Public Spark

Whether it be dressing up your pets for Halloween or having them in the house to prevent children from scaring them, it’s important to take measures to keep your pets safe. Here are some tips to keep your pets stress-free and safe on Halloween.

• Find a secure place to keep you pets.

  Many pets get loose when the door opens and the presence of little (and big) costumed people often scares them. This increases the chance your pet running away or getting hit by a car. Also make sure that they cannot reach the candy. If your pet has any aggressive tendencies, fear of loud noises, or a habit of excessive barking, place him in a quiet room as far away from your front door as possible. Give them plenty of chew toys, a favorite blanket or anything that comforts your pet. Also consult your vet for tranquilizers.

FOR NON-TRICK OR TREATERS:

• On Halloween night, motorists need to be especially cautious as there will be many people on the streets. Watch for children walking on roadways, curbs and darting out from between parked cars. Children may be hard to spot because of dark costumes.

• Trick-or-treaters will approach the doorstop, so it is important for homeowners to remove anything that they could trip on. These include garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.

• Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.

• Restrain pets so they don’t inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.

Halloween is a fun time to go through the traditional route of going door to door to get candy, go to Disneyland for the Halloween Time or to go to a party. Here are some tips parents should know so that children can stay safe and have fun.

• Plan and designate a route before children go trick-or-treating, and make sure they stick to it. Accompany your kids if you don’t think they’re old enough to trick or treat. If they are, encourage them to go in groups.

Many famous people have suffered from depression and today’s list includes politicians, 41% of whom are prone to higher rates. Also, included are scientists at 33% and those with the highest rate are famous writers. 72% of whom are prone to depression.

POLITICAL/PUBLIC FIGURES

• Princess Diana of Wales

  She was the former wife of Charles, Prince of Wales, known for a variety of her charity works including AIDS. She is believed to have suffered from post-partum depression, after the birth of her first son, Prince William. She also felt pressured in adapting her role as princess, as well as marriage problems including the fact that her husband was still in love with a former girlfriend, Camilla Parker Bowles.

Yesterday’s blog described actors and entertainers who have suffered from depression. Today’s list includes artists, athletes and musicians. 42% of artists and 35% of composers are believed to suffer high rates of depression.

ARTISTS

• Claude Monet

  He is a French impressionist painter of “Water Lilies,” “Haystacks,” “Woman with a Parasol.” Monet entered a depressive episode after the death of his wife, Alice Hoschede.

• Georgia O’Keeffe

  She is a prominent American artist, famous for her paintings of flowers, skulls, landscapes, and skyscrapers. She became depressed and was hospitalized after discovering her husband’s affair.

Last year I wrote a blog about what depression is and the possible treatments is. This week will focus on famous people who have or had depression and treatments that have worked for them. Today’s blog describes some actors and entertainers who have suffered from depression.

• Mike Wallace

  He is a news journalist and correspondent of TV show “60 Minutes.” He was diagnosed with clinical depression in 1984 and had a series of severe depressive episodes. Mike Wallace attributed recovery to therapy and antidepressant medications.

Wildfire Safety:

• Report hazardous conditions that may cause a wildfire.

• Teach family members how to use the fire extinguisher.

• Keep matches out of the reach of children.

• Install a smoke detector on each level of your home and make sure batters are changed at least 2 times a year.

• Regularly clean roofs and gutters.

• Inspect and clean chimneys at least twice a year.

• Buy a ladder that is long enough to reach your roof.

In June, I wrote a blog on how to prepare for an earthquake. Today’s blog will be on what to do during and after an earthquake.

What to do during an earthquake:

American Red Cross and other emergency preparedness agencies recommend what is called Drop, Cover, and Hold on when an earthquake strikes. If you are in bed, it is best to stay in bed, hold on and protect your head with a pillow. If you are outdoors, you need to find a clear spot away from dangers such as buildings, powerlines, trees. Once you have done so, you need to drop to the ground. If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place. Stay in the car until the shaking subsides.

Emergencies are unpredictable, but there are steps to ensure that you are well prepared.

It is important to make a plan

• Talk with your family about establishing a family meeting place and an out-of-town contact. Carry phone numbers and addresses of all potential meeting places. A family friend was in the middle of the Kobe, Japan earthquake. The phone lines were down and family did not hear from her for a day. Fortunately, she had known of an out-of-town contact and walked over there and was able to reestablish contact with her family.

Breast cancer is a serious condition and can be life-threatening, but there are ways of reducing the risk of getting breast cancer.

• Maintain a healthy weight

  Excess fatty tissue is a source of circulating estrogen in your body and breast cancer is linked to how much estrogen you are exposed too in your lifetime. Regular exercise, as well as limiting fat in your diet can help maintain a healthy weight. Eating cruciferous (cabbage-family) vegetables regularly can provide protective phytonutrients. Also 2 grams of fish oil or eating fish, which contains high omega-3 fatty acid can significantly reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.