Vow to be more cautious and safe in the new year

I always carry a rake or stick in my hand when I go outside in the yard or driveway, in all seasons. Usually I also have a whistle with me. The reason is that, as many suburbanites know, coyotes live in the area. Actually, they feel very at home around my house.

Of course, they are just checking out the bird feeder or looking for unsuspecting squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits or pets. Coyotes are not interested in humans for the most part, unless you are walking a dog. It's the dog that interests them. This is another reason why my cats are strictly indoor cats; they absolutely never go outside. I've taught them to avoid doors, etc.

So this is just a flag to remind us all to be careful, even around the home. Those of us who are bereaved may be a bit careless because we are distracted by grief, and don't always pay attention.

There are lots of cautions we need to take, both men and women, especially as we age. It's well known that household accidents are very common and can be awful.

Of the many safety measures we need to take, we might avoid getting up on ladders to change batteries in smoke alarms, or to clean windows, change light bulbs or get items high on shelves and in cupboards. There are those grabbers on a stick that help reach high places, but we may need help when it comes to ladders. So please be aware.

If you live alone, even more caution is needed. That includes when out in the yard or going for a walk - not just because of coyotes. In case of a fall or other unexpected problem, I personally carry my cellphone or have it close by at all times, both inside or out. Even filling the bird feeder may be risky because it's so high. One can call for help if needed.

And now winter comes. Ice and snow in the driveway and yard. Ice on the way to the mailbox. Ice underfoot when putting out the garbage. So we must beware.

This advice is not just for the older among us. Years ago, I tripped over a basket and broke my wrist right here in my own home. We were just looking out a window at the birds when I backed up and went flying. Luckily my dear Baheej was here and got me to the emergency room, and then up to Mayo Clinic where my wrist was rebuilt. A titanium plate, some artificial bone and several screws later, I have a normal right wrist. Yet if I'd been alone, it would have been a bigger disaster because I also hurt my back and couldn't even get up off the floor. The medics had to move me on a stretcher.

So those TV adds are not far-fetched, they are true! And that's why I keep my cellphone close at hand at all times.

So the point is: I'm not a scaredy-cat. I'm not afraid to live a regular life since Baheej passed away, but I am cautious. And that includes the dreaded coronavirus. There are so many actions we can take to help ourselves be safer.

As we start a new year, a good New Year's resolution is to be a bit more careful and aware. I think that will be my New Year's resolution, for myself and others. This will be better than the usual ones about exercise and losing weight and always doing healthful eating. And easier to do!

Happy New Year to all!

• Susan Anderson-Khleif of Sleepy Hollow has a doctorate in family sociology from Harvard, taught at Wellesley College and is a retired Motorola executive. Contact her at sakhleif@comcast.net or see her blog longtermgrief.tumblr.com. See previous columns at www.dailyherald.com/topics/Anderson-Kleif-Susan.