Aging Well in the Gorge July 18th 2018

Once the temperature reaches the inevitable 100 degrees, it’s a good time to be reminded about how to stay safe in the heat. And since it’s not like you haven’t heard it all before, this year here is a short test to see what you still remember.

#1. The heat should be taken seriously because: A.) It is the number one weather related killer causing more deaths than hurricanes, tornadoes, lightening, and floods combined. B.) The heat can be obnoxious with no sense of humor.

#2 According to Medline Plus, several reasons older adults are at greater risk for heat related illness are: A.) They do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature. B.) They are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that changes normal body responses to heat. C.) They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration. D.) Older adults are naturally grouchy, and the heat just makes it worse.

#3 The warning signs for heat stroke (when the body's temperature rises rapidly and loses its ability to sweat) include: A. Extremely high body temperature (above 103°F). B.) Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating). C.) Rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness and nausea. D.) Altered mental state or behavior. E.) An irresistible desire to jump into a bathtub of ice.

#4. According to the American Red Cross, ways to stay cool are: A.) If you do need to go outside during extreme heat conditions, early morning or later evening are the best times. B.) Avoid sun exposure between 11 am - 5 pm. C.) Wear light-weight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothes that cover your skin. D.) Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. E.) Slow down - additional activity can put extra strain on the heart. F.) Try ice packs, cool showers or sponge baths. G.) Wear the latest summer fashions so even if you don’t feel cool, you can look cool.

#5. Things to consider when trying to stay hydrated are: A.) Drink plenty of fluids regardless of your level of activity even if you are not thirsty. B.) Drink enough to have to urinate every four hours. C.) The color of your urine is an indicator of whether you are hydrated. D.) A bottle of Chardonnay in not the best choice to stay hydrated.

#6 To avoid heat related illness stay connected by: A.) Being aware of local heat advisories, B.) Having someone check in on you. C. Playing bingo in the Center’s airconditioned dining room on Thursday and Saturday nights.

(As you probably figured out, all the answers are correct except the last one for each question.)

During these hot summer days, it is important to remember to do what we know we should do: stay cool, hydrated and informed to avoid any heat related illnesses. Because as Dinah Shore once sang, “Baby, it’s HOT outside” – or something close to that.

The names of the rock and roll star and his bride who he first met when she was only 14 years old - and were married seven years later on May 1^st, 1967 were Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu. I received correct answers from Jess Birge, Lana Tepfer, Lucile – with one L - Stephens, Virginia McClain (who just finished reading Elvis and Me by Priscilla Beaulieu Presley) and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Louise Wooderson.

There are many songs that bring back memories of summers past: “Can't Wait for Summer” - Steve Lawrence, “The Theme from ‘A Summer Place’" - Percy Faith and His Orchestra, “Palisades Park” - Freddy Cannon, and “California Girls” - The Beach Boys. But a song which reached number one on August 8^th, 1960, told the story of a shy girl wearing for the first time a type of swim suit described by its inventor as a "two-piece bathing suit which reveals everything about a girl except for her mother's maiden name."

For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this hit song - the first for Brian Hyland?  Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send it with a picture of Ursula Andress, appearing in the 1962 James Bond film, Dr. No.

Well it’s been another week reminiscing about past summers of fun. Until we meet again, keep the torch lit, but the water bucket nearby.

"The trick to accomplishing anything is to avoid the obstacles that are not in your way." Robert Brault