Practicing Phone Etiquette NATIONAL CELLPHONE COURTESY MONTH
especially if you know the conversation might get heated. When you take a call, it’s good practice to leave some space between you and others. You don’t want to distract anyone with raised voices or gestures while you’re on your call.
STOP CHECKING
Silencing your phone during dinner, a party, or quality time with family is the polite thing to do. During National Cellphone Courtesy Month, it’s a good idea to reexamine cellphone etiquette and discover a few ways you can be more courteous to others.
POLITELY EXCUSE YOURSELF
Don’t continuously glance at your phone during meetings, dinner dates, or any time you’re with others. This action shows your disinterest in what they’re saying and in what’s going on around you. Keeping your phone in your back pocket, in your purse, at your desk, or in your car will help you focus on what’s in front of you.
If you must take a call, answer a text, or send an email, be sure to excuse yourself to the people around you and check your phone in a more private area. Simply saying, “I’m sorry, but I need to take this. I’ll be back in a few minutes,” gives everyone a sense of what’s going on while remaining respectful.
KEEP IT QUIET
Whenever you find yourself in a place of worship, talking with others, or enjoying an event, silencing your cellphone is the most courteous thing you can do. A phone that is frequently ringing can be distracting for you and those around you. If you’re expecting an important call you don’t want to miss, turn on vibrate mode.
PRACTICE SELF-AWARENESS
By following these four tips, you’ll be prepared for the next time you’re on a date, in a business meeting, or watching a movie in a sold-out theater.
If you receive a call while in public, be aware of the volume of your phone and voice. Move yourself to a less crowded area to speak freely,
KEEP THE ‘EYE’ IN INDEPENDENCE Preventing Eye Injuries From Fireworks This Fourth of July
EYE INJURY RESPONSE
In the grand tradition laid down by John Adams at the birth of our nation, firework stands flood cities across the United States with just about everything that pops, whizzes, and explodes. Unfortunately, thousands of Americans, wanting to demonstrate their patriotism in the best way they know how, end up injuring their eyes, or the eyes of their friends by neglecting proper safety while enjoying fireworks. Don’t let your pride in America lead to preventable eye injuries. They may not look as cool as your sunglasses, but you should always wear safety glasses when lighting off fireworks. If you’re in charge of entertaining the kids, the last thing you want to do is give those little balls of energy something that is literally on fire. Make sure the fireworks stay out of their tiny hands — and their eyes. Reading might not be your activity of choice on your days off, but spare some time to read the fireworks safety instructions. Finally, keep your distance (about 20 feet), and keep some water close at hand before igniting. EYE INJURY PREVENTION
Even on our best days, mistakes can happen. A stray trail of sparks or a stray rocket is all it takes to take the “eye” out of independence. The first thing you should do in response to an eye injury is call 911. While they’re on their way, tape the bottom of a Styrofoam cup over the injured eye to protect it from further damage. Since you or your friend now have an eyepatch, maybe sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” like a pirate while you continue to wait — but that’s optional. It’s important that you don’t rub or apply pressure to the eye. If there’s something stuck in there, don’t try to take it out. Get treatment immediately, and leave it to the professionals. Don’t let your American pride land you in the hospital on the Fourth of July. By all means, break out that American flag tank top, grill some burgers, and rock out to Don McLean’s “American Pie.” But when it comes to fireworks, make sure you play it safe.
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