Page 16 November 2008
Cold Weather Safety for Seniors Submitted by Carol Carbutti - Comfort Keepers of Wallingford Not all seniors are lucky enough to spend their long cold winters in sunny locals such as Florida or Arizona. If you're part of the group who is spending this winter at home, and home is in an area that's prone to harsh winters, you might find that getting through the cold is a bit more challenging than it used to be. If so, then you'll appreciate these tips for staying happy and healthy until the first flowers of spring emerge. Safety First Independent living doesn't mean that you have to "go at it alone" so don't be afraid to ask children, relatives and neighbors for help. Most will be more than willing to lend a hand and you should arrange for someone to look in on you often. If you find that lifting bags of salt or shovelfuls of snow is something you're struggling with, don't attempt it. Keeping your sidewalks free of snow and ice is hard work and can be dangerous. If you can't find anyone who can help, make sure to take your time on these tasks to avoid overexerting your heart. Or hire someone. Start asking neighborhood teen-agers if they're looking to make some extra money and you'll likely find a few takers. If not, look in the classified sections of local papers and on bulletin boards around town for the names of people you can hire. Or consider a home companion. Keeping warm By now you're probably well aware that dressing in layers offers protection from the harsh climate. Just be sure to cover all exposed skin including the head, face, earlobes, hands and feet, to limit your time outdoors, and to keep dry. Water repellant outer layers and boots will help. . Even better would be to stay inside all winter long. But that's neither practical nor healthy. When inside, take extra care when using fireplaces, wood stoves, candles, and space heaters as they can cause fires and fill interiors with smoke or carbon monoxide. It's a good idea to place fresh batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at the onset of cold weather. You can conserve interior heat by keeping windows and doors to rooms you aren't using closed. You can also cover windows with draperies, place towels along cracks at bottom of doors. And always have plenty of dry wood inside in case you can't get out. Eating Right It's tempting to load up on high-carb foods, but with a bit of planning and effort, you can keep eating right throughout winter. Vegetable-laden stews and soups made with reduced sodium broths and warm sweetened beverages can warm you on a cold day and provide your body with beneficial nutrients. Limit alcohol, caffeine and cigarette smoking as they decrease the body's ability to conserve heat. Staying active You probably won't be doing many outdoor activities during this time of year but it is important to try and maintain some social contact. As often as possible, continue going to church, volunteering, and getting together with friends and family. Also consider signing up for any of the activities that interest you that you see posted at community centers, health centers, the YMCA and other locations offering senior services Rosanne P. Ford
What I'm Thankful For
I am thankful for waking each day, for my health, for my wonderful husband, Darren and for my family, and friends. Lately there have been so many reminders of how fleeting life is and how unpredictable it is: Today is a gift, that's why it's called the "present". Live as if each day were your last… I am thankful that I am in good health and for my positive outlook on life in general - and hope to stay that way for a long time… My husband is the most supportive person in my life, and always can make me smile if I've had a tough day. I am thankful that we've known each other since high school and have grown together and have been there for each other in good times and bad… My family and friends, immediate and extended are important. While we all have our quirks, I am so thankful that we are close and get together with each other on a regular basis. Life is too short to hold a grudge or not speak to someone. Live, Laugh, Love.
No Room For Visiting Relatives This Holiday Season?
Let us give them comfort and pleasure at an affordable price!
Early Birds Drink Champagne at the Four Points by Sheraton Meriden! Book your holiday party before November 30, 2008 and your entire party will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast to celebrate the holidays!
THANKFUL
By Carol Carbutti Thankful and happy for the wonders in life that have come my way As an insider subjectively looking at my picture, I see success Successful in marriage, co-habitating with my mate for 43 years Successful in bringing up four wonderful, productive and loving sons Successful in relating to my beautiful grandchildren who live near me Successful in a career of education and advocacy for children Successful in pursuing knowledge and implementing what I learn Successful in deciding to take control of my health through difficult surgery Successful in finding and developing a new avocation in my senior years Successful in persistent planning of good times and promoting them Successful in recognizing and spreading my good fortune Successful in living the life of a cockeyed optimist Who will always search for the good that will come out of the bad
Meriden's Project Graduation Needs Your Help!
Parents and guardians of all Platt, Maloney, and Wilcox students are invited to share their thoughts and ideas for upcoming Project Graduation meetings. Project Graduation is the all-night drug and alcohol free party held for over 600 Meriden graduates each year in June. It is never too early to start planning this safe event for our graduates. Community and parent support is key for its success. If you are artsy, a great organizer, or just like to volunteer some time, please attend our next meeting on Wednesday, November 5, at 7:00pm at Platt High School. Please join us whether you are from Maloney, Platt, or Wilcox. There will be no meeting in December; January 7, 2009 at Maloney is the first one for 2009. If you have any questions, please contact Ray Moncevicius at 235-4256 or Ginnie Patsos at 235-1514.
E S TAT E S A L E
55 Hill Ave., Wallingford Estate items, collectibles, antiques for sale. Clearing estate; house hold and collectible items at bargain prices. 9:00-a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on November 14th, 15th, 16th, everything must go. Antique collectors and dealers are welcome.
Springtime Tulip River Cruise April 18-26 featuring the Dutch & Belgian Waterways This is the glorious season when the tulip fields are in full bloom Unpack only once on this 7 night all inclusive cruise on the beautiful river vessel MS AMADEUS PRINCESS. From Amsterdam to Volendam, Arnheim, Middleburg, Gent, Bruges, Antwerp, Kinderdijk, and Utrecht. Price includes flights from New York to Amsterdam. 105 Hanover Street in Meriden 203.634.3500 1.800.624.3516 Email: ktwinc@aol.com www.kingtravelways.com