Say "I promise" and mean it: How to fulfill your New Year's resolution

2014 is all but knocking down your door, but you haven’t revamped your wall décor or repurposed your furniture like you said you would...

Quitting smoking somehow became yesterday’s news. And eating healthy lost its appeal somewhere between Johnny’s wedding and Anna’s birthday.

But even though some New Year resolutions disappear down the drain faster than last night’s dinner – it doesn’t always have to be that way.

Here’s a few tips to keep that “I promise”.

Start yesterday. It’s never too soon to get aboard the “Let's-Improve-My-Life” band wagon. Why not brainstorm and jot down a few ideas?

Place reminder notes on your fridge, mirror, desk – wherever you think will serve as inspiration and pick a goal before countdown begins.

Get real. Since illogical resolutions (losing 20 pounds in 10 days) never quite make it to week two – make sure your goals are genuine and doable.

It’s important not to embark on a miserable journey or entertain emotional breakdowns as you set the pace for 2014. What’s pertinent isn’t so much losing the weight, but more the commitment to no more McDonald’s or too many sweet treats.

Trade it in like a car. Don’t just give up something you love. Replace it with something that’ll benefit you. Rather than power up that PS3 or Twitter for two hours before bed – curl up with a good read or pop in a workout DVD.

Get specific and clock it. Instead of making loosey goosey goals like “I’ll workout more” – preplan your gym visits and clock how long it takes you to reach your get-fit objectives.

On the flip side, don’t feel too bad if by end of January you’re still not an everyday face at “World of Fitness”. Experts says habits take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to become truly second nature.

Team up. As you step outside the box and attend that kick-boxing class or art workshop, it’s easy to make friends with the same likes. But as you start to network don’t forget to consider their goal-setting style.

Planners should pair up with doers and researchers can reap rewards from those who like to dive right in. Remember, opposites attract and different work styles can help bring out the best in everyone.

Reward yourself. A boost of confidence and a surge of pride always feels great, but those aren't the only things you’ll need to keep motivated. 

If you’ve been making leaps and bounds with your resolution – reward yourself with a tangible gift. A juicy steak dinner never hurt anyone.

Good luck and happy New Year!

Ambulance sirens: What to do when EMS pulls up behind you

Ever imagine what it’d be like to dodge Deerfoot gridlock by racing through traffic via ambulance, en route to an accident? 

Or maybe it’s piloting a bright-red, fully-equipped truck on the way to a raging fire you’ve mused about?

Either way, weaving in and out of heavy traffic at high speeds calls police, firefighters and ambulance drivers to maneuver at exceptional skill level.

So how can you help EMS battle through traffic? And more vitally, what should you do when EMS pulls up behind you, sirens blaring:

Stay alert and avoid distractions like loud music. This way you can spot or hear emergency trucks coming your way and can pull over on the right-hand shoulder of the road. As you steer don’t forget to flash your hazards and bring your car to a complete stop if possible.

Once the emergency vehicle passes, do a quick shoulder check before heading back on the street. It’s not uncommon to see police and fire speeding close behind an ambulance as they often travel in packs when responding to emergencies. 

On the flip side, if you’re heading toward a stationary ambulance, police unit or fire truck – slow down and keep an eye out for officers directing traffic or dangerous scenarios like: burning buildings, flipped cars or affected parties milling about close by. 

Roving on a multi-lane road? Change lanes to move yourself further away from the emergency scene, if you can.         

      

Find more “Rules of the Road” for emergency vehicle driving safety per Alberta Traffic Safety Act here: http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents/emergency_services/emergency-vehicle-traffic-safety.aspx

Reduce holiday anxieties: Shop stress free

Mile-high gift lists. Last-minute deals. Chaotic crowds. Love it or hate it, December has arrived and Christmas spending is in full pandemonium.

But this season, don't get caught in money worries and hectic schedules (again)! Instead cut the gift-giving stresses and device a plan of action:

Pen a budget

Don't just raid the isles of Toys "R" Us and Winners with a number you've picked out of thin air. Instead, make a list of everyone you're gifting and create a price range for each. If the total's doable, stick to it. Otherwise rework it so it fits comfortably with your ideal budget.

Skip yourself

Rather than fall in love with that must-have Apple iOS tablet or that enticing, noise-cancelling Bose head gear - steer clear of the "me gifts" whenever you can. Holiday budgets shouldn't have a ton of wiggle room for gifts outside your list.

Alternatively, hint to your gifting circle about what you'd love to receive, or wait till Boxing Day to hit up sales for yours truly.

Look at a calendar and plan it

Don't optimize unwanted stress by procrastinating or randomly hitting the mall whenever you get a breather. Instead, ready yourself and shop on pre-planned days.

Pre-schedules also thwart repeat trips to the same stores and saves time and gas money. Especially if you've been buying throughout November without a true plan of action - all those little "maybe" gifts add up!

Don't sweat the small things

Remember it's the thought that counts. If you really can't find the "right" gift or it's too expensive, don't sweat it. A bunch of sweet, thoughtful presents or even a gift card to someone's favorite store conveys love and consideration, isn't that what Christmas is all about?

Make it like Martha

If you're crafty and love the arts, spend a night making handmade jewelry, vintage ornaments or delicious Christmas cookies. Hobbies boost self-confidence and gets your mind flowing with creative ideas.

Everyone's got someone who'd love to receive a hand-crafted gift at Christmas, or otherwise!

HO HO… Oh no! Christmas party medical standby

'Tis the season for “Holiday Party Mode” which means companies and Calgary will be gearing up for some berry Christmas sangrias and those hard-to-resist eggnog rums. 

But while Christmas wouldn’t feel like Christmas without a jolly shindig or two… Or three, don’t forget that accidents do happen.

This month, Medical Standby Coordinator Ali Vanderveen chats about hosting your special bash minus the safety risks.

 

“If you know you’ve got at least 50-plus people attending your event, consider using medical standby to cover your business’s liability,” Ali explains.

Whether it’s taking a spill by the insta-snow powder or consuming too much to drink – having a first aid station and qualified personnel on hand gets the situation under control promptly.

“No one wants to anticipate what could go wrong with friends, family or coworkers – however onsite medical standby is a sure way to ensure the wellbeing of your guests,” she says.

So what about those larger-sized parties, say of 20,000 people? AHASTI’s got that covered too.

Our medical teams are built by your specific party needs and include: Emergency Medical Technicians, Emergency Medical Responders and certified First Aid and CPR professionals.

 

“Think of us as an ambulance without wheels… 

We’ve got the training and equipment to handle any type of emergency and can seek backup whenever required,” Ali elaborates.

Of course, the perk of hosting a celebration with a bonafide bartender— and medical standby – is that you can enjoy the party! Without over-worry about every little spill or the welfare of each guest.

Feel free to inquire about AHASTI medical standby by emailing or calling Ali at: avanderveen@safetyed.ca, 403-875-1914.

We’d be happy to serve your safety requirements for any occasion. Merry holidays!

Recent AHASTI events:

Ride to Conquer Cancer

Alberta Peloton

Parks Foundation Calgary

Canadian Diabetes Association

Ronald McDonald House “Rock the House Run”