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 Health/Safety - Archives

Health department inspections: Dec. 20-21
Cindy Mooney, Garland Health Department | December 27, 2010

 Each week the city of Garland Health Department conducts inspections of establishments where food is served.  Inspections include day care centers, retirement homes, school cafeterias, restaurants - fast food and dine-in, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

A failing grade includes anything below 60.  Any establishment scoring less than 70 is deemed "high risk" and inspection frequency of that establishment is increased.  Mandatory closure is imposed on establishments scoring below 50.

FACILITY NAME

STREET NUMBER

STREET 
NAME

ACTIVITY DATE
 

SCORE

3H #25

506

FIRST

12/20/2010

82

BESA'S PIZZA, PASTA & SUBS

7602

JUPITER

12/20/2010

78

CARNITAS LA COTORRA RESTAURANT II

3031

FIRST

12/20/2010

60

COTTON'S PRODUCE

4200

BROADWAY

12/21/2010

92

H & B EASYWAY GROCERY

118

GLENFIELD

12/20/2010

78

N. NEW CHINA RESTAURANT

5010

JUPITER

12/21/2010

76

NORTHERN TOOL & EQUIPMENT

584

I-30

12/20/2010

97

PHO QUE HUONG RESTAURANT

3212

JUPITER

12/21/2010

76

PIZZA BY ALEX

103

FIRST

12/21/2010

75

POPCORN PAPA

520

TOWN CENTER

12/20/2010

97

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT

4122

BROADWAY

12/21/2010

57

 

 

December is 3D Month

Kim Everett | December 19, 2010

Approximately 1.4 million drivers are arrested for Driving Under the Influence each year, and the risk of drunk driving accidents increases during the holiday season.

Other alarming U.S. statistics include:

  • Drunk drivers cause 36 fatal accidents each day.
  • About three in 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related vehicle accident in their lives.
  • Alcohol-related crashes cost approximately $51 billion each year.
  • 700 Americans are injured in car accidents involving a drunk driver each day.
  • 41 percent of all traffic accidents are alcohol-related.
  • Drugs other than alcohol (cocaine, marijuana, etc.) have been identified as a factor in 18 percent of motor vehicle driver deaths.
  • Victims of drunk driving accidents account for almost a third of all traffic-related wrongful deaths.
  • Of the 1,347 traffic fatalities among children in 2008, approximately 16 percent involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

In an effort to educate Americans and reduce the instances of impaired driving year round, December was named National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month more than 25 years ago by President Ronald Reagan.  3D Month continues to gain community support each year.

Suggestions for reducing the threat of drunk and drugged driving:

  • When hosting party, remind guests to name a designated driver and offer non-alcoholic beverages for him/her.
  • As guests are leaving, be sure they are going with a sober driver.
  • Designate a driver for yourself when attending parties, and have a back-up plan.
  • Never be afraid to take away the keys of friends and family.
  • Ensure that alcoholic beverages are not given to underage people.
  • Tell children not to get into a car with someone who has had even one drink and remind him or her that they can call you for a ride – even if they have been drinking.
  • Support local, state, and federal initiatives to prevent drunk and drugged driving.
  • Be a good role model – never drink and drive.

Sources:  Center for Disease Control, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Health department inspections: Dec. 11-17
Cindy Mooney, Garland Health Department | December 20, 2010

Each week the city of Garland Health Department conducts inspections of establishments where food is served.  Inspections include day care centers, retirement homes, school cafeterias, restaurants - fast food and dine-in, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

A failing grade includes anything below 60.  Any establishment scoring less than 70 is deemed "high risk" and inspection frequency of that establishment is increased.  Mandatory closure is imposed on establishments scoring below 50.

FACILITY NAME

STREET NUMBER

STREET
NAME

ACTIVITY DATE
 

SCORE

19TH HOLE

600

CAMPBELL

12/16/2010

83

A DASH IN GROCERY

2445

GOLDFINCH

12/15/2010

78

AMC THEATRE FIREWHEEL 18

100

CONEFLOWER

12/16/2010

88

ARBY'S ROAST BEEF

1902

NORTHWEST

12/13/2010

87

BRANDING IRON

1535

BRAND

12/16/2010

83

CHEDDARS CASUAL CAFE

5445

GEORGE BUSH

12/13/2010

84

CHURCH'S CHICKEN #1564

5602

BROADWAY

12/16/2010

78

COOPER ELEMENTARY

1200

KINGSBRIDGE

12/13/2010

97

DAVIS ELEMENTARY

1621

MCCALLUM

12/14/2010

99

DOAN RESTAURANT

3530

WALNUT

12/14/2010

51

DOMINO'S PIZZA

149

KINGSLEY

12/17/2010

85

EL MERCADO AZTECA

1540

FIRST

12/14/2010

71

EL POLLO REGIO

1440

WALNUT

12/13/2010

83

EL RIO GRANDE SUPERMARKET

3460

WALNUT

12/14/2010

72

EL SABROSO TAQUERIA

3701

WALNUT

12/15/2010

69

GOLDEN MEADOW ELEMENTARY

1726

TRAVIS

12/16/2010

98

GOLDMINE FAMILY RESTAURANT II

3347

BELTLINE

12/16/2010

66

JACK IN THE BOX #785 (7049)

1001

CENTERVILLE

12/17/2010

90

JACKSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

1310

BOBBIE

12/15/2010

99

JJ WOK

2613

FOREST

12/17/2010

90

JOLLY CHEF #5011 (6124)

2203

PROGRESSIVE

12/13/2010

82

KWIK-WAY FOOD STORE

1901

GARLAND

12/17/2010

96

LA MICHOACANA

2114

KINGSLEY

12/13/2010

71

LA RANCHERA SUPERMARKET #4- TAQUERIA

3160

SATURN

12/14/2010

87

LA SUPER PALETERIA

3325

WALNUT

12/14/2010

88

LEE'S SANDWICHES

3212

JUPITER

12/17/2010

69

MASTERGRILL

310

CONEFLOWER

12/16/2010

75

MCDONALD'S

3310

LAVON

12/13/2010

93

MILLER FINA

1330

MILLER

12/15/2010

89

MOTHERLAND FOOD MARKET

1311

PLAZA

12/14/2010

81

NAM HUA VIETNAMESE CUISINE INC.

3112

JUPITER

12/16/2010

58

NEW TRUONG NGUYEN INC.

3727

MARQUIS

12/16/2010

92

PIZZA PATRON

3419

WALNUT

12/14/2010

86

QUOC BAO BAKERY

3419

WALNUT

12/14/2010

82

RACETRAC #437

2018

NORTHWEST

12/16/2010

89

SHOREHAVEN ELEMENTARY

600

SHOREHAVEN

12/15/2010

98

SMOOTHIE KING

5129

GARLAND

12/13/2010

90

SONIC (6949)

625

TOWN SQUARE

12/17/2010

90

SUBWAY (6661)

5255

GEORGE BUSH

12/17/2010

87

SUZI'S TIME OUT DELI

1117

JUPITER

12/16/2010

94

SWEET BAKERY, INC.

3212

JUPITER

12/13/2010

70

TACO BELL

105

MAIN

12/17/2010

86

TEXAN DONUTS (7080)

1913

JUPITER

12/16/2010

68

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

5012

GEORGE BUSH

12/16/2010

79

THE ALEXANDER MANSION

333

AVENUE D

12/17/2010

93

UNITED CATERERS #2029

502

IDLEWILD

12/16/2010

91

WAL-MART SUPERCENTER #1055

5302

GARLAND

12/15/2010

94

 

 

 

 

93

 

 

 

 

89

WENDY'S

3232

LAVON

12/13/2010

87

WINGSTOP

1251

NORTHWEST

12/14/2010

93

YEMBOL AFRICAN RESTAURANT

1250

NORTHWEST

12/13/2010

83

 

Health department inspections: Dec. 6-10
Cindy Mooney, Garland Health Department | December 13, 2010

Each week the city of Garland Health Department conducts inspections of establishments where food is served.  Inspections include day care centers, retirement homes, school cafeterias, restaurants - fast food and dine-in, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

A failing grade includes anything below 60.  Any establishment scoring less than 70 is deemed "high risk" and inspection frequency of that establishment is increased.  Mandatory closure is imposed on establishments scoring below 50.  There was one closure this reporting period.

FACILITY NAME

STREET NUMBER

STREET NAME

ACTIVITY DATE

 

SCORE

BROOKLYNS OLD NEIGH. STYLE PIZZERIA

310

TOWN CENTER

12/9/2010

86

BUDDY'S BURGER JOINT

2334

BUCKINGHAM

12/6/2010

87

BURGER ISLAND

1250

NORTHWEST

12/8/2010

79

BURGER LAND

3035

SHILOH

12/8/2010

65

BUSSEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

1204

TRAVIS

12/6/2010

92

CARNICERIA Y TAQUERIA LA PRIMERIA

119

KINGSLEY

12/8/2010

77

CHICK-FIL-A

5425

GEORGE BUSH

12/6/2010

93

CHINA CAFÉ

906

INTERSTATE 30

12/7/2010

90

CHINA STAR

2425

WALNUT

12/9/2010

82

CHUCK E. CHEESE (6979)

4992

GEORGE BUSH

12/9/2010

78

CRISPY CHICKEN & RICE

2930

FIRST

12/6/2010

80

DOMINO'S PIZZA (5290)

4413

WALNUT

12/7/2010

81

DOS BANDERAS TEX-MEX CUISINE (7151)

614

MAIN

12/8/2010

82

DUNKIN DONUTS

803

CENTERVILLE

12/8/2010

88

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS

4430

LAVON

12/9/2010

94

EL CHILE

1201

MILLER

12/8/2010

81

FAMILY DONUTS

833

MILLER

12/9/2010

92

FIREWHEEL MART

685

TOWN SQUARE

12/6/2010

93

FOREST CORNER CONOCO (6967)

4555

FOREST

12/9/2010

85

FRUTILANDIA/WATER INC.

1402

NORTHWEST

12/9/2010

84

GARLAND GRILL

3421

KINGSLEY

12/8/2010

77

GAURI BHIMANI DELI

1935

JUPITER

12/9/2010

76

GLORIA'S RESTAURANT

360

CONEFLOWER

12/8/2010

82

HIEP THAI FOOD STORE

3347

WALNUT

12/7/2010

46

HILLARY'S SWEET TEMPTATIONS

2677

FOREST

12/6/2010

93

HOANG YEN

3212

JUPITER

12/7/2010

64

J & B CONVENIENCE

2418

JUPITER

12/7/2010

86

 

 

 

 

64

KIDS KINGDOM

4417

ROSEHILL

12/8/2010

90

LA MICHOACANA #34

6535

DUCK CREEK

12/6/2010

80

LA PALOMA RESTAURANT

3545

WALNUT

12/9/2010

73

LAKE CITIES MONTESSORI SCHOOL

1935

CENTERVILLE

12/7/2010

76

LUCKY CHINA

1102

NORTHWEST

12/9/2010

79

MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY

5345

GARLAND

12/6/2010

72

MARISCOS DEL GOLFO

1444

CASTLE

12/9/2010

87

MARISCOS LA ESTRELLA

1815

FIRST

12/9/2010

64

MARKET LATINA RESTAURANT

3050

FIRST

12/6/2010

83

MIEN TAY RESTAURANT

4413

WALNUT

12/9/2010

71

NGOC SUONG RESTAURANT

3347

WALNUT

12/9/2010

70

OLD TOWN STORE

509

AVENUE D

12/8/2010

96

OLD TOWN STORE – DELI

509

AVENUE D

12/8/2010

91

ONE STOP SHOP

730

WALNUT

12/8/2010

67

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

4902

HIGHWAY 190

12/6/2010

83

PANADERIA GUATEMALTECA LA MEJOR

1840

FIRST

12/6/2010

68

PEARL C ANDERSON CHILDCARE GROUP

625

AVENUE B

12/7/2010

100

PIZZA PATRON

2930

FIRST

12/6/2010

92

PUPUSAS MAMA TITA

618

JUPITER

12/8/2010

82

SAIGON ASIAN SUPERMARKET, LLC

3212

JUPITER

12/9/2010

65

SALI'S PIZZA & PASTA

1238

BELTLINE

12/8/2010

87

SHOP N GO #8

1815

FIRST

12/6/2010

62

SONIC DRIVE IN

313

CASTLE

12/9/2010

71

T.G.I. FRIDAY'S

220

CONEFLOWER

12/8/2010

82

TACO BELL

1050

NORTHWEST

12/9/2010

91

TAQUERIA EL SABROSO

3426

KINGSLEY

12/8/2010

76

TORTAS Y TACOS EL TORITO

5150

DUCK CREEK

12/7/2010

76

VIET TOFU

3555

WALNUT

12/7/2010

67

WAFFLE HOUSE

3109

JUPITER

12/6/2010

70

WAL MART SUPER CENTER

1801

MARKET PLACE

12/9/2010

98

 

 

 

 

96

WENDY'S

5235

GARLAND

12/6/2010

86

WHATABURGER #762

2545

NORTHEAST

12/9/2010

80

 

 

Health department inspections: Nov. 29 - Dec. 3
Cindy Mooney, Garland Health Department | December 6, 2010

Each week the city of Garland Health Department conducts inspections of establishments where food is served.  Inspections include day care centers, retirement homes, school cafeterias, restaurants - fast food and dine-in, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

A failing grade includes anything below 60.  Any establishment scoring less than 70 is deemed "high risk" and inspection frequency of that establishment is increased.  Mandatory closure is imposed on establishments scoring below 50.  There was one closure this reporting period.
 

FACILITY NAME

STREET NUMBER

STREET NAME

ACTIVITY DATE
 

SCORE

7 MARES OSTIONERIA

3317

WALNUT

11/29/2010

80

AMELIA'S TORTILLERIA

150

KINGSLEY

12/3/2010

92

AZTEC TORTILLAS

4119

FOREST

12/2/2010

71

BANH MI #1

3212

JUPITER

11/30/2010

71

BEST WESTERN - LAKEVIEW INN

1635

INTERSTATE 30

11/29/2010

89

BURGER KING #5020

106

FIRST

11/29/2010

95

CALAVO GROWERS INC.

2600

MCCREE

11/29/2010

97

CAROLINA LOGISTICS SERVICES, LLC

2745

MILLER PARK

11/30/2010

97

CASTLEGLEN PRIVATE SCHOOL

602

CASTLEGLEN

12/1/2010

87

CICI'S PIZZA (7147)

4441

BASS PRO

11/29/2010

91

COUNTRY CLUB BINGO

1416

CASTLE

11/29/2010

93

DALLAS OMNI CARE

2222

DEER MEADOW

11/29/2010

80

DE NHAT KHO BO

3212

JUPITER

12/3/2010

90

DONG HAI CHINESE RESTAURANT

3575

WALNUT

12/2/2010

72

DONUT PLAZA

1745

COUNTRY CLUB

11/29/2010

85

E & S GROCERY & BAKERY

420

PLANO

11/29/2010

79

FIESTA MART

2940

FIRST

11/30/2010

81

 

 

 

 

80

GRANPA'S BARNYARD SCHOOL

1521

ROWLETT

12/2/2010

96

HIGHWAY PETROLEUM, INC.

2002

HIGHWAY 66

11/30/2010

97

 

 

 

 

95

HONEY DONUT

1949

CENTERVILLE

11/29/2010

90

IHOP #1404

1313

CENTERVILLE

11/30/2010

90

LITTLE CAESARS (7024)

1835

GARLAND

11/30/2010

88

LONE STAR LEGENDS

1146

BELTLINE

11/29/2010

65

MCDONALD'S

1404

WALNUT

11/29/2010

93

MI COCINA HONDURENA

220

KINGSLEY

11/29/2010

71

MING'S KITCHEN

1929

FIRST

11/30/2010

83

NGU BINH RESTAURANT

3465

WALNUT

11/29/2010

72

ON THE BORDER MEXICAN CAFE

1350

NORTHWEST

11/30/2010

84

ONE STOP FOOD STORE

1949

CENTERVILLE

11/29/2010

93

PHO BANG RESTAURANT

3565

WALNUT

11/30/2010

54

PHO CA DAO NOODLE & GRILL (6943)

4545

WALNUT

12/2/2010

67

QUALITY MART

1751

COUNTRY CLUB

11/30/2010

91

S & T FOOD STORE (6991)

3845

GARLAND

12/2/2010

88

SATTAR'S FINA

1036

COUNTRY CLUB

11/30/2010

89

STARBUCK'S

2535

FIREWHEEL

11/29/2010

95

TACO EXPRESS

3080

JUPITER

11/30/2010

44

TETCO #673

3310

LAVON

11/29/2010

97

TIENDA GUANACO

1718

FIRST

12/3/2010

85

TOM THUMB #2561

925

NORTHWEST

12/3/2010

90

 

 

 

 

62

UNITED CATERERS, INC #37P-TL9

502

IDLEWILD

11/29/2010

70

WENDY'S

2319

WALNUT

11/30/2010

85

 

 

Skip the financial stress this holiday season

Kim Everett | November 28, 2010

One of the biggest causes of holiday stress for most people is money, or more to the point, the lack of money.  Everyone wants to get the perfect gifts for their loved ones, but spending during the holiday season has ballooned out of control for many families.  In some cases, the meaning of the holiday season has become overshadowed by the value of the gifts they give or receive.

Now more than ever, in this difficult economic climate, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it.  The added stress of creating bills that must be paid after the holiday season can be lessened or avoided by following these tips:

  • Set a gift budget.
  • Prepare a list in advance of the people you will buy gifts for, and decide how your budget will be distributed among those on the list.
  • To stay within your budget, make an envelope for each person on your gift list and insert the money for that person’s gifts.  When the money in the envelope is gone, you’re finished shopping for that person.
  • Buy items on sale.  Take time to search through clearance bins.
  • Do not wait until the last minute to buy gifts.  The temptation to overspend just to finish the shopping increases as Christmas nears.  If possible, spread gift purchases throughout the year to avoid having to come up with a large sum of money at one time.
  • Research prices offered by several different retailers, especially on high-ticket items.  Take advantage of the price matching programs that many retailers offer. 
  • Watch for on-line discounts as well as free shipping offers from on-line merchants.  Internet shopping can be especially helpful for those with little or no time for shopping.
  • Be creative.  Homemade items such as baked goods are appreciated, as well as gift certificates offering free leaf raking, babysitting, or errand running.
  • Avoid using credit cards to purchase gifts unless you are certain that you can/will pay the entire balance upon receipt of the bill. 
  • Beware of “buy now, pay later” offers.  Some allow interest to begin accruing immediately.  Read the fine print.
  • Pay attention to retailers’ return policies, and keep all receipts.
  • Just say no to high-pressure sales tactics.
  • Do not be embarrassed to suggest a “no gifts policy” when appropriate.  This could be helpful for everyone involved.
  • It might seem that the concept has been abandoned, but it truly is the thought that counts.

Health department inspections: Nov. 22-26
Cindy Mooney, Garland Health Department | November 29, 2010

Each week the city of Garland Health Department conducts inspections of establishments where food is served.  Inspections include day care centers, retirement homes, school cafeterias, restaurants - fast food and dine-in, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

A failing grade includes anything below 60.  Any establishment scoring less than 70 is deemed "high risk" and inspection frequency of that establishment is increased.  Mandatory closure is imposed on establishments scoring below 50.

FACILITY NAME

STREET NUMBER

STREET
NAME

ACTIVITY DATE

 

SCORE

ALBERTSON'S

3046

LAVON

11/22/2010

85

ALPHA CHARTER SCHOOLS

1213

AVENUE A

11/22/2010

96

BOBA CAFE

3347

WALNUT

11/22/2010

82

DEL NORTE BAKERY

813

CASTLE

11/23/2010

70

HOLLY SEAFOOD INC.

3513

MILLER

11/22/2010

84

HUBBARD'S CUBBARD

901

MAIN

11/22/2010

86

ICEY

337

CONEFLOWER

11/22/2010

88

JACK IN THE BOX #711 (7048)

335

GARLAND

11/22/2010

77

MR. J'S FOOD STORE

906

HIGHWAY 66

11/23/2010

90

RACETRAC #560

2646

JUPITER

11/22/2010

86

STOP N GO #2171

829

MILLER

11/22/2010

59

SUPER EGG ROLL

2024

BUCKINGHAM

11/22/2010

78

VETONI ON MAIN

620

MAIN

11/22/2010

80

 

Join the Stop Diabetes movement

Kim Everett | November 26, 2010

November is American Diabetes Month and a perfect time to raise awareness about the seriousness of diabetes.  It is a condition in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy, and there are three types of the disease.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and is most often diagnosed in adults.  Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed in children and young adults.  Gestational diabetes appears during pregnancy and puts women at higher risk for type 2 diabetes later in life.

According to the American Diabetes Association, 23.6 million Americans have diabetes, which includes 5.7 million who are not aware that they have it. 57 million more are in the pre-diabetes stage.

It’s a disease with serious consequences, so the ADA has instituted the Stop Diabetes movement to encourage everyone to get involved. 

This disease takes a serious toll on the health of those who live with it.  Some of the more common conditions caused by diabetes are nerve damage and slowed digestion, along with the risk of amputation and blindness.  It is also the leading cause of kidney failure, and the risk for stroke and death form heart disease is two to four times higher among people with diabetes.

It is estimated that the national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $174 billion and $1 out of every $5 in total healthcare costs goes to care for someone with diabetes.

The ADA offers the following advice for people living with diabetes:

  • Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
  • Have cholesterol checked regularly and take measures to keep numbers in recommended range.
  • Work with a dietician to customize a meal plan for your requirements.
  • Choose a variety of foods, low in fat, and learn how to count carbs.
  • Lose weight if needed.
  • Exercise – be more active during the day and work up to walking at least 30 minutes most days.
  • Get help to quit smoking.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider about reducing your risk for heart disease and stroke.
  • Take prescribed medicines regularly.

 You are at risk if:

  • You are overweight.
  • You have a parent, brother, or sister who has diabetes.
  • You are African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
  • You had a baby weighing more than nine pounds or had gestational diabetes.
  • You have high blood pressure.
  • You have low HDL – good cholesterol.
  • You have high triglycerides.
     

 897,000 individuals have joined the Stop Diabetes movement, and the ADA hopes to have one million

supporters by the end of this year.  Visit www.stopdiabetes.com for more information.

Information source:  www.stopdiabetes.com

 

Holiday season brings grief issues for some

Kim Everett | November 22, 2010

The holiday season is a time filled with joy and celebration for most, but there are also those that experience sadness and loneliness.  Anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one understands this sorrow and how the loneliness can be overwhelming when a loved one with who past holidays were shared has passed away. 

Memories of the death often return to the surface during the holidays.  In addition, the loss of comfort and sense of togetherness that was shared with the loved one can cause the survivor to isolate him-/herself.  They fear that others will not understand their grief, especially if the loss was suffered long ago.  There can be embarrassment, with thoughts like, “What’s wrong with me?  It’s been a long time, and I should be over it by now.”  The first holiday after a loss is usually more difficult, but subsequent years can also be hard.

Feelings of fear, sadness, and apprehension typically begin two or three weeks before the holidays, but there are a few things that those experiencing difficulty can do:

  • Stick to a regular routine and include plenty of sleep and regular meals.
  • Make plans in advance, but be careful not to overbook.
  • Prepare a list in advance of things that might help if/when feelings of sadness come.  Call a friend, see a funny movie, go to a grief support meeting, go to church, pray, meditate, or take a walk.
  • Let friends know in advance that their support might be needed.
  • Do not deny the grief, but not do allow it to become all-consuming.

There are also things that friends and family can do:

  • Let them know they are not alone – be there for them.
  • Understand that grief cannot be “fixed.”
  • Drop in for visits and/or call them regularly.
  • Take them out to lunch/dinner, shopping, or to a movie.
  • If the loss has left them alone in their home, invite them to spend time with your family.  Stress that they are welcome and that they would not be intruding, but understand if they decline.
  • Become educated on the subject of grief and loss so that you can help effectively.

There are signs that indicate when a typical amount of grief has escalated to a level that requires attention.  If these symptoms occur, help the person by taking them to their doctor, counselor, or grief support meeting:

  • The grief has become all-consuming.
  • Daily needs such as sleep, meals, and showers are not being met.
  • They are unable to accomplish simple tasks.

In addition to the rest of the difficulties, guilt is often involved.  People think things such as, “It’s not right to be having fun and laughing when my loved one is not here with me.”  This is a typical reaction, but they must be encouraged to understand that accepting that the loved one is no longer here and that going on with life does not mean that they are not validating the loved one’s existence.  It simply means that they have reached a point of acceptance, which is a good thing.

Enjoy a happy and safe holiday season

Kim Everett | November 20, 2010

As we gear up for the holidays, there are many safety issues to consider.  Have a happy holiday season, and don’t be the victim of a holiday accident or crime.  Follow these tips to enjoy a safe holiday season:

Fire Safety

  • Check all light strands to be sure that the plastic insulation is intact.
  • Use surge protectors instead of extension cords, and do not overload electrical outlets.
  • Leave at least 36” of space all the way around space heaters.  Replace any heater over 15 years old with one that has the UL symbol (Underwriters Laboratory).  Be mindful of pets around heaters.
  • Be certain that the batteries in smoke alarms are good.  Do not take batteries out of smoke alarms for new toys.
  • A well-watered live tree in a stand that holds 2-3 gallons of water is safer than an artificial tree.  However, a dry live tree can engulf a room in flames in 30 seconds.  Check water level in the stand at least twice per week.
  • Do not leave candles unattended.
  • Do not try to extinguish grease fires with water.  This can cause serious burns and will not put out the fire.  Have a lid that fits the pan ready to be put in place if grease ignites. 
  • Place turkey fryers at least 10 feet away from buildings.  Check propane tank hoses before use.
  • When frying turkeys, determine the correct amount of oil by placing the frozen turkey in the fryer and covering it with water.  Remove it, and mark the water level.  This is the correct level for oil.  Follow manufacturer’s instructions when using fryers, and have lid for the fryer nearby as it can be placed on top to cut off oxygen to the fire if one should start.
  • Keep a charged size 3A40BC multi-dry chemical fire extinguisher in the home. Use the PASS method when using fire extinguishers – Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.


Home and Personal Safety
 

  • Be aware of your surroundings when coming and going from car during shopping trips.
  • When possible, shop in pairs or groups.
  • Pepper spray can be an effective self-defense tool.  In addition, holding keys with one finger through the key ring allows keys to be used as a weapon against attackers.
  • Put all items in car trunk or somewhere out of the view of passersby.  Keep vehicle doors locked at all times.
  • Be a good neighbor.  Know when people should be coming and going from neighbors’ homes and call police if suspicious activity is observed.
     

Pet Safety
 

  • Keep poisonous flowers/plants such as poinsettias, lilies, and mistletoe berries out of pets’ reach.
  • Keep Christmas tree water stand covered.  Pinesap mixed with water can be poisonous to pets.  Preservatives such as aspirin or chemicals added to the water can also be poisonous.
  • Ensure that no ornaments, hooks, tinsel, ribbon are within the reach of pets.  These can cause serious internal injury or choking.  Pine needles can be hazardous as well.
  • Pieces of aluminum foil used to cover food and other food/candy wrappers smell like food and are attractive to pets.  Keep them out of reach, and keep garbage can covered.
  • The water in snow globes can contain antifreeze, which is poisonous to pets.
  • Secure trees to wall or ceiling hook with fishing line to prevent it from being pulled over by pets.
  • Cover or tape down electrical cords to keep pets from chewing on them.
  • Many food items can be harmful to pets. For example, chocolate is toxic, and chicken/turkey bones are a choking hazard.  Rich, fatty foods and alcohol are also harmful to animals.
  • Keep candles on high shelves and use a fireplace screen to avoid burns.

There is no way to anticipate all safety hazards, and this list only includes some of the most common ones.  Be on the lookout for potential hazards and have a great holiday season!

Health department inspections: Nov. 15-19
Cindy Mooney, Garland Health Department | November 22, 2010

Each week the city of Garland Health Department conducts inspections of establishments where food is served.  Inspections include day care centers, retirement homes, school cafeterias, restaurants - fast food and dine-in, convenience stores, and grocery stores.

A failing grade includes anything below 60.  Any establishment scoring less than 70 is deemed "high risk" and inspection frequency of that establishment is increased.  Mandatory closure is imposed on establishments scoring below 50. There was one closure during this reporting period.

FACILITY
NAME

STREET NUMBER

STREET
NAME

ACTIVITY DATE

 

SCORE

AMERICAN CHINESE NATURAL HERBS

2205

EXECUTIVE

11/16/2010

66

APPLE TREE SCHOOL HOUSE

2814

LAVON

11/15/2010

92

AUNTIE ANNE'S

295

CEDAR SAGE

11/17/2010

98

BAHAMA BEACH CLUB

5961

MARINA

11/15/2010

63

BEAVER ELEMENTARY

3232

MARCH

11/15/2010

97

BEEF JERKY OUTLET

4441

BASS PRO

11/17/2010

95

BENNY'S MART INC.

5249

BROADWAY

11/17/2010

92

BLUE IVEY SCHOOL

2101

FIREWHEEL

11/17/2010

96

BOBTOWN PITSTOP MOBIL

501

INTERSTATE 30

11/15/2010

85

BURGER KING

522

PLANO

11/15/2010

91

CHAO VIT THANH DA

3212

JUPITER

11/17/2010

63

CHILDTIME LEARNING CENTER

985

BRAND

11/15/2010

93

CIRCLE A BEERS & WINES

4306

SATURN

11/15/2010

86

CUQUITA'S RESTAURANT

1957

NORTHWEST

11/17/2010

83

DAIRY QUEEN

1926

FIRST

11/19/2010

84

DISCOUNT CONVENIENCE STORE

1546

ROWLETT

11/15/2010

85

ERNESTO'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT

1202

NORTHWEST

11/16/2010

86

FIREWHEEL MONTESSORI ACADEMY

1951

PLEASANT VALLEY

11/19/2010

94

FLYING FISH

4430

LAVON

11/15/2010

85

FUJI BUFFET

1480

BUCKINGHAM

11/15/2010

47

G & G FOOD MART

1432

BUCKINGHAM

11/15/2010

82

GRANDY'S (7102)

145

GARLAND

11/17/2010

83

HYATT PLACE - GARLAND

5101

GEORGE BUSH

11/15/2010

79

I LOVE DONUTS

2907

BELTLINE

11/16/2010

91

JAMAL'S GAS & MORE

738

CENTERVILLE

11/19/2010

87

LA MEDIA LUNA

3460

WALNUT

11/19/2010

74

LA RANCHERA SUPERMARKET #4- GROCERY

3160

SATURN

11/15/2010

82

OAKHILL DAY SCHOOL

1025

BRAND

11/17/2010

97

ON A RUN (6960)

719

MILLER

11/17/2010

90

PALETERIA LA SUPER #2

3031

FIRST

11/16/2010