The MRC monitor, holiday 2009, v.4 no.4

              The Monitor
Keeping the Pulse on the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps • Vol. 4, Issue 4 – Holiday 09
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
PERMIT No. 1078
Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps
1111 Classen Drive
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
8 1
The Monitor
Volunteers Building Strong, Healthy And Prepared Communities!
In This Holiday 2009 Issue:
FRONT PAGE
Healthy Holidays; Tis the Season to Relax & Enjoy; Gifts that Give Back................................................Pages 1-2
MRC PARTNERS’ POINTS
Local News from MRC Partners...................................................................................................................... Page 3
CARING, CAPABLE & READY
Red Dirt Ready............................................................................................................................................... Page 4
Holiday Saftey Tips................................................................................................................................. Page 4 & 5
MRC WEB TRAINING
Training Information....................................................................................................................................... Page 5
FRIENDS IN FOCUS..................................................................................................................................... Page 6
VITAL STEPS
OKMRC Region 6 Expansion........................................................................................................................ Page 7
Update Volunteer Profiles............................................................................................................................... Page 7
For more information please visit the Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps Web site at okmrc.org
The MRC Monitor is published quarterly by the
Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps,
1111 Classen Drive
Oklahoma City, OK, 73103 USA.
All rights reserved.
Wishing Your Every Happiness This Holiday Season and Throughout the Coming Year!
It’s always better to give than to receive. With a little effort, you can fill someone
else’s holidays with love and beauty by sharing the most priceless gift of all – your time.
After all, togetherness reigns as what really makes this time of year so remarkable.
OKMRC collected a variety of creative ways to make holiday wishes come true for
Oklahomans. Be an angel for someone near and dear to make memories magical
for your favorite people and those in need. Make your list, check it twice and get
them ready to relax. Celebrate the light and love. It’s festivity without fuss.
Not So Silent Nights
Do they rock around the tree or prefer the sound of silver bells? Compile
a CD assortment of their favorite artists’ latest releases, greatest hits or
holiday classics (or download their faves onto a custom disk).
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Make it live and go serenade someone this year. Friends and family
will always enjoy a little jingle, while nursing homes and assisted livng
centers are perfect places to put smiles on deserving faces during the
holidays.
Let It Glow
Candles in essences of pine, evergreen, cranberry, vanilla and spice fill
the house with aromatic spirit. Consider including a candle warming
plate – no flame worries and scents last even longer. Scented fireplace
logs, colored flame pinecones and scented broomsticks, potpourri and
infusers also add to the ambiance.
Savor the Season
Whip some holiday treats and wrap them up with love. Your
recipents will enjoy something homemade without the cleanup of
a messy kitchen.
The holidays reign as a festive, favorite time of year
full of family and friends. Unfortunately, along with the
cold weather, shopping, parties and crowds, these
months also bring exposure to germs and illness.
Rather than missing out on activities and events, think
prevention instead of seclusion. Remember these
simple steps to help avoid diseases that make the
holidays miserable and minimize spreading germs if
sickness does strike.
Germ Control
Hand Washing – Frequently with warm water
and soap for at least 20 seconds and around
the wrist.
Antibacterial Wipes/Sanitizers – Keep
some in the car, house and office for
phones, after handling money, wiping
off store cart handles and gasoline
nozzles, as well as office supplies
(staplers, tape dispensers, scissors
and the ones at home used for gift
wrapping).
Carry Your Own Pens, Books and
Magazines – vs. those at banks,
store counters, medical offices,
waiting rooms, lobbies, etc.
No Sharing – Includes dishes, utensils, glasses,
water fountains and public restrooms.
Wrap Up – Dress for the weather and wear those
sweaters, coats, hats, gloves and boots. Not sure of
the forecast? Keep a set in the car for everyone to
stay prepared and warm.
Hands Down – Avoid touching any part of the face,
especially nose and mouth. Teach kids to sneeze into
elbows, always use fresh tissues and wash or use a
sanitized wipe afterwards.
If Illness Sets In
Avoid Other People – stay home from work/school
and minimize exposing other family members,
especially the very young, elderly and those with
compromised immune systems who are more prone
to infections.
Disinfect House with Diluted Bleach – from
counters and every door handle (front and back) to
all bathroom surfaces and light switches as well as
remotes, microwave/refrigerator/faucet handles and
cabinet fronts.
Replace toothbrushes – cheap, easy and effective.
Don’t Reuse Cleaning Rags/Paper Towels – Finish
the one task and wash them/toss them.
Healthy Holidays = Happy Holidays
Tis the Season to Relax & Enjoy!
continued on page 2