke Detectors – This type is more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering, such as a cigarette burning in a couch or bedding.  Note that photoelectric smoke detector packages are labeled with a “p.” 

How they work: Photoelectric-type alarms aim a light source into a sensing chamber at an angle away from the sensor. Smoke enters the chamber, reflecting light onto the light sensor; triggering the alarm.

Use Both Types of Smoke Detectors, Experts Say

Although ionization alarms are more likely to sound an alarm from normal cooking due to their sensitivity to minute smoke particles, there so many variables associated with kitchen nuisance alarms that it is difficult to say which type of smoke detector is better for kitchen use.  These variables include the smoke detector brand, variations in sensitivities of older units, the cooking activity, air currents and the device location.

The bottom line is that ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors are each better at detecting distinctly different — yet potentially fatal — fires.  And, since no one can predict what type of fire might start in the kitchen, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends that homeowners use both ionization AND photoelectric smoke detectors.  For added convenience, combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are also available, such as the Gentex GN-503F Combo Smoke & CO Alarm.

Location of Smoke Detector is Important

One out of three home fires begins in the kitchen — more than any other place in the home.   Kitchens are a top priority when choosing locations for smoke detectors. Put one either inside or just outside the kitchen.  If cooking fumes or steam repeatedly set off nuisance alarms in the kitchen, install a smoke detector with a “hush” button, like the BRK Electronics 9120 Smoke Alarm.  The hush button reduces the alarm’s sensitivity for a short period of time.

Smoke Detector Installation Tips

The National Fire Prevention Association offers these tips for installing smoke detectors in the home:

• To prevent nuisance alarms in the kitchen, smoke detectors should be located at least 10 feet (3 meters) from cooking appliances.

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, and outside every separate sleeping area.  New homes are required to have a smoke alarm in every sleeping room and all smoke detectors must be interconnected.  The BRK SC7010B Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Combo Alarm is an example of a smoke alarm that is designed for interconnection.

• Hard-wired smoke detectors, which operate on A/C current and can be interconnected so that every alarm sounds regardless of the fire’s location, give occupants extra time to escape if they are in one place in the home and a fire breaks out elsewhere.

• If you or someone in your home is deaf or hard of hearing, consider installing an alarm that combines flashing lights, vibration and/or sound.  Some special smoke detectors for the hearing impaired, like the Bellman Safe Fire Alerting Solution, have all three alerting methods.

• Mount smoke detectors high on walls or ceilings (remember, smoke rises). Ceiling mounted alarms should be installed at least four inches away from the nearest wall; wall-mounted alarms should be installed four to 12 inches away from the ceiling.

• If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm near the ceiling’s highest point.

• Don’t install smoke detectors near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.

Ultimate Protection

For ultimate protection against catastrophic fires in your kitchen and home, hook up hard wired, interconnected smoke detectors to your security system so you will be alerted of a fire whether you are present or away.  If your home is not equipped with a security system, you can install a DIY autodialer system like the Sensaphone 400 Cottagesitter with smoke detector sensors to monitor your property 24/7.  If there is an emergency, like a fire, the Sensaphone 400 will notify you immediately by phone.

Lastly, make a fire escape plan for your family and practice your routine.  Remember that you have only minutes to get out of the house safely when the smoke detector sounds!

Digital vs. Mechanical 

Digital bathroom scales have a numeric readout which displays on a small screen located on the front of the scale.  Traditional spring-based mechanical bathroom scales (or analog) have a needle which adjusts itself to a person’s weight once the scale has been stepped on.  Modern digital-scales tend to last longer than mechanical scales.  Many digital scales also offer advanced features, such as a memory to track weight fluctuations and the ability to perform body composition analysis. 

*For longer battery life, choose a digital scale that uses lithium instead of alkaline batteries, like the Taylor 7004 Compact Lithium Digital Scale.

Memory 

A scale that stores your personal weight history for multiple days makes tracking the progress of your diet easier.  Some scales, like the OMRON HBF-400 Scale, can store data for multiple users in your household.

The Taylor Mother & Baby Scale is a unique type of memory scale that makes it easy to weigh baby.  The handy two-step weighing process can also be used to determine the weight of a pet, shipping box or piece of luggage.

Body Analysis 

Some advanced digital scales can calculate different aspects of your body composition, such as the ratio of fat to muscle, your hydration level or both. People who are trying to increase muscle mass are best off with a body composition scale, like the OMRON HBF-400 Full-Body Sensor Body Composition Monitor with Scale, that determines the relationship between weight and muscle mass percentage (muscle is more compact than fat, but is also weighs more).

The information provided by a body analysis scale is also helpful to dieters, especially when they are experiencing a weight-loss plateau.   A body analysis scale will indicate if their percentage of body fat is decreasing.  So, even if the pounds aren’t coming off, the dieter will know that they’re still making progress toward their goal.

High Capacity 

All bathroom scales have a weight limit and many of the best scales top out at around 300 pounds.  If you weigh more than that, you will need a high-capacity scale.  Fortunately, there are many high-capacity scales on the market, including the Biggest Loser Cal Max Digital Scale which has a 440 pound limit.  It can also estimate your daily calorie intake to help you maintain your current weight.

Wide Platform 

Wide-platform bathroom scales provide more surface area on which to stand and are ideal for people who are unsteady on their feet, including the elderly.  The Conair Weight Watchers Glass Scale is an example of a high-capacity digital model with a 15.25″L x 12.25″W extra-wide platform.

Easy-to-Read Display

People with poor eyesight or physical challenges often have difficulty reading the display on their bathroom scale.  The best scales for people with these hardships have extra-large LCD displays, such as the Taylor 7405 Scale with a 2″ LCD readout or the Biggest Loser Cal Max Digital Scale with a jumbo 2.2” LCD readout.

Another option is a “projection scale” that allows you to view your weight without having to strain your neck to look down, such as the Taylor 7081 Projector Scale that projects readouts onto the wall in easy-to-read red LCD numbers.

Tips on Using Your Bathroom Scale

The best scale for you is the one that fits your criteria.  When using your bathroom scale, remember that your body weight naturally fluctuates during the day depending on what you eat, so it’s important to have a daily routine for weighing yourself to ensure accuracy.

• Weigh yourself on the same scale each time
• Weigh yourself at the same time of day
• When you weigh yourself, wear the same amount of clothing (or no clothing).

What is a Mesh Pool Safety Fence? 

Mesh pool safety fences are made of strong, transparent mesh surrounded by a durable border. The mesh panels are attached to sturdy poles that form sections of fencing that are usually 12 to 15 feet long and at least 4 feet high.  The sections can be arranged to conform to the configuration of your pool making mesh fencing ideal for enclosing irregular-shaped pools.

The support poles get inserted into holes that are drilled into the pool deck.  The sections of fence are then hooked together, forming a secure barrier that is held in place by tension.

Advantages of a Mesh Pool Safety Fence 

In addition to cost savings, there are other advantages to a mesh pool safety fence, including:

1)     Safer Because it Isolates the Pool from the House 

Because a mesh pool safety fence is installed right into concrete deck surrounding the pool, it creates an effective barrier that separates the pool area from the house and yard.  So if a young child wanders out of the house undetected, the mesh fence prevents him or her from getting into the pool area.

2)     Safer Because Children Can’t Climb It

Unlike traditional solid pool fencing, toddlers and small children can’t climb or scale a mesh pool safety fence.  The mesh is soft but tightly knit, so there’s nothing sturdy for them to grab or step onto.

3)     Easy to Install 

Mesh pool safety fences that are specifically designed for the do-it-yourselfer – like the Pool Fence DIY System by Life Saver — are sold totally assembled in convenient 12-foot long sections that can be easily installed by a homeowner using commonly available tools in almost any type of deck.  Each section includes the necessary latch, deck sleeves and deck caps, as well as a template for fast and easy installation.

4)    Easy to Remove for Entertaining

When you’re entertaining adults by the pool and want to remove your mesh pool safety fence temporarily, it’s is easy to knock down, roll up and store.   Each 4-foot by 12-foot panel weighs only 14 pounds.

5)    Strong

The Pool Fence DIY System by Life Saver uses the highest quality materials:

• Textilene®,  the strongest, most transparent mesh material available;
• Sturdy, powder-coated poles with a half-inch reinforced with stainless steel pin that goes into the deck;
• Nickel-plated snap safety latches;
• A reinforced, double-stitched border;
• Round-headed stainless steel screws with no sharp edges.

6)     Attractive and Weather Resistant 

Mesh pool safety fencing maintains its good looks for decades.  While nearly indestructible, the mesh material used in high-quality pool safety fencing by manufacturers like Life Saver is infused with top-of-the-line UV inhibitors that keep your pool fence looking brand new even after years of exposure to harsh sunlight or cold winter temperatures.

7)     Protects Pets from Accidental Drowning

Most pets can’t climb or jump over a four-foot high mesh pool safety fence and neither can most wild animals.  A mesh safety fence will help protect your pets from drowning and keep unwanted animals out.

8)    Child-Resistant Self-Locking, Self-Closing Gate 

Life Saver offers an optional self-closing gate that uses a proven, powerful magnetic latch and hinge system that secures the gate once closed.   No amount of shaking, pushing or pulling can disengage the latch. This latch has been designed to meet strict international safety codes, including all codes relating to swimming pool gate safety.

Summary 

A do-it-yourself pool safety fence is a cost-effective way to get all of the advantages of a mesh pool fence for a fraction of the cost of a professionally installed system.  One 4-foot by 12-foot panel from the Pool Fence DIY System costs a little more than $100.00; a typical backyard pool will need 9 or 10 panels.  The savings you will realize by choosing a DIY safety fence is significant!

With an estimated 300 children under the age of five drowning each year in backyard pools, adding another layer of protection around your pool is critical if you have small children.  For added safety, consider getting a pool alarm and/or gate alarm in addition to a pool safety fence.