(NAPSI)—Snow flurries and winter storms can be unpredictable, so the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) encourages home and business owners to prepare in advance before bad weather hits.

“Outdoor power equipment such as snow throwers can make quick work of a big job,” says OPEI President and CEO Kris Kiser. “Just remember: When getting out your snow thrower, review your owner’s manual. You should know how to correctly operate controls and quickly shut it off if necessary.”

 Questions to ask before operating a snow thrower

Have you read your owner’s manual? Know safe handling procedures and how to operate the controls of your machine. If the manual cannot be found, look it up online and store a copy on the computer. 

Have you checked your equipment? Equipment should be powered off when checking it. Adjust any cables and check the auger. If you forgot to drain the fuel before storing your equipment last year, empty the gas tank. 

Have you purchased the right fuel? Be sure to use the fuel recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Fuel that is more than 30 days old can phase separate and cause operating problems. Buy gasoline ahead of a storm. For more information see LookBeforeYouPump.com. 

Is gasoline used safely? Never add fuel to a running or hot engine. Store gasoline in a fuel container and label with date purchased and ethanol content. Make sure fuel is stored safely and out of reach of children. 

Are batteries charged (for battery-powered equipment)? Make sure batteries are fully charged before a storm, in case electricity goes out.

Is the yard clear of obstructions? Snow can hide objects. Doormats, hoses, balls, toys, wires, and other debris should be removed. When run over by a snow thrower, these objects may harm the machine or people. 

 Operating snow throwers safely

Are you dressed properly? Wear safety glasses, gloves and footwear that can handle cold and slippery surfaces. 

Is your clean-out tool ready? NEVER put your hands inside the auger or chute. Use a clean-out tool to unclog snow or debris. Always turn off the snow thrower and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before clearing any clogs.

Is your snow thrower operated only in visible conditions? Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light. 

Will you use extreme caution clearing slopes and hills? Never attempt to clear steep slopes. Use caution when changing directions on slopes or inclines. 

For electric equipment, do you pay attention to where the cord is? Use an extension cord designed for outdoor use. Be aware of where the power cord is at all times when using the machine. Avoid tripping. Do not run over the power cord.

Are pets and children inside while the snow thrower is operating? It’s best to keep kids and pets indoors and supervised while a snow thrower is operating. Do not allow them to play in the snow as it is tossed out of the chute. 

About OPEI

OPEI is an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars.

Working with a team of health care professionals can help you get the ­diabetes care you need to improve your health.

(NAPSI)—Almost every American has a family member or friend affected by diabetes, and more than 1 in 10 Americans have the disease. Diabetes occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Diabetes can damage many of your organs, including your eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and is linked to some types of cancer.

If you have diabetes, working with a team of health care professionals can offer you the personal care you need to improve your health. Your team may include your primary care provider, a nurse, an eye doctor, a certified diabetes educator, a pharmacist and others. Your team can give you advice, recommend a program to manage your diabetes and answer any questions you may have.

“Working with a team helps ensure people stay on top of their self-care plan, including having their blood pressure, feet and weight checked regularly,” said National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Director Dr. Griffin P. ­Rodgers. “Routine health care will help people find and treat health problems early, or help prevent them altogether.”

But remember, you are the most important participant in your diabetes care. Here are some tips to help you manage your diabetes. • Become an expert on your disease, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

• Talk with your primary care provider and other members of your health care team about ways to manage your diabetes as early as possible. Your health care team can also help you develop a plan to prevent diabetes-related health problems.
• Get routine medical exams to check your blood glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. Keep a list of your numbers so you can see how they are changing. • Have routine eye, foot and dental checks, because you may not have any symptoms until you develop serious health problems.
• If you smoke or use other tobacco products, stop.
• Ask your primary care provider what vaccines you should get to reduce your risk of getting sick, such as a flu shot, pneumonia shot or COVID-19 vaccines.

Healthy habits can also help manage your diabetes. Set a goal to be physically active on most days of the week. A daily walk with a friend or a family member is one way to be physically active. If you are not active now, ask your health care team about the types and amounts of physical activity that meet your needs.

Following a diabetes meal plan can help manage your blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol. Choose foods that are lower in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and salt, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, tofu, beans, seeds and nonfat or low-fat milk and cheese. Your primary care provider may refer you to a registered dietitian to help you create a meal plan that is easy for you to follow and has the nutrients to help manage your diabetes.

Stress can lead to unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor sleep and excessive eating. Take part in a diabetes education program or support group that teaches you techniques for managing stress. You can also ask for help if you feel down or overwhelmed. Talking with a mental health counselor, friend or family member about your feelings may help you feel better.

Working with your diabetes health care team makes it possible to get the care you need to live a healthy and fulfilled life. To learn more about how to manage diabetes, visit the NIDDK website at www.niddk.nih.gov.

Dr. Shen has come up with a non-invasive, inexpensive treatment for certain skin cancers.

(NAPSI)—If you or someone you care for is ever among the 5 million people diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma every year in the U.S., here are a few facts it would be healthy for you to know.

Skin Cancer Stats

1.Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S.

2.Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma account for 95% of all skin cancers.

3.Your risk increases with age.  

Skin Cancer Signs

A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This could be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole. If you notice any of these, see your dermatologist. Nearly all skin cancers can be treated effectively if they are found early.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays come from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells.

Reduce Your Risk

It’s a good idea to protect your skin from UV rays from the sun, and from tanning beds and sunlamps advises the CDC. Here’s how:

• Stay in the shade when you go out all year round and regardless of the weather.

• Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.

• Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.

• Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA and UVB rays.

• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

• Avoid Indoor Tanning. A tan does not indicate good health.  

Types of Treatments

If, despite such precautions, you still develop skin cancer, there are several kinds of treatments that can remove or destroy basal cell skin cancers explains the CDC. These cancers very rarely spread to other parts of the body, although they can grow into nearby tissues if not treated. One of the most common is surgery. That, however, can leave scars and have other serious side effects. 

In addition, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and other drug therapy may be tried. Each has its benefits and drawbacks. 

Special Treatment

Fortunately for many people, dermatologist Dr. John Shen has developed a non-surgical treatment for certain kinds of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. This non-invasive treatment is a combination topical therapy called “The Shen Cocktail,” applied to the cancerous area and closely monitored for six-weeks.

According to Dr. Shen, dermatologists in Australia, Europe, and the UK were using Imiquimod 5% Cream, sometimes with 5-Fluorouracil, to treat basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.

He was inspired to add Tretinoin 0.1% Cream to the combination to peel off the top layer of skin so the other ingredients could signal the body’s immune response to attack the cancerous and precancerous skin cells.

Researchers have found “The Shen Cocktail” to have a 99% cure rate in people with basal and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin less than 2cm in width, another reason it’s important to get the disease dealt with as soon as possible. 

Learn More

To treat as many people as possible and keep costs of treatment low, The Shen Cocktail is not trademarked or patented. To learn further facts, see videos or read academic papers about the treatment and to find out whether you may be eligible for the Shen Cocktail, go to www.shendermatology.com or call Shen Dermatology at (951) 526-2044.