Homeowner Tip #16: Treating Injuries

Most sports injuries are either strains or sprains. These injuries are painful but can usually be treated successfully at home. Strains result from "pulling" muscles and tendons that attach muscles to the bone. Sprains are more serious and occur when ligaments stretch or tear. Symptoms of these injuries include pain and swelling in the first 24 hours followed by discoloration and stiffness. The best home treatment is a three-step approach. Just remember the acronym I-C-E: Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Ice

The first thing to do to an injured area is apply ice, which will help reduce the swelling. Keep the ice directly on the area for 20 minutes. It's best not to use chemical ice (the kind used in coolers) because the temperature isn't low enough.

Also helpful is an ice massage. Use six-ounce paper cups to freeze water, then tear off half the paper and rub the ice on the swollen area for 8 to 12 minutes each hour.

Don't apply heat until the swelling has gone down. Then alternate between hot and cold treatments to encourage blood flow.

Compression

Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to help prevent further swelling and give support. Don't wrap the area too tightly or wear the bandage overnight. You can also purchase an inflatable air cast at a pharmacy or medical supply store.

Elevation

Prop an injured leg on a chair and use a sling to elevate an injured arm or wrist. If problems persist contact a physician.

For more family health information, contact Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC Real Estate at 209-533-4242.

Homeowner Tip #15: Turn Clutter into Cash

"One man's junk is another man's treasure," the saying goes. And I guess it's the perfect way of summing up why garage sales are so popular. And it's important to remember when you're having a garage sale, it's the little things that can make a big difference. Consider the following simple tips which just might add a lot to your profits.

To get the best prices for your items, you need to display them in the best possible light. Launder linens, polish silver and make simple repairs. Investing a little elbow grease can pay big dividends.

Separate your goods into categories and lay them out so they are easy to see. Books and record albums should be positioned spine up so the titles are visible. All items should be assembled. Store items in clear plastic bags instead of cardboard boxes.

A trip to local garage sales or a second-hand store can help determine appropriate asking prices for products in your area. Additionally, make sure every item is priced. Customers will often pass over unmarked products instead of asking their cost. Be prepared to haggle.

Clean the garage, doing your best to remove unsightly stains and odors. Install the brightest light bulbs allowed.

Have mirrors and a dressing area available for customers to try on clothes. Position appliances near an electrical outlet so they can be tested.

Provide coffee and other beverages. Set up some lawn chairs to give weary customers a place to sit. A brief rest or a cold drink can refresh shoppers and make them more likely to buy.

Most importantly, be friendly. The more helpful you are, the more you'll sell.

For more tips on holding a garage sale, call Sugar Pine Realty/GMAC at 209-533-4242.

Homeowner Tip #14: A Child-Proof Home

Lots of perils that can injure children are lurking in our homes. Here are some tips to help make your home safer:

Put safety stops on all cabinet doors and drawers. Knobs should be too large for children to swallow.

Store chemicals, cleaners, medicines and liquor in upper cabinets — locked and out of sight.

Provide safe storage for sharp objects such as knives and scissors.

Cover sharp corners on counters, tables and hearths.

Place all electrical outlets, especially those near water, on a ground fault circuit interrupter (it instantly shuts off electricity if there’s any leakage of current).

Keep cords for draperies and mini-blinds out of reach.

Buy hardware that limits how far windows can be opened.

Set water temperature at no more than 120˚.

Install hardware on the bathroom door that can be unlocked from either side.

Install windows and mirrors with protective film that prevents shards from flying when broken.

For more home and family information, call Sugar Pine Realty / GMAC Real Estate at 209-533-1675.

Skiing and Safety in the Mother Lode

It's happened. 28 new inches of snow at Dodge Ridge (story here). And so (finally) this is the weekend that the skiers are going to be hitting the slopes in the Mother Lode. And when you're skiing (and anywhere in the snow country for that matter) it's just so important to do all you can do to be safe and to protect yourself. And I know it's not necessarily kosher, but the best way to avoid injury when skiing is to wear a helmet. For more safety tips to keep in mind while plowing through the white stuff, click: Tips for Safe Skiing. For direct information and weather conditions from the ski sites across the Mother Lode (as well as the ski play areas), click: Dodge Ridge, Bear Valley, Badger Pass, Leland High Sierra Snow Play, Cottage Springs Ski & Play Area. Enjoy your time in God's country.

Preparing for the Storm

It's supposed to get wet, windy and wild over the next couple of days with a major winter storm bearing down on the Mother Lode. (Click here for the latest Doppler Radar.) What better time for another reminder on how to be prepared should the power go out, etc. Got your flashlight? Check. Got batteries in your flashlight? Check. (Duh.) How 'bout a battery-operated radio? Check. And what about extra blankets, bottled water, canned food and a can opener? Check. Check. Check. Check. And then beyond these common sense basics the American Red Cross also suggests the following items that should be a part of any winter emergency and disaster supplies kit: coats, gloves, mittens, hat and water-resistant boots for every person, a first aid kit and essential medications. For more important information and storm preparation tips, visit: Red Cross Winter Storm Page. And most of all, be safe everybody.