Aging Well in the Gorge July 11th 2017

With the temperatures in the 90’s and the ten-day forecast looking pretty much the same, it’s probably a good time to review how heat affects older adults.

According to Medline Plus, an online service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are several reasons older adults are at greater risk for heat related illness. They do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature; are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that changes normal body responses to heat; and are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

But you can take steps to prevent heat related stress: drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages; take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath; wear lightweight clothing; do not engage in strenuous activities; seek an air-conditioned environment and rest. (If you know someone who needs a fan or a small window air conditioner, the Center has several to lend.)

The primary concern is heat stroke: when the body's temperature rises rapidly and loses its ability to sweat. Warning signs can include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness and nausea. If you find someone in heat stress, call 9-1-1 immediately and start rapidly cooling the individual.

As we all know, “this too shall pass”. But after last winter at least it is nice to know that the chance of snow is 0%.

It has been thirty years since the Center was built and it has been quite a ride. And what better way to observe the thirty years than completing the Center’s new addition with a new elevator to improve access to the downstairs and to finally fulfill the original vision for the Center.

To celebrate the new addition, on July 18^th there will be a short ceremony at 8:00 am followed by the Chamber of Commerce team performing a ribbon cutting at 8:15. After the ribbon cutting, you will be able to see the new NU-2-U Shop (which is now open), the remodeled lounge, the enclosed stairway, and all the other improvements. And while the elevator is not yet operational while waiting for final inspection, it will be displayed.

Then later in the day at 3:00, the Center will hold its Annual Membership Meeting. On the agenda is a request to the membership to change the bylaws to allow up to eleven board members, and to elect board members. The membership meeting starts at 3:00 and will conclude by 4:30 in time for attending Center members to enjoy a free dinner with your choice of Pot Roast or Chicken Breast, mashed potatoes and all the fixins provided by our neighbors Cherry Heights Living.

Every week at the Center someone comments on the beautiful cowboy boot quilt displayed behind the receptionist’s desk. But if you want a chance to win this amazing quilt, you better act quickly. The quilt drawing will be held at the conclusion of the annual membership meeting.

Because July 4^th was on a Tuesday, it has been two weeks since the last “Remember When” question. And if you are like me (And I thought of the question!), you probably don’t remember that the question was, “What term did you use for kissing when you were young?” Two common expressions I’ve heard are necking and making out, but other terms you might remember are smooching, snogging (although it is a British term), and my favorite - canoodling. (This week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Jeanne Persicka.)

Back in the 50’s when television came of age, commercials were created with catchy slogans that often became household words. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what cigarette brand used the advertising slogan that appeared on radio and television from 1954 until 1972, and included the phrase “tastes good like a cigarette should”? Email your answers to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or write your answer on the back of a map of the “Twin City” in North Carolina.

Well, it’s been another week, waking up to sunshine. Until we meet again, don’t let the heat turn you into a grumpy bag of sand.

"At age 20, we worry about what others think of us. At age 40, we don't care what they think of us. At age 60, we discover they haven't been thinking of us at all." Ann Landers (1918-2002)