Summarize the following:
Many falls on stairs occur as a result of poor visibility. Ensure that all steps in your home are well lit.  Use lighting that makes stairwells visible and does not cause glare or create shadows. Make sure there is a light switch at the top and bottom of each staircase. Night lighting that does not need to be turned on is also a good idea to help prevent falls. Sturdy handrails can help assist with balance and prevent falls.  Make sure you have a handrail on both sides of the staircase. Handrails should begin before the first step and end after the last step. For added safety include a tactile indicator on the handrail to warn when the staircase is coming to an end. Position handrails at elbow height for maximum safety. The suggested height is 35 1/2  to 38 inches for adults. Ensure that handrails are easy to see even at night. You should be able to wrap your entire hand around a handrail for the best grip. Don’t carry things while on the stairs so that your hands are free to grip the railings. It is much more difficult to use stairs that are not uniform or have a bend.  You may find it helpful to read Build Stairs in order to learn how to build stairs that are uniform and structurally sound. It is also important that you update and repair your stairs over time. For example, a floor board may become loose and need replacing, or carpeting may need to be replaced or updated. Be patient when walking up and down stairs. Take each step slowly and watch where you are placing your foot.  It is much easier to trip and fall if you are running or not paying attention. Look at the stairs as you go down them in order to help secure your footing. It may be useful to say the word “step” or count “1, 2, 3, etc.” each time you take a step. This will help you keep your rhythm and remain focused on the task at hand. Falls are more likely to occur if the stairs are slippery (ie polished wood).  Carpeted stairs or stairs that have treads are less likely to be slippery. If stairs are carpeted, check to make sure that the carpeting is evenly distributed and there are no loose edges or elevated flaps which could be a tripping hazard. Depending on the severity of your fear, asking a family member or friend for help navigating a staircase may prove useful.  For many elderly people a fear of stairs is directly related to a fear of falling and suffering an injury. Asking for help can make stairs this much easier and safer. Try walking up and down a staircase multiple times with assistance. It is best to practice in a quiet and private setting so that you do not feel rushed which may trigger anxiety.

summary: Install lighting. Use handrails. Construct even and uniform steps. Walk slowly. Choose non-slippery flooring. Ask for assistance.


Summarize the following:
A few times a week, check your dog’s eyes, nose, and ears for discoloration, discharge, and any other signs of illness. Check its head, neck, stomach, and limbs for any unusual lumps or growths, and feel its belly and ribs to monitor its weight. Listen to its breathing, and notice any wheezing, coughing, or labored breathing. Bring your dog to the vet if you notice any unusual symptoms. If your dog has any known health issues, ask the vet how you should monitor its condition. Take note if your dog seems to be excessively thirsty or stops eating or drinking. Keep track of how frequently it urinates and has bowel movements, and notice any changes in the color or consistency of its stools. Eating, drinking, and potty habits can offer key insight into a pet’s health. For instance, frequent urination and excessive thirst may be early indicators of diabetes, kidney disease, or liver issues. As in humans, senior pets can develop senility, so look for any unusual changes in behavior. Signs can range from increased barking and aggression to incontinence, wandering, and disorientation. You know your dog better than anyone, so give the vet a call if you notice any causes for concern. If necessary, discuss strategies for managing your senior dog’s behavioral changes with the vet. Playing with your pet, sticking to a predictable routine, moderate physical exercise, and providing mentally stimulating toys can help keep it mentally active. The sooner you catch signs of these problems, the sooner you can start making adaptations around your home to help your dog cope. Take your dog to the vet for an evaluation if you notice that your dog:  Bumps into things, has trouble finding treats or toys, or avoids eye contact. A dog with vision problems may also become anxious or clingy.  Has trouble responding to its name or verbal commands. Your dog may also become unresponsive to noises that used to get its attention, like the sound of a favorite toy or your keys jingling. Remember, it’s better to err on the side of caution and consult the vet if you think something’s wrong. The sooner you catch a health problem, the better the chances of successfully managing it.

summary: Perform health checks regularly. Monitor your dog’s eating, drinking, and bathroom habits. Notice signs of mental decline, such as confusion and aggression. Look for signs of vision and hearing loss. Call the vet if you notice any behavioral changes or signs of illness.


Summarize the following:
Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. You can also just right-click Start to open the advanced options menu. Type device manager into Start, then click Device Manager at the top of the Start search results. If you right-clicked Start, click Device Manager in the pop-up menu. Scroll down until you find this heading in the Device Manager window.  The options in the Device Manager window are organized in alphabetical order, so you'll find the "Display adapters" heading in the "D" section. If you see indented options below the "Display adapters" heading, skip the next step. Doing so expands it to show your installed graphics card(s). Your installed graphics card's name will appear under the "Display adapters" heading. If you see more than one name there, it means you have both a built-in graphics card and an installed one. You can look up your graphics card's name online for more specific information about it.
summary: Open Start . Open Device Manager. Find the "Display adapters" heading. Double-click the "Display adapters" heading. Review your graphics card(s).