Happy July 4!
I know most of us are used to it since we live in Michigan, but last month certainly felt like we went from winter to summer overnight. Now moving into July, the heat is likely to continue so make sure you are drinking plenty of water and not staying out in the hot sun too long.
Heat exhaustion or heat stroke can take you by surprise if you are not careful. Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing, take your walks or do your gardening in the early morning hours or in the evening when the sun is not as hot.
If you are feeling weak or faint, have a weak but fast pulse or heart rate, are sweating heavily, feel nauseous, or have cold clammy skin. These are signs of heat exhaustion. Find some shade or go inside and be in the air conditioning or sit in front of a fan. Remove a layer of clothing and drink some water. Anything you can do to help your body cool down. If you feel your body temperature is elevated, you have a rapid strong pulse or heart rate, feel foggy, or begin to vomit, these are signs of heat stroke, and you should get medical help immediately.
Food drops happening this month are
- Together We Can Food Pantry on July 8 and 22 at the Oscoda County Fairgrounds. from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Please note if they run out of food before 3:30 p.m. they may be gone early.
- CSFP (senior cheese box) will be on July 20 from 10-11 a.m. at the Oscoda County Fairgrounds.
The council’s monthly board meeting is July 12 at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.
If you live in Oscoda County are age 60 to 64 and need a ride to get some errands done in town, give the council a call. The Council on Aging will pay for one free 1-hour ride per month with OCATS for county residents.
We are looking forward to being able to do more and have more activities at the center with the restrictions being lifted. However, please remember we must wait for guidance from the AASA before we can change things. We will continue to get the word out as more things begin to be planned.
Have a wonderful month and do not forget to smile at least once a day. Pass a smile on to someone else too, it just might change up their day!
Barker is director of the Oscoda County Council on Aging and can be reached at 989-826-3025.
