Help Archives - Page 6 of 27 -

Pack Your Car for Travel in Extreme Heat

Are you going to travel in extreme heat?

Do not neglect to pack your car for travel in extreme heat. Even a short trip in 90-100 degree weather calls wise for planning.

Temperatures in 70s outside could mean 90-100 in a very few minutes in a stalled car.

Be prepared to wait safely in the heat for help when there is no shade.

How will you protect any elderly or small children with you from heat stroke? Do you know the signs of suffering a heat stroke? Learn what to watch for and how to be of help to those in need.

In winter we pack extra clothing, blankets, ice scrapers and such. In all seasons we need a first aid kit and roadside emergency lights. Here is a simple list of summer extras to prepare you for extreme heat travel.

Drinking water: everyone should sip on water even if not thirsty. Even mild dehydration increases cardiac work and reduces fluid available for bodily functions.
Large jugs or containers of water; cooling feet and hands in water will pull body temperature down quickly. Note the picture: the cows naturally seek shade and water to cool off in hot summer!
Small towels and cloths to dampen and put on neck and shoulders. Pack a small basin to put feet in water and spray bottles to spritz water on faces to cool.
Umbrellas: necessary especially if you are caught out in the open air with no breeze or shade available. Reminder: the goal is to get everyone outside the hot vehicle until help arrives.
Pack extra comfortable shoes, lightweight clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sweat bands. Lightly colored cotton or linen fabrics retain less heat.
Hand or battery operated fans are helpful to cool you off temporarily. However, keep in mind, some sweating is a good thing when it’s hot. It’s our body’s way of cooling us down. (No fans? Simply make sure you have some cardboard or card stock paper to use.)
Sun shields for car windows to block out heat when temperatures allow you to stay inside vehicle. NOTE: Always use window shades to protect small children in the back seat. Never leave any child unattended in a vehicle, even for a few moments.
Snacks should be “cooling foods.” Fresh, raw foods like vegetables and fruit provide extra hydration; heavier foods such as meats and protein-heavy foods can increase metabolic heat production and add to loss of water.

Good to remember: in hot summer months, smaller meals help keep your core temperature down. Large meals cause the body to work harder. Eating spicy peppers actually help cool you off by making you sweat and providing a cooling sensation.

Thanks for listening; be sure to share with others and comment on this post.

Hugs,

Here are more tips on helping the elderly keep cool in their homes from the National Center on Caregiving.

Basic Steps to Avoid Misplaced Documents

Life was simple when we were young. We didn’t worry about misplaced documents; our important “treasures” were safely tucked away in a pretty box or little boy’s jean pockets.

Now, as adults, we gather more papers, more numbers to remember, more people needing information from us. Life doesn’t stay simple, does it?

Homemaking and caregiving isn’t just meeting physical needs.

We might help loved ones (and ourselves) avoid heartache as family circumstances change. It is easy to get so busy with the daily grind that we overlook critical details. A little time and attention now will save stress and often dollars in the end.

Misplaced documents can prove costly.

When a loved one passes away, if insurance policies and other records are stuck in a box or drawer “somewhere”, they will be overlooked when needed most.

Millions of dollars go unclaimed due to neglect.

The New York Times recently reported hundreds of millions of unclaimed dollars every year. Most belong to beneficiaries who did not realize policies existed when a loved one died.

You will benefit with these tips and a little time.

While this may seem overwhelming right now, scheduling just thirty minutes a day will make it a doable project for you with rewards in abundance.

#1 Organize — begin today!

Simply begin by putting all your important files in one place. Start with a small filing box (or large one for me.) An empty drawer will help get everything in one place in the beginning; then you can work more efficiently—and faster!

#2 Determine a permanent storage place.

A small waterproof, fireproof safe is large enough for most households. You may feel more secure getting a safe deposit box at your bank. Be sure someone can access it later if you are not able to do so. In addition to original documents, include a list of all policies, account numbers, birth and marriage certificates, and any important financial information.

#3 Evaluate each item.

For instance, in working on your home insurance policies, is your latest copy up-to-date? Is it adequate? Do you need to make changes? Do you have birth certificates for each member of your household? Are account numbers for credit/debit cards in this file? Include the phone numbers to call if lost or stolen.

#4 Who will need access to this information?

Your spouse? Your children? Attorney? Will they know where to find the information if needed? Be careful as you choose a trusted family member or friend for this important responsibility.

#5 Keep all items up-to-date.

Set a definite time each year to review this file and up-date any policies or records. Make sure any legal paperwork is correct; contact an attorney if you have any questions about the legality of any documents, especially those having to do with healthcare, mortgages, etc.

#6 This will prove time well spent.

Yes, I know! This will take time—maybe a lot of time you feel you do not have. However, the time and frustration you will be saving yourself and others when these things are needed will be worth it.

Trust me on this one. I’ve been there!

Hugs,

Click on this website to learn more about unclaimed property: http://unclaimed-property-finder.com/ Be sure to read the “About Us” section first to find your state and more details. Hope you find this helpful; let me hear what you are doing to keep important documents organized.

6 Simple Ways to Encourage the Bereaved

Encourage the bereaved.

It seems every week I meet someone who recently lost a spouse, parent, child, or close friend or relative. Emotions are fragile and reality is often lost in the grief process.

We know we cannot take the hurt away.

Often we find ourselves in difficult circumstances and at a loss for words. What do we say? How can we show love and concern without seeming to meddle? Consider these helps as you reach out to the hurting in their time of need.

1.We do not all have the same needs.

This may sound like a no-brainer; however, the truth is, we generally expect others to react as we would in a given situation. We do not understand why they either cry too much, or they don’t seem to show their emotions at all. Give the hurting one time to sort out their feelings and to respond accordingly.

2. Food is not always the answer to our problems.

Forcing someone to eat will not necessarily “make them feel better”. The grieving individual may need some time to let emotions settle before he/she can eat. Temporary loss of appetite is often our body’s way of dealing with the pain.

3. Grieving persons may welcome news about your family.

Do not be afraid to talk about your own life and what is happening in the outside world that may interest them. Perhaps hearing about current events and your family may ease their load. At the same time, be sensitive to their need to talk about their loved one or share a memory.

4. Allow time for genuine grief.

While the grieving one is not looking for a pity-party, they do need adequate time to grieve. They need to be allowed to weep, cry, be emotional. The loss is great; it will take time to heal. This will come only as they are given time to work through their grief.

5. Do not stay away because you do not know what to say or do.

Visit the bereaved as you normally would, call, send cards. Your presence, your hugs, your smiles, and your prayers are most likely just what the doctor ordered. Each visit can give comfort and help pull them back into the real world.

6. Some people will need more alone time than others.

I am reminded that we must allow each person some alone time. Some need more than others. If you feel you are being pushed aside, consider they may need to spend time alone and honor their desires.

I’ve lost parents, grandparents, spouse, and more friends than I can count. My most precious memories during that time are of those friends who simply gave me a hug and smile and let me cry awhile on their shoulder.

I am sure the prayers of God’s family have held me up more than I’ll ever know. I pray for you that you will have those caring friends in your life; and that you will be faithful to pray for others.

Hugs,

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