Shelby Shopper Shelby NC
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Page 6 - shelby shopper & info - 704/484-1047 www.shelbyinfo.com Thursday, May 28-June 3, 2020 www.NealSeniorCenter.org www.NealSeniorCenter.org Neal Senior Center Neal Senior Center 100 T.R. HARRIS DRIVE • SHELBY 100 T.R. HARRIS DRIVE • SHELBY Monday-Thursday 8 AM-5PM Monday-Thursday 8 AM-5PM Friday 8 AM-1PM Friday 8 AM-1PM 704-482-3488 704-482-3488 Photo By – Justin G. Hill & Son, Photo By – Justin G. Hill & Son, Drone Photography Service Drone Photography Service Even long before the COVID-19 crisis, the Neal Center food pantry has provided groceries for the older citizens of Cleveland County. This service has proven itself to be espe- cially valuable in recent weeks. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals, local compa- nies, organizations and churches, the Neal Center has been able to assist those facing the difficulty of purchasing food. If you're a Cleveland County resident, at least age 50, you're eli- gible for this service. Interested individuals must call the Neal Center at 704/482-3488 to arrange an appointment for eli- gibility. The center is currently open Monday through Thursday, 8AM-3PM. Appointments for this service are available from 11AM-2:30PM. Let the Neal Senior Center be of assistance during these difficult times Hot weather is dangerous for older adults and anyone with heart disease, diabetes, or a history of stroke. It's especially dangerous when there's not an adequate cooling system in the home. As in years past, the Council on Aging/Neal Center will again be giving away a limited number of electric box fans during the summer months. To qualify for a box fan: -Applicants must be a Cleveland County resi- dent, age 60 and over, and/or have a disability. -Have no air conditioning in their home -Have a home situation where a threat to health exists If you fit these qualifications, please call the Council on Aging/Neal Center at 704/482-3488. Pick-up is by appointment only. Appointments are scheduled Monday – Thursday, 11:00 am-2:30 pm. Then take part in "Operation Cool-Off"! Are you a Cleveland County senior citizen that won't be able to keep cool this summer? Need groceries? By Jim Miller, Editor Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are both in our late sixties and have diabetes. We would like to fi nd out if our diabetes increases our risk of getting the coronavirus. Concerned Diabetics Dear Concerned, Currently, there's not enough data to show that people with diabetes are more likely to get coronavi- rus (COVID-19) than the general population. But the problem for diabetics is, if you do happen to contract the virus, your chance of developing serious complica- tions are much higher. This is es- pecially true if your diabetes isn't well-controlled. Here's what you should know. Diabetic Risks Health data is showing that about 25 percent of people who go to the hospital with severe COVID-19 infections have diabetes. One rea- son is that high blood sugar weak- ens the immune system and makes it less able to fi ght off infections. Your risk of severe coronavirus in- fection is even higher if you also have another condition, like heart or lung disease. If you do get COVID-19, the in- fection could also put you at great- er risk for diabetes complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which happens when high levels of acids called ketones build up in your blood. Some people who catch the new coronavirus have a dangerous body-wide response to it, called sepsis. To treat sepsis, doctors need to manage your body's fl uid and electrolyte levels. DKA causes you to lose electrolytes, which can make sepsis harder to control. How to Avoid COVID-19 The best way to avoid getting sick is to stay home as much as you can. If you have to go out, keep at least 6 feet away from other people. And every time you come back from the supermarket, pharmacy or another public place, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Also wash your hands before you give yourself a fi nger stick or insulin shot. Clean each site fi rst with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. To protect you, everyone in your house should wash their hands often, especially before they cook for the family. Don't share any utensils or other personal items. And if anyone in your house is sick, they should stay in their own room, as far as possible from you. The CDC also recommends that you stock up on medications and diabetes testing supplies to last for at least a month. The same goes What Older Diabetics Should Know About Coronavirus for grocery supplies and other household necessities. Also know that Medicare is now covering the cost of telehealth vis- its, so if you have questions for your doctor, you can ask by video chat or phone instead of going into the offi ce. If You Get Sick The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are a dry cough, fe- ver, or shortness of breath. If you develop any symptoms that are concerning, call your doctor about getting tested. If you fi nd that you have con- tracted COVID-19, the fi rst level of care is to stay home and check your blood sugar more often than usual and check your ketones too. COVID-19 can reduce your ap- petite and cause you to eat less, which could affect your levels. You also need more fl uids than usual when you're sick, so keep water close by, and drink it often. You should also know that many over-the-counter medicines that relieve virus symptoms like fever or cough can affect your blood sugar levels one way or the oth- er. So, before you take anything check with your doctor. And be aware that if you start experiencing severe shortness of breath, high levels of ketones or DKA symptoms like severe weak- ness, body aches, vomiting or bel- ly pain, you need to see your doc- tor or get to an emergency room right away. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of "The Savvy Senior" book. The Neal Senior Center would like to thank all those who donated food and paper products: Double Shoals UMC Wilbur McBride Pat Steele Gail Lane Parlor Co. Ed. Sunday School Class (First Baptist Church) Donald E. & Lydia Bingham Ralph & Pamela Wilson Selena Rodgers Bobby & Susan Buchanan Bank OZK Nancy Spangler Keith Goforth 139 E. Main Street, Downtown Forest City 828-245-4591 Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-7pm, Sat. 7:30-4pm www.SmithsDrugsFC.com Like us on ©Community First Media Community First Media RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF STROKE When responding to a stroke, every minute counts. The sooner a patient receives medical treatment, the lower the risk for death or disability. If you or someone you know exhibits the following signs or symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. • Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. • Confusion, trouble speaking, or diffi culty understanding. • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes. • Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination. • Severe headache with no known cause. Remember, getting immediate medical attention for stroke is crucial to preventing disability and death, so DON'T DELAY—DIAL 9-1-1. TALK TO YOUR SMITH'S DRUGS FAMILY PHARMACIST ABOUT YOUR RISK FOR STROKE. F SPOT A STROKE A S T FACE ARMS SPEECH TIME Does the face look uneven? Can they smile? Can they lift both arms? Is one weak? Is their speech slurred? Can they repeat a simple sentence? Time to call 911 NOW! May is • STOP Stroke • Act F.A.S.T. • Spread Hope