Happy Anniversary to my wife, thank you for all you do.

Today we celebrate our 57th wedding anniversary, and as I reflect on the journey we've shared, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. We've known each other for more than 60 years, and from the moment we met, I knew there was something special about you. Your warmth, kindness, sense of humour, and beautiful heart captured mine, and I have never looked back.

Over the years, we've celebrated wonderful highs and weathered more than our share of challenges. In the good times we laughed until our sides hurt, and in the difficult times we leaned on each other, shed a few tears, and found the strength to keep moving forward. Every experience has woven another thread into the life we've built together, making our bond even stronger.

You have always been the heart of our family. Your quiet strength, endless patience, and unwavering love have touched not only me but our children, our grandson, and everyone fortunate enough to know you. You have a remarkable way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

As we celebrate this milestone, I want you to know that you are still my best friend, my greatest blessing, and the person I most enjoy sharing life with. I treasure the memories we've made and look forward to creating many more, whether they're grand adventures or simply quiet moments together.

Happy 57th Anniversary, my love. Thank you for saying "yes" all those years ago, for walking beside me through every season of life, and for making every day brighter simply by being you.

I love you more today than ever. Here's to the next chapter, still hand in hand, still making memories, and still laughing together.

What You Can Do Right Now

Here is the good news: photosensitivity reactions can be significantly reduced by using proper photoprotection. You do not have to stay indoors all summer. You just need to be smart about it.

1. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop taking any medication without professional advice. But do ask: "Could any of my medications make me more sensitive to the sun?" If the answer is yes, ask for specific guidance on how to protect yourself.

2. Check your medications. Look at the labels of your prescription and over-the-counter medications. If you are unsure, your pharmacist can help.

3. Limit sun exposure during peak hours. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

4. Cover up. Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective clothing.

5. Use sunscreen, and use it properly. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Apply it generously to all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

6. Stay in the shade. When possible, enjoy the outdoors from under a tree, an umbrella, or a covered patio.

A Simple Rule to Remember

Here is the bottom line: if you are taking any medication regularly, and you plan to spend time in the sun, have a conversation with your healthcare provider first.

It takes five minutes. It could save you from a painful sunburn, a nasty rash, or worse.

Summer is too short to spend it indoors. But it is also too short to spend it dealing with a preventable skin reaction. Be smart. Be safe. And enjoy the sunshine, with your eyes wide open.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist before making any changes to your medications or sun exposure habits

When Your Medication and the Sun Don't Mix: A Summer Warning for Seniors

 There is nothing quite like a warm summer day, the sun on your face, a gentle breeze, the scent of freshly cut grass. It is what we wait for all year.

But here is something many seniors do not know some of the most common medications taken by older adults can turn a pleasant day in the sun into a painful, damaging experience.

It is called photosensitivity , a negative reaction of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays. In plain language, certain drugs make your skin extra sensitive to sunlight. A few minutes in the garden, a short walk to the mailbox, or an afternoon on the patio can result in a severe sunburn, an itchy rash, or even blisters.

And here is the part that should get your attention: a recent study found that more than one-fifth of all drugs used by seniors have the potential to cause photosensitivity reactions. Many seniors are taking three to five such medications at the same time.

If you are one of them, you need to know which medications are the culprits, and you need to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before heading outdoors.

The Top Five Medications That Don't Mix With Sun

1. Diuretics ("Water Pills")

Diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide and furosemide are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure. They are among the most frequently cited photosensitizers. A study of older adults found that hydrochlorothiazide was one of the drugs most commonly associated with photosensitivity reactions.

What to watch for: If you take a diuretic and spend time in the sun, you may notice a rash or sunburn-like reaction on exposed skin, sometimes even after brief exposure.

2. Antibiotics (Especially Tetracyclines and Quinolones)

Certain antibiotics are notorious for causing sun sensitivity. Doxycycline (a tetracycline) and ciprofloxacin (a quinolone) are among the most common offenders. These medications can make your skin sunburn much more quickly than usual.

What to watch for: Even a short time in the sun can cause a severe, painful sunburn. The reaction can happen within hours of exposure.

3. NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), as well as prescription-strength NSAIDs like ketoprofen, can increase sun sensitivity. In fact, one study found that ketoprofen caused the highest number of photosensitivity reactions of any drug.

What to watch for: These drugs can cause both phototoxic reactions (like a severe sunburn) and photoallergic reactions (an itchy, rash-like response).

4. Cholesterol-Lowering Statins

Statins like atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor) are among the most widely prescribed medications in Canada. Both have been linked to photosensitivity reactions. A study of older adults found that atorvastatin and simvastatin were associated with cutaneous adverse reactions to sunlight.

What to watch for: If you take a statin and notice unusual redness, itching, or a rash after being in the sun, your medication may be the cause.

5. Diabetes Medications (Sulfonylureas)

Medications for type 2 diabetes, such as glipizide and glyburide, can also increase sun sensitivity. These drugs are commonly prescribed to seniors and are often overlooked as a cause of sun-related skin reactions.

What to watch for: A sunburn or rash that seems out of proportion to your sun exposure could be related to your diabetes medication.

Why Seniors Are Especially at Risk

Older adults are more vulnerable to drug-induced photosensitivity for several reasons. Many of us take multiple medications, increasing the chance that one or more of them is a photosensitizer. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more fragile, making it more susceptible to damage. And, perhaps most importantly, many of us simply do not know that their medications put them at risk

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist before making any changes to your medications or sun exposure habits.

Punnny things to do in August

Back in July I posted about the dangers of heat. So, this month, I am following up withh a more humourous look at how we can beat the heat. 

Beating the August heat is all about staying fan-tastic and keeping your cool! 🍦 Whether you are grabbing the inside scoop on ice cream or relaxing in the shade-tacular AC, our seniors know how to summer right. Check out our favorite ways to stay chilled this month!

 1.    I heard about an ATM that got addicted to money. It suffered from withdrawals

2.    Water you waiting for? Keep sipping that ice water!

3.    This August, hydration is absolute-cool-ly necessary.

4.    Seniors know how to make a splash at the water dispenser.

5.    Juice do it—stay hydrated all day long!

6.    Ice water is truly a tea-riffic way to beat the heat.

7.    Don't be mello, keep that watermelon chilling in the fridge.

8.    I’m a huge fan of staying indoors during August.

9.    AC units are truly a senior's coolest companion.

10. Grandpa is just chillin' like a villain next to the vent.

11. This heatwave is fan-tastic motivation to stay inside.

12. We're just breezing through the dog days of summer.

13. Keep calm and carry a fan wherever you go.

14. Water aerobics? That sounds absolutely splendid.

15. Seniors in the pool are always looking pool-charming.

16. Don't hide inside, just dive into a cool pool.

17. Floating in the water is a re-leaf from the heat.

18. Keep your cool and just keep swimming.

19. This summer pool party is going swimming-ly.

20. Seniors wearing sunglasses look bright and beautiful.

21. That sun hat is totally shade-tacular!

22. Sandal season is a sole-ful time of year.

23. Linen shirts are a breeze to wear in August.

24. We're staying sharp while staying in the shade.

25. Those shades are looking spec-tacular on you!

26. You are never too old for a cold scoop of ice cream.

27. Seniors know the inside scoop on staying cool.

28. Life is sweet when you have a popsicle in hand.

29. Ice cream cones are a cool way to celebrate August.

30. We’re just sundae-ing around in the air conditioning.

31. Anything is popsicle when you stay out of the sun.

32. Sherbet, you didn't know seniors could chill this well!

"Now it’s your turn! How are you keeping cool during these dog days of August? Drop your favorite heat-wave survival tips, or your best summer puns, in the comments below! 👇☀️