Audiobooks: Rediscover the pleasure of storytelling

Have you always loved reading but now find it difficult to see the words on the page? Do you find it hard to hold heavy books? Regardless of whether your reading ability has diminished, you can still experience the magic of audiobooks.

What’s an audiobook?

An audiobook is a publication — be it a crime novel, fantasy series or biography — recorded in an audible medium. The reader may be a volunteer, celebrity, professional reader or the book’s author. Your listening experience may be enhanced by the intonations in the reader’s voice or whether the recording includes sound effects.

What does it look like?

The audiobook may be in the form of a digital file or a compact disk. If it’s a digital file, you may need to download it to a device to enjoy it. A simple internet connection may work as well.

How do youw listen to an audiobook?

If the audiobook is on a compact disk, simply insert it directly into an appropriate reader and press play. For a digital file, it may take a few steps to listen online or via an app downloaded to your tablet or smartphone.

Where do you get them?

Digital audiobooks are available on several online platforms, like online libraries or e-reader businesses. You can get compact disks from your local library. A library is a great option if you’re on a tight budget. Whatever format you select, make sure you choose one compatible with your device.

Happy listening!

Air travel tips: flu season

Are you planning to fly during flu season? Here are some helpful tips to avoid contracting or spreading the virus when you take to the skies.

Maintain impeccable hand hygiene. This applies both on and off the plane. Sinks aren’t always accessible. Therefore, keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your carry-on

Best bathroom safety equipment

For the elderly or people with limited mobility, bathrooms are one of the more likely places for a slip-and-fall injury. These falls can result in broken bones and can even be fatal. Consider making your bathroom safer by incorporating some of these features.

• Accessible toilet. An elevated toilet seat can make sitting down much more manageable. Elevated toilet seats are easy to install and sit right on top of your existing one. A comfort-level or rightheight toilet that sits slightly higher than a standard toilet is another alternative.

• Shower seat. This specially designed chair makes showering much safer. It has a back support, and the holes in the material allow water to drain. Look for a model with suction cups on the legs for stability. luggage or purse is a good idea.

• Grab bars. Installing grab bars in the shower and beside the bathtub and toilet improve accessibility and safety, especially for people who use wheelchairs.

• No-slip bathmats.

Avoid borrowing potentially contaminated items. Avoid asking for a pillow or blanket on the plane. Other people with the flu may have used these items. Instead, bring your own pillow, blanket or travel kit.

Stay hydrated. You’re more vulnerable to infection if your nose and throat are dry. Drink water or fruit juice fortified with vitamin C, or chew sugar-free gum to keep your mouth moist.

Be respectful of others. If you’re sick and cannot postpone your trip, take steps to protect other passengers. For example, disinfect your hands often, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (or, better yet, wear a surgical mask) and touch as few surfaces as possible. Depending on where you’re going, you may need to visit a travel health clinic a few weeks before you leave to get the appropriate vaccinations and purchase health insurance. Enjoy your trip!

These mats provide grip on the shower and tub floors and can help prevent falls. You can also use safety treads, which stick onto the floor for added traction.

Most slip-and-fall accidents occur in the home, so visit your local home improvement store to ensure your loved ones are as safe as possible.