The time change this weekend highlights a few health and safety concerns for Mansfield residents.
Daylight saving time begins March 8 when clocks spring forward from 1:59 a.m. to 3 a.m.; time will revert back Nov. 1.
The jump in time provides an opportunity to consider cardiovascular health and home safety, as Julie Chaya, health commissioner of Richland Public Health, reminds everyone each spring.
Ohioans who want to prevent grogginess and health risks can get an early start on the time change by going to bed and getting up a few minutes sooner every day this week.
“Especially if you’re somebody that thrives on routine,” Chaya says. “That’s a great way for you to get into that new pattern. And not only for you, but also for kids and pets.”
Adjusting to the new routine improves health
The American Heart Association references a study that indicates heart attacks rise by as much as 24% and strokes by 8% after the time change each spring.
Researchers believe those cardiovascular conditions are caused by the stress of reduced sleep.
“The sooner you can start getting everybody in your family in the rhythm of things and into the new pattern, the better,” Chaya said.
Eating healthy meals while avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar will allow the body to drift toward sleep easier in the wake of the time change.
Exercise, especially earlier in the day, will energize the body throughout the day and allow it to prepare for restful sleep in the evening.
Limiting technology use after dark and using blue-light blockers in the evening will keep light from stimulating the brain when it should instead be preparing for sleep.
Batteries, air filters and more need attention with time change
Smoke detectors, flashlight batteries and air filters throughout the home should also be replaced every time change.
Fire alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home including the basement, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Not only should the batteries in a smoke detector be changed twice every year, but the alarms should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years.
Making a list of time-change tasks will help ensure everything important gets done, according to AARP.
“Check and replace batteries in each of your home’s digital thermostats and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as any emergency weather radios and battery-powered lanterns or flashlights that may be part of your home emergency preparedness kit,” AARP noted.
Filters throughout the home are easy to forget, so the time change is a good chance to examine them. A typical HVAC air filter should be replaced at least every 90 days — if it’s dirty with dust or hair, change it. Refrigerator and water-line filters can also be changed with the clocks twice each year.
Other chores this weekend might not save a life, but they will improve its quality.
The interest group suggests everyone rotate their mattress every time the clocks spring forward or fall back.
“Rotating your mattress can extend its life by reducing wear and tear on a single side,” AARP noted. “You may even sleep more comfortably, particularly if you switch to a side with little-to-no wear that can offer better neck and back support.”
This weekend is even a good time to examine car tires, restock medicine cabinets and organize the spice rack.
ztuggle@gannett.com
419-564-3508
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Time change puts health and safety into focus for Mansfield residents
Reporting by Zach Tuggle, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
