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Health and Safety Special Committee
2025-2026
State Health and Safety Committee Chair
Verna Mitchell
State Health and Safety Committee Members
Mary Ann Dolezal, Judy Hart, Debbie Prukop, Carol Rose
The TRTA Health and Safety Special Committee was created by President Marcy Cann and approved by the TRTA Executive Board for 2022-24. This committee will provide some of the information and resources previously promoted by the Healthy Living and Informative and Protective Services State Committees. It is an “opt-in” Committee at the district and local chapter levels.
Districts or local chapters can have a Health and Safety Chair, a Health Chair, a Safety Chair, or none.
The purpose of this special committee is to serve the entire membership of TRTA with health and safety information.
The goals of this committee are to provide monthly health and safety articles; and to promote health and safety programs and special events.
On the first Tuesday of the month, a health article will be posted on the TRTA website. On the third Tuesday of the month, a safety article will be posted on the TRTA website. These articles will include pertinent information for our members and will often include resources and online references. Once an article is replaced, it will become available under the appropriate menu tab. Please see the tabs below. This information is provided for all TRTA members.
Additional information will be provided, primarily for districts and local chapters, including newsletters, a monthly observances planning calendar, program ideas, and special events. Special events will include planning information for health and safety fairs, fitness walks, and other large-scale programs.
In addition to the committee members, advisors will serve in specific roles to assist the committee.
Districts or local chapters can have a Health and Safety Chair, a Health Chair, a Safety Chair, or none.
The purpose of this special committee is to serve the entire membership of TRTA with health and safety information.
The goals of this committee are to provide monthly health and safety articles; and to promote health and safety programs and special events.
On the first Tuesday of the month, a health article will be posted on the TRTA website. On the third Tuesday of the month, a safety article will be posted on the TRTA website. These articles will include pertinent information for our members and will often include resources and online references. Once an article is replaced, it will become available under the appropriate menu tab. Please see the tabs below. This information is provided for all TRTA members.
Additional information will be provided, primarily for districts and local chapters, including newsletters, a monthly observances planning calendar, program ideas, and special events. Special events will include planning information for health and safety fairs, fitness walks, and other large-scale programs.
In addition to the committee members, advisors will serve in specific roles to assist the committee.
Safety Articles
NAVIGATING FALL SAFETY
All safety considers preventing injuries and illnesses during transitional weather.
BE AWARE:
. when walking outside be aware of falling leaves that may be slippery
, of any slippery surfaces
.of changing daylight hours
. of changing temperatures. Check your heating system.
DRIVING SAFETY
. Be cautious of back-to-school traffic: Children are active in school zones.
. Be mindful of daylight changes. Short days mean less visibility.
HOME SAFETY
. Check your heating system: Make sure it’s working safely.
. Prepare for inclement weather: Prepare an emergency kit, including flashlights, batteries, first aid kit
. Practice ladder safety: REFRAIN from using a ladder.
. Be aware of fire hazards: Keep candles and space heaters away from flammable materials and have a working smoke alarm.
REMEMBER :
. Wear reflective clothing when walking at night.
. Keep walkways and stairs free of clutter.
. Add grab bars in bathrooms for extra support.
. Consider using a cane for added stability.
. Inform others of your location when you are working alone.
Health Articles
PREPARE FOR A HEALTHY FALL AND WINTER
PHYSICAL WELLNESS
. Stay Active: Enjoy outdoor activities.
. Eat Seasonally: Eat those fall vegetables and fruits.
. Prioritize Sleep: Create a relaxing bedtime routine.
. Stay Hydrated: Even as the weather cools, drink plenty of water.
. Get your vaccines: Flu, etc.
. Maintain Good Hygiene: Wash your hands often,
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
. Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to handle stress. Practice mindfulness.
. Spend Time With Others: Participate in social activities. Attend your local TRTA meetings.
. Embrace Gratitude: Reflect on things that you are grateful for.
. Schedule Self-Care: Recharge your body.
. Set Boundaries: Protect your time and well-being.
. Show Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself.
. Limit technology Use: Take breaks from screen time.
. Use Aromatherapy: The sense of smell can have a powerful impact on your mood.
REMEMBER TO:
.Get your Wellness Check: Stay on top of your health.
. Enjoy the “season” change: Embrace the opportunity to adapt and grow.
. Spring Clean in the Fall: Declutter to create a more calming and enjoyable space.