1.  Publisher’s Comments

The past issues of Senior Moment© are now at:

http://www.senior2senior.org/archive.html

I’m leaving this piece of information for one more issue given the number of new subscribers.
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The S2S discussion board has been added to several forums so I can spread the word. I would again ask you to please help me by telling a friend about Senior Moment©.
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I was bored to tears the other day so I went through the menu on our TV service and came across a country music program I used to watch about 45 to 40 years ago. Being curious, I clicked on the link and lo and behold, Porter Wagoner in all his glory.

The show was on the RFDTV network. RFD, in America at least, stands for Rural Free Delivery and is a post office term. To make a long story short, I went to their web site and noticed a distinct lack of senior programs.

Actually there were no programs aimed at us old duffers so I emailed the program director to see if rfdtv would be interested in such material. Since I emailed him on a Friday night, I don’t expect an answer until today or tomorrow.

Should I get a response, you’ll be the first to know.
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I try to be very careful about sites I include in this newsletter. This site:

http://www.selfpromotion.com

is one I just joined (it is free) to get more exposure for S2S. I will detail any success, or lack thereof, in upcoming issues relating to my self promotional efforts.
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I have mentioned my buddy Joe Robson in a previous issue and he was kind enough to mention S2S in one of his issues. I am re-mentioning Joe because his Newbie Club Newsletter is one heck of a great NL.

In the latest issue, I learned a person with a wheel mouse can change the font on the screen. I never knew that.

I always learn a trick or two in each issue so please, take a few minutes, and visit:  http://www.newbieclub.com?sandalwood and, if you aren’t already, become a member. The amount of immediately useable information Joe gives away is unbelievable.
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I decided to take an article I have on another site and promote it through article publishing sites. It is titled, at least at this point, Tapping Into the Government Gravy Train and, unfortunately for some subscribers, pertains only to the U.S. government.

Anyone wanting a pre-promotional copy should email me at: tom@senior2senior.org with Government Gravy Train as the subject and I shall email you a copy. It is in word format so if you cannot open word, tell me, and I’ll make it text.
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2.  Article

While the source of this article is a U.S. Government website, I thought it was universally applicable. After all 100° hot in the U.S. is as hot as 100° anywhere else, right? Hence, this article.

How Do You Beat the Heat?

How Can I Lower My Risk?

Things you can do to lower your risk of heat-related illness:
Drink plenty of liquids — water or fruit and vegetable juices. Heat tends to make you lose fluids so it is very important to drink at least that much, if not more, when it is hot.

Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol. They make you lose more fluids. If your doctor has told you to limit your liquids, ask him or her what you should do when it is very hot.

If you live in a home or apartment without fans or air conditioning, be sure to follow these steps to lower your chance of heat problems:

• open windows at night;

• create cross-ventilation by opening windows on two sides of the building;

• cover windows when they are in direct sunlight; and

• keep curtains, shades or blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day.

• Try to spend at least 2 hours a day (if possible during the hottest part of the day) some place air-conditioned — for example, the shopping mall, the movies, the library, a senior center, or a friend’s house if you don’t have air conditioning.

• Check with your local area agency on aging to see if there is a program that provides window air conditioners to seniors who qualify.

• If you think you can’t afford to run your air conditioner in the summer, contact your local area agency on aging. Or, ask at your local senior center. They may know if there are any programs in your community to aid people who need help paying their cooling bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one possible source.
• Ask a friend or relative to drive you to a cool place on very hot days if you don’t have a car or no longer drive. Many towns or counties, area agencies, religious groups, and senior citizen centers provide such services. If necessary, take a taxi. Don’t stand outside waiting for a bus.

• Pay attention to the weather reports. You are more at risk as the temperature or humidity  rise or when there is an air pollution alert in effect.

• Dress for the weather. Some people find natural fabrics such as cotton to be cooler than synthetic fibers. Light-colored clothes reflect the sun and heat better than dark colors. If you are unsure about what to wear, ask a friend or family member to help you select clothing that will help you stay cool.

• Don’t try to exercise or do a lot of activities when it is hot.

• Avoid crowded places when it’s hot outside. Plan trips during non-rush hour times.

Source:  National Institute on Aging, Age Page, "Hyperthermia—Too Hot for Your Health."  July 2001.  http://www.aoa.gov/press/spotlight_on/spotlight_on.asp

Until next issue,

Tom Koziol

Write to:

Senior Outreach Ministries
P.O. Box 1234
Reno, NV 89504