July and the living is easy or is it dangerous?

It’s not safe for anyone to be exposed to too much heat, but it can be hazardous for older adults or those with health problems. This is because, as we age, our bodies may have a harder time regulating temperature or responding to sudden changes.

Heat-related illnesses can occur from prolonged exposure to heat and include dizziness, muscle cramps, swelling, skin irritation, exhaustion, and heat stroke. To prevent these illnesses, it’s important to rest in a cool place, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Sunburn can also occur from too much exposure to the sun, so it’s important to wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen with a high SPF.

If you are concerned about any heat-related illnesses, talk to your healthcare provider.

Heat syncope is a heat-related illness that seniors should be concerned about. It is fainting when a person stands for a prolonged period in a hot environment or gets up too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Heat syncope is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure because of dehydration or a lack of electrolytes.

Seniors are more prone to heat syncope because of age-related changes in the body, such as a decreased ability to sweat and a slower response to changes in temperature. Symptoms of heat syncope include dizziness, light-headedness, and fainting.

To prevent heat syncope, seniors should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water and electrolyte-rich beverages such as sports drinks. They should also avoid standing or sitting in the sun for prolonged periods and take breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned areas. If a senior experiences symptoms of heat syncope, they should sit or lie down in a cool place, drink fluids, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

Its the little things that help

Retirement is like getting a participation trophy in the game of life. Sure, money and planning are important, but so is making your golden years shine. It’s your time to do what you love, whether that’s painting, gardening, or watching Netflix on repeat.

Personally, I’m not much of a cook. I leave that to my partner, who is a master in the kitchen. But I make up for it by being the designated dishwasher and table-setter. It’s all about teamwork!

I’m a bookworm at heart, with a soft spot for sci-fi, fantasy, and mysteries. Every few weeks, I head to the library and scour the shelves for my next adventure. It’s like going on a mini treasure hunt, and I always come away with a stack of books to keep me entertained for weeks.

Writing is another passion of mine, although I don’t always go for the toughest challenges. Sometimes, a good old-fashioned journal entry is all I need to clear my head.

Volunteering is also a big part of my retirement routine. I’m involved in several organizations that help seniors, and it feels great to give back to the community. Of course, there are days when it can be overwhelming, but it’s all worth it in the end.

And let’s not forget about golf! I play with my buddies once a week, although we’re not Masters champions. We don’t keep score, which takes the pressure off and lets us enjoy the game without worrying about our handicaps.

Mental health is best served by a gradual approach, one day at a time. If the mood strikes, I’ll go for a walk or do some light exercise. But most of all, I try to focus on the things that bring me joy and make me feel fulfilled. Life’s too short to do anything else! What little things do you do to keep your mental health?

Mosiquito bites

 We were golfing and my friend was being attacked by mosquitos and I was not. I thought I am lucky today, mosquitoes can be a nuisance and pose serious health risks due to their ability to transmit diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus. While some people seem to attract mosquitoes more than others, there are steps you can take to prevent mosquito bites and protect yourself.

One of the main factors that attracts mosquitoes is the scent emitted by our bodies. Each individual has a unique body odor bouquet, composed of various chemicals, and mosquitoes respond differently to these scents. Unfortunately, replicating the odor profile of people who are less appealing to mosquitoes is not yet possible.

Mosquitoes have a multi-step process for finding their hosts. First, they rely on their sense of smell to detect the presence of potential victims. They are particularly attracted to carbon dioxide (CO₂), which we exhale when we breathe. This is why large groups of people tend to attract more mosquitoes. Body heat and sweat also play a role in drawing mosquitoes closer.

Once mosquitoes have detected a potential host, they rely on visual cues to locate them. Some studies have suggested that certain colors, like red, may be more attractive to mosquitoes. However, the exact details of which scents and visual cues draw mosquitoes in are still being explored by researchers.

To prevent mosquito bites, it is recommended to use insect repellents that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These repellents often contain ingredients such as DEET and picaridin, which are effective at repelling mosquitoes. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is an alternative for those who prefer botanical products.

In addition to using repellents, it is important to cover up exposed skin as much as possible, especially during the summer when mosquito activity is high. Wearing long sleeves, pants, and socks can help reduce the chances of getting bitten. It is also advisable to avoid spending time outdoors during peak mosquito activity times, such as dawn and dusk.

While there is no foolproof method to completely eliminate mosquito bites, these preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk. By being aware of the factors that attract mosquitoes and taking appropriate precautions, you can enjoy outdoor activities while minimizing the annoyance and health risks associated with mosquito bites.

This Old Lady Adheres to Road Signs

Sitting on the side of the highway waiting to catch speeding drivers, a State Police Officer sees a car puttering along at 22 MPH.

He thinks to himself, "This driver is just as dangerous as a speeder!"

So, he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over. Approaching the car, he notices that there are five old ladies -- two in the front seat and three in the back - eyes wide and white as ghosts.

The driver, obviously confused, says to him, "Officer, I don't understand, I was doing exactly the speed limit! What seems to be the problem?"

"Ma'am," the officer replies, "You weren't speeding, but you should know that driving slower than the speed limit can also be a danger to other drivers."

"Slower than the speed limit?" she asked. No sir, I was doing the speed limit exactly... Twenty-Two miles an hour!" the old woman says a bit proudly.

The State Police officer, trying to contain a chuckle explains to her that "22" was the route number, not the speed limit.

A bit embarrassed, the woman grinned and thanked the officer for pointing out her error. "But before I let you go, Ma'am, I have to ask... Is everyone in this car ok? These women seem awfully shaken and they haven't muttered a single peep this whole time." the officer asks.

"Oh, they'll be alright in a minute officer. We just got off Route 119."