Global warming, unsafe drinking water, poor air quality inside and outside and contaminated food supplies, those are just some of the big environmental health problems we are currently experiencing. These problems may seem very overwhelming, it may seem inevitable and unavoidable, but it is us who have all the power to prevent or fix these problems

Decrease pollution: Try to improve your quality of life by decreasing your contribution to pollution. A good example would be to turn down the thermostat during winter time; doing so will decrease carbon dioxide emissions and also improve the quality of indoor air.

Using HVAC (Heating Ventilating & Air Conditioning ) on high levels will redistribute contaminants inside a building. To avoid using HVACs try and wear appropriate clothing for the temperature. For example, instead of turning up the heater during cold days, just wear a thick jacket in order to save electricity; you won’t just save electricity, but your body’s immune system will be strengthened and it will be trained to live in rhythm with nature.

Safe pesticides and cleaners: While it is recommended to avoid pesticides completely, if you should use them, use biodegradable and safe pesticides. When it comes to cleaning agents, you should also use biodegradable and safe cleaning agents. In cleaning your house, it is best to limit the use of chemicals to prevent contaminants from getting inside. Biodegradable products will also keep your water supplies safe for drinking.

Exposure to contaminants: If possible, try and limit your exposure to contaminants. The human body was designed to process at a specific level of contamination. Environmental health problems are the result of exposure to levels that are too high for the body to process. As it is always important to decrease levels, if there already are some contaminants present, precautions should be taken in order to limit exposure. A good method to avoid exposure to lung illness is ventilating your home. The use of a HEPA-filtered vacuum in your home will get rid of any paint led chips which will make your children safe from lead poisoning. Another way to limit your exposure to chemicals is insuring that your building materials, clothes, furniture and other products you use on a daily basis are only made of materials which do not emit chemicals. Perfume and smoke are also contaminants. A perfume-free and also smoke-free environments are protections against exposure.

Organic foods: It is always best to eat natural, organic foods, and also drink clean water and exercise in clean environments; you should always know that you are eating. There are types of fish that are caught from certain areas that have pollutants such as mercury in their tissue; this can cause some developmental problems in fetuses and children. While pesticides increase crop yields, they also increase the presence of contaminants in our water and soil. Installing a water filter system will insure that the drinking water will be clean.

In the 19th century bed rails were used to restrain psychiatric patients then later used to protect people from getting out of bed and help staff maintain control of patient activities. Little has changed in the 21st century. In the 1930′s bed rails became a standard feature to keep patients safe in bed. Incidents increased where patients climbed over or through the bed rails resulting in serious injuries or death. A nursing shortage post war increased the number of patients needing assistance getting out of bed (usually for toileting) thus increasing incidents involving bed rails. Not much has changed since many falls happen when people need to get out of bed to use the toilet.

The 1950′s led to the development of the half-rail to help patients exit the bed and reduce incidents. This helped but didn’t solve the problem. They were also used to aid in turning and positioning while lying in bed. In the 1960′s and 1970′s there was an escalating nursing shortage which prompted their continued use. This included the use of other physical restraints instead of nurse observation. Basically, the same problem we have today.

In the 1980′s falls from bed became a hospital liability issue and when the routine use of bed rails became the standard of good nursing practice. This started to conflict with mobility during recuperation although they still used full length rails on the elderly to keep them immobilized. In 1985 increasing reports to the FDA of patient incidents, accidents and entrapments sparks controversy and investigation. In 1995 the FDA issues a safety alert “Entrapment Hazards with Hospital-Bed-Rails” explaining the potential risks of bed rail use. In 1999 the FDA collaborates with the healthcare industry to form the Hospital Bed Safety Workgroup (HBSW). In 2000 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issues revisions to Surveyor Guidance governing the use of restraints in hospitals and nursing facilities due to the risks.

There are many sizes and shapes on the market based on a 19th century design with a couple of exceptions. Bed rail use needs serious thought prior to being recommended or requested in any setting. Understanding their use and history will help everyone make better choices to avoid unintended consequences.