Rutherford Weekly

Page 4 - Rutherford Weekly 828-248-1408 www.rutherfordweekly.com Thursday, June 23-June 29, 2022 Barbara Hill, Program Manager and Senior Games Coordinator at the Rutherford County Senior Center, hosted a "Meet The Staff" event this morning at the center. Director Tammy Aldridge spoke of her responsibilities that include the daily management of the facility and staff. She complimented the staff on the "phenomenal" job done by the center's staff during the pandemic. Nutrition Manager Terri Mitchell oversees the meals and spoke of the need for volunteers to assist with home-delivered meals. Barbara asked a series of questions that the staff had to answer HAVE or HAVE NOT. These questions ranged from being late for an interview to skipping school and skinny dipping. Frank Ensley remarked that "the staff cares about the seniors and the seniors care about the staff." Rutherford County Senior Center "Meet The Staff " event held Article Provided By: Pat Nanney The "Remembering Master Trooper John S. Horton Benefi t Concert" will be held on Friday, June 24 at the Foundation Performing Arts & Conference Center at Isothermal Community College. Bands that will be performing include Dirty Grass Soul and Rutherford County Line. Doors open at 6:30pm. The concert begins at 7:30pm. For ticket info visit https:// www.etix.com/ticket/p/3386690/. BeneÐit Concert Friday Article Provided By: Jean Gordon Temperatures are climbing. Public health offi cials with North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services are advising North Carolinians take precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illness as temperatures across the state rise through summer. Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to dehydration, overheating, heat illness & death. The North Carolina Heat Report shows there were 787 emergency department visits for heat-related illness May 1-June 13, with the most frequent heat-related diagnosis being heat exhaustion. Visits to E.R. frequently increase with spikes in the heat index. It's important to pay attention to the weather if you're outside working or participating in recreation activities outdoors. Patients presenting at emergency departments with heat-related illnesses are mostly male, ages 25-64, & most have been seen in hospitals in North Carolina's Piedmont & Coastal regions. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, not even for a few minutes; temperatures inside a car rapidly increase & can reach dangerous & fatal temperatures in as little as 10 minutes. In the US, approximately 38 kids under the age of 15 die yearly from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle. Individuals should stay wary of signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms include muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting, headaches, nausea & vomiting. Kids, adults 65 & older, those without access to air conditioning, outdoor workers & those with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable. To reduce the risk of heat- related illness: • Increase fl uid intake. • Take frequent breaks in cool & shady or air-conditioned places if spending extended time outside. • Reduce normal activity levels. • Speak with your doctor about how to stay safe if you take medicines that make you vulnerable to heat, such as tranquilizers or drugs for high blood pressure, migraines, allergies, muscle spasms & mental illness. • Check on neighbors, & if working outdoors, check on co-workers. • Never leave kids or pets unattended in vehicles, as temperature levels inside a car can reach a deadly level in minutes. • If you experience heat-related illness, move to a cool place, drink water, place cold cloths on the body, seek medical attention. There may be cooling assistance available for those who are eligible: • The Crisis Intervention Program is a federally funded program that assists individuals & families experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis. Check eligibility & apply by contacting your local Department of Social Services until June 30. • Operation Fan Heat Relief is a summer program to provide a more comfortable living environment & reduce heat related illnesses for older adults & adults with disabilities. The program runs through Oct. 31. For info go to epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/ oee/climate/heat.html. Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses and Death as Temperatures Rise for the Summer Article Provided By: ncdhhs

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