By: Robert Remier
It's time to be on alert, whether you're walking, running or driving a car that a safe trip should not be taken for granted. According to a study by the Federal Highway Administration, more than 6,000 pedestrians are killed and 90,000 injured in accidents that occur after sunset. In addition, the number of accidents that occur during the late fall and winter is more than 30 percent higher than in the spring and summer.
"Pedestrians of all ages can be at risk if they have developed unsafe habits or if motorists don't take pedestrians into consideration," said Daniel Ferrara, MD, director of South Nassau's Emergency Department. "Whenever we are on the roadways - whether walking, running, biking or driving - regardless of the time of day, we need to slow down, pay attention and be prepared."
The most dangerous time of the evening for a pedestrian is between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. According to Dr. Ferrara, if followed closely, these tips will increase safety when walking, running or driving at night.
To make walking or running safer:
If possible, avoid walking or running alone.
Always walk or run on the sidewalk, or use the curb if there is no sidewalk.
Walk or run in lighted areas and avoid short cuts that are not widely used.
Wear light-colored or reflective clothing or attach reflective tape to the front and back of the clothing.
At an intersection, don't step off the curb until eye contact has been established with approaching drivers and they come to a complete stop.
At pedestrian crossings, do not assume drivers will come to a stop, wait before you cross.
Run against traffic to easily see oncoming traffic.
Don't wear a Walkman or listen to music.
Always carry some form of identification or friend's or relative's telephone number.
When driving:
Fasten the seatbelt and remember to turn on the headlights.
Maintain speed at or below the speed limit.
If a headlight is out, activate hazard lights and proceed with caution.
Pay attention at all times.
Don't assume a stop sign or red light will prevent pedestrians from crossing at an intersection.
Reduce speed when approaching pedestrians.
Use designated areas to drop off or pick up pedestrians.
As for bike riding at night, Dr. Ferrara advises: "Don't do it. Rule out bike riding in the dark; it's too dangerous. If the distance is too far to walk, call home for a ride."
hed: November is hospice month
November has been designated as National Hospice Month. Hospice Care Network, the largest community-based hospice program in the New York metropolitan area, asks the consumer: if someone in your family has a life-limiting illness, do you know how to choose a hospice program?
Here are some things to look for:
1. Experience, certification and state licensing.
2. Insurance coverage, or sliding-scale fees if you are unable to pay services in full.
3. The confidence of the medical community; you will want a hospice program many doctors and hospitals trust to care for their patients.
4. Adequate staffing.
5. References.
6. Education for the family.
7. Convenience.
8. Counseling and support services.
For additional information and to answer your questions, call 1800-2HOSPICE or contact www.hospicecarenetwork.org.
hed: Memorial garden of healing
A brunch to plan a Memorial Garden of Healing on the grounds of Nassau University Medical Center, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, is scheduled for Sun., Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Carltun on the Park in Eisenhower Park, East Meadow.
Richard B. Turan, president/CEO of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, stated: "Following the tragic event of September 11, 2001, NUMC stood ready then and remains committed now, to assisting the local community in healing the wounds that remain."
Mr. Turan adds: "Please join us as we seek to memorialize our heroes here at home while at the same time honor those doctors, nurses and emergency medical services who work each day to heal those who come through our doors."
The donation for the brunch on Nov. 18 is $75. A committee is being formed to raise the funds needed for the Memorial Garden of Healing at NUMC. Anyone interested can call Shelley Lotenberg at (516) 572-6055.
Other events and activities.
What you need to know about cancer. South Nassau Communities Hospital, One Healthy Way, Oceanside, will offer a free, comprehensive cancer conference focusing on the newest innovations for cancer prevention and early detection on Wed., Nov. 14, noon to 4:30 p.m. in South Nassau's Albert Conference Room, on the ground floor of the hospital. To register, call 1-877-SouthNassau...
Diabetes expo will be held at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale on Sat., Nov. 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A total of 53 booths will offer information about diabetic care and services...
Spotlight on bone health, breast cancer, cervical cancer and heart health. A panel of experts will offer up-to-date prevention and diagnosis at Pfizer, Inc., 150 East 42nd Street on Tues. Nov. 27, 6 to 8 p.m. Call (212) 237-3825 to RSVP...
Women's health forum at Winthrop Community Outreach Center, 101 Mineola Boulevard, on Wed., Nov. 14. Registration will be at 6:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at 7 p.m. For information and to reserve your place, call 1-888-53-WOMEN.
