Groups Share Simple Tips to Save a Life

Every day we're here, there are forces working against our health and safety. Often they're silent killers, things we might not notice immediately or think about enough.

It sounds scary, but that's why New Lenox's third annual Health & Safety Expo serves as a force working for us—a reminder of the little things we can do to avoid problems.

I asked various businesses and organizations at the event what they would want people to know to lead safer and healthier lives. Here's what they said:

: "We do school physicals and sports physicals. Never forget to get your flu shot!" — Theresa Rowinski

: The township is offering a File of Life program, which will help emergency personnel if they respond to your home. The file includes a sticker you can put on your front door, and if there's an emergency the responders will know to go directly to your fridge for important medical information. Call the township for a free File of Life.

Metra: "If you stay off and you stay away, you'll stay alive. We have people taking shortcuts, but by the time you see and hear the train it's too late." — Tom Donegan

: "It's important to spread awareness of injuries and their general medical condition. A lot of people don't even know if they're injured, but we can be a resource." — Lynn Bigelow

: "People should have an emergency plan for their pets." — Lee Cera. Stone City has an event in May and the first 100 people there will get a free emergency kit for pets.

Medical Reserve Corps: "People should be aware of their numbers. It's the silent killer." — Patty Edgett, a school nurse at Oster-Oakview School who helped administer blood pressure tests.

Provena Medical Center: "There's so many peope who have sleep apnea, but it can be treated. It can cause a lot of problems and the quality of life just goes down." — Ann Anderson

: "If anyone gets hurt or injured, we offer a lot of different services like a free ride service. We want to serve the entire community." — Katie Varnado

Julie Illinois One-Call System: Whether you're planting a garden or digging for a new swimming hole, Julie offers a free service to identify where utility lines are located in your yard. Just dial 811.

Illinois Radio League: "When a disaster happens, ham radio or amateur radio is the only thing that might work. When all else fails, you're that line of communication." — Jerry Watts

: "Is your address visible from the street? There's a lot in town that aren't. Yes we have GPS, yes we have computers, but it's not always accurate. We don't want to pass your house accidentally in an emergency." — Erika Leader

Following the expo, there was a severe weather spotter training session. Check back Thursday for an article about that program.