Week of Wednesday, August 9, 2023 ■ Page 4
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It’s hot! Cool ways for seniors to stay active in the summer Much of the U.S. is experiencing higher than normal temperatures. High temperatures combined with high humidity often result in a high Heat Index, which describes how the conditions feel to the human body, usually higher than the actual temperature outside. While Floridians may be used to summer heat, seniors, whose bodies aren’t able to cool as easily as they once were, are more likely to overheat. Skin changes, poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands can happen with aging, making seniors more subject to hyperthermia, including heat stroke, heat edema, heat syncope, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Other factors can make heat worse for older adults, including heart, lung and kidney diseases, salt-restricted diets, certain prescribed medications and being over or underweight. Heat stroke happens when the body is overwhelmed and unable to control its temperatures. Someone with a body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit is likely suffering from heat stroke, with symptoms of fainting, changes in behavior (confusion, combativeness, staggering and delirium), a rapid pulse, lack of sweating and dry, flushed skin. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911. Urge the person to lie down in a shady, air-conditioned or other cool place. Offer cool fluids such as water and fruit juice, but not alcohol or caffeine, which can make the condition worse. Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists, necks, armpits and groin, where blood passes close to skin to help cool the blood. While there are risks for older adults, hot weather does not necessarily mean that active seniors must remain inside in air condition-
Previous Web Poll Question: Is it once again time for islanders to be considering incorporation? ■ Yes. 68% ■ No, not right now 10% ■ Never. 21% ■ Other. 1%
Current Web Poll Question: Are you in favor of building height restriction changes for Pine Island and Matlacha? ■ Yes. ■ No. ■ I have no opinion. ■ Other. Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle.com
ing. There are several ways to done indoors, like walking at stay active, even when temperthe mall, the gym or an indoor atures are high. track, exploring a museum or According to the Physical library or using a stationary Activity Guidelines for bike. Americans, older adults need Be sure to stay hydrated to about 150 minutes of moderate avoid overheating and wear aerobic exercise a week, or sunscreen. The American about five days per week for Academy of Dermatology recabout 30 minutes a day. The ommends Water-resistant sunright kind of exercise helps senscreen with SPF 30 or higher iors feel stronger and more conthat protects against UVA and fident and offers an abundance UVB rays. of mental health and health Summer heat also offers Ann Walsh benefits. opportunities to try something The most important thing is new, like yoga, which is a fanto listen to your body. If you tastic way to build muscle, flexdon’t feel right as you exercise, ibility and balance, with many stop immediately. Staying programs geared to seniors. active also means understandYoga is available in studios or ing the risks of being active in the heat. In the at home through exercise apps or online summer, it’s often beneficial to break exer- videos. Tai Chi can improve balance, muscle cise into smaller time periods, like three 10- strength and flexibility, offering benefits for minute walks. Take extra breaks and avoid the mind and body. Dancing provides activibeing outdoors alone, in case of overheating. ty and social interaction. For any summer outdoor activity, don’t Summertime means pool time and great underestimate the impact of clothing. Darker exercise through swimming and water aerocolors and heavier fabrics absorb heat. bics, particularly for people who may strugClothing that is loose and light allows air to gle with balance or joint pain. circulate. Clothes that wick away sweat can While the dog days of summer may help keep you cool, and UV protection cloth- inspire a slower pace, it’s important to keep ing will protect you from the sun’s rays. A moving to maintain strength and balance and broad-brimmed hat will provide shade on keep your mind sharp. However, before makyour face. ing significant changes to your physical For walking, golfing, cycling, gardening, activity, it’s always best to talk to your docfishing, boating and other outdoor activities, tor, who can help advise what activity is right try to get out early in the morning or in the for you based on your health. evening, when it’s usually cooler. The sun is especially strong between 10 a.m. and 4 Ann Walsh is the Regional Vice President p.m., so it’s best to avoid outdoor activities of Operations Healthcare for Volunteers of during these times. Some exercises can be America National Services.
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To the editor: Hunter Biden’s “sweetheart deal” for crimes that would have sent any of us to prison was finally scrutinized by an unbiased Judge and deemed totally inappropriate. The deal was tossed. This may be the beginning of the house of cards falling around and on Joe Biden and his many accomplices over his years of selling his office to the highest bidder using his son as the auctioneer. The potential list of impeachment proceedings grew exponentially on July 26, 2023, when Hunter Biden pleaded “not guilty” to the charges he was supposed to be excused from and able to walk out of court as a free criminal. The web of lies, treason and corruption may finally be coming home to roost on the perpetrators and benefactors that have been doing the “rope-a-dope” for decades. “Influence peddling” is illegal and punishable by law, even for the president of the United States. Now, maybe, the public can finally respect and understand why Merrick Garland was not confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice. He’s as corrupt as the Bidens.
It was really laughable when the Biden mouthpiece, Karine Jean-Piere, refused to answer any questions after the plea deal was tossed and said simply, “It’s a private matter” and “we don’t need to comment on it.” Really, a private matter? Biden’s Department of “Justice” wrote the plea agreement for the defense. How many citizens get to go before the judge and have the prosecutor collude with the defense attorney to let them walk out of court with a kiss on the cheek for the crime they are pleading to and all other crimes that may be brought against them for all activities? Not a private matter at all, it’s just more of the same injustice system brought to us by the dictator and thief-in-chief, Joe Biden. Your time is coming Joe,... Max Christian St. James City
Slavery beneficial to slaves? To the editor: My congressman, Byron Donalds, and I don’t agree on much, but we do agree that this section of the new Florida education curriculum needs to change. Donalds was concerned with the section of Florida’s new African
American history standards that said, “How slaves developed skills which in some instances could be applied for their personal benefit.” In a recent press conference, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Black people learned beneficial skills as slaves. “They’re probably going to show that some of the folks that eventually parlayed, you know, being a blacksmith into doing things later in life.” Gov. DeSantis doubled down on those comments, in promoting that slavery was good for the slaves. He said, “You got to choose. Are you going to side with Kamala Harris? In liberal media outlets? Or are you going to side with the State of Florida? Don’t side with Kamala on that. Stand up for your state where there are beneficial aspects to slavery.” Really? This is embarrassing and shameful to think that my state would teach our children that as Ron DeSantis stated, “there are beneficial aspects to slavery.” NO ONE should be in public office who thinks that. I am standing up for my state of Florida when I say, DeSantis needs to resign. Janine Vitray Mohl Cape Coral