Vol. 20, Issue 8
For The Carbon Valley, Mead & Erie—Like us at Facebook.com/CarbonValleyConsumerReport
What are the “Dog Days of Summer” Anyway?
W
ikipedia says the dog days of summer are the hot, sultry days of summer. They were historically the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius, which Greek and Roman astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck. Whew! Now that’s a definition! For many of us growing up, the Dog Days of Summer seemed so very slow. The days felt long and sometimes very boring. How your perspective can change as you age! What were your summer’s like growing up? Do you have a favorite summer memory? A vacation you had with your family; an opportunity to enjoy these Rockies or perhaps a beach somewhere? How many of you longed for the summer to come to Colorado this winter and now as we head into August, it seems so fleeting! As the temperatures rise in the summer, there are some important selfcare items that older adults need to focus on. Seniors in particular may be at higher risk of heat-related illnesses as they are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. Additionally, as we grow older, our bodies become less efficient at regulating body temperature. Certain health conditions and medications can also make it more difficult for the body to regulate its temperature or to perspire While a simple rise in temperature may not seem like a health threat, according to the National Weather Service, heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related death in the United States, causing hundreds of fatalities each year. Fortunately, there are several things we can do to stay safe and cool, even in the midst of summer’s hottest days.
Stay hydrated Just as our sensitivity to heat dulls as we age, so does our awareness of thirst. This, along with our body’s ability to conserve water as we grow older, puts seniors at a greater risk of dehydration. Summer heat adds to the risk, because on hot days, the body loses water more quickly. Here are some tips for staying hydrated this summer. • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to take in fluids. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. • Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these can cause the body to lose even more fluid. • Drink herbal ice teas. • Summer is a great time to eat lots of fresh fruit which is a wonderful source of fluids – not everything has to be water. • Add fresh lemon or lime to your water to add a little flavor.
• Use water to dilute fruit juices, making them last longer and increasing your fluid intake. • Get creative! Make “mock-tails,” like non-alcoholic daiquiris and pina coladas. • If you are on a fluid-restricted diet, consult your physician about how to get the fluids you need during the hot summer months. • Other tips to beat the heat • Here are some other ways to beat the heat this summer: • Keep your home safe and comfortable by running the air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day and by letting in cool air in the early morning and late evening hours. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, take a break during the hottest part of the day by going to a movie, shopping at an indoor mall, visit the library or the Senior Center. • Dress in lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing, made of natural fabrics, like linen or cotton. • If you must go outside to walk, garden, or do errands, plan this for the early morning hours, when it’s coolest. • Take a cool shower or bath. • Get plenty of rest.
Enjoy your summer! With a little diligence and preparation, everyone should be able to enjoy these dog days of summer safely.
Leslie Mader, Business Development LeslieMader@ trucare.org 2593 Park Lane Lafayette, CO 80026 303.926.4748 PACE.TRUcare.org
Happy 14th Birthday!
Always 14 YEARS An Answer Telephone Answering Service
We’re Here When You Can’t Be
Guardian Angels Church Craft Fair
103 S. 3rd St. | Mead Saturday, Oct. 12 | 9a to 7p Sunday, Oct. 13 | 8a to 4p Handmade Needlework All Profits for Charity
Helping seniors age in place.
Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly • Coordinated health care • Transportation • Social services
Cathy Scofield, owner
www.always-an-answer.com Live Answering Service Paging Customized Service Faxing Confidentiality Low Rates No Contracts E-mail Experienced Friendly Emergency Experience
“You’ll Wonder How You Ever Got Along Without Us!”
303-678-7608
• In home care • Interactive day program • Rehabilitation Services
Call today to see if PACE is right for you or a loved one.
303.665.0115 • (TTY 800.659.2656)
If you do experience problems … If you or a loved one experiences heavy sweating, weakness, a fast and weak pulse, nausea or fainting, this could be a sign of heat exhaustion. In this case, move to a cool location as quickly as possible. Lie down, loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible. Sip some cool water. Heat stroke is a more serious situation and is characterized by a body temperature above 103 degrees, hot and red skin, a rapid and strong pulse, or unconsciousness. In this case, call 911 immediately. Before paramedics arrive, move the person to a cooler environment, apply cool cloths, but do NOT give them fluids.
Page 9
Or make a referral at pace@trucare.org
H7262_AD2018_CC2019_CMSapproval10.25.18
CV Help Center Renovation a Community Affair
W
e live in an a m a z i n g community! The Carbon Valley Help Center (CVHC) came to be so that people in our community who are in need of short-term assistance could receive help. For more than 6 years, our clients have received food assistance, counseling, financial help to pay utility bills, rent and in some instances, mortgage and auto repairs. Recently, the CVHC was the recipient of help that turned a dream into reality. With selfless assistance from FCI Construction, Top Notch Electric, AMI Mechanical, Glacier Park Storage, Interstate Rental, the Town of Firestone and dozens of additional volunteers, the detached garage behind our main building was converted
to a storage facility for non-perishable food items that many of our clients receive monthly. The generosity & outreach of these companies & people in our community are a beautiful reminder of the saying, “It takes a village”. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support, time and resources from all involved so that our clients can be helped when the need arises. The CHVC is located at 150 Buchanan Ave in Firestone, just down the street from the USPS office, and is currently open Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9am - 3pm. Hours will be changing in August, so please visit our website, https://www. carbonvalleyhelpcenter.org/ for the most up to date information. If you or someone you know is in need of short-term food or financial assistance, please contact the CVHC at (303) 833-6626 for more information or to schedule an appointment to meet with staff who can provide resources to help meet the short-term needs. We are also seeking eager volunteers who have a passion for helping those in their community. Interested volunteers will be required to fill out an application, complete a background check and participate in a volunteer orientation. To volunteer, please go to volunteer tab on the CVHC website. The CVHC is a registered 501(c)3 and all financial donations made to the organization are tax deductible. Please send financial donations payable to CVHC and mail to PO Box 508, Firestone, CO 80520. Non-perishable food and unopened toiletry donations can be dropped off during our office hours.