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 1st,
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 8th, 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
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