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Preparing For Colder Weather Zhanda Malone , [log in to unmask] 11/08/2003 Brrr - the cold weather has set in, which means it's time to get ready for winter. To prepare for the cold weather ahead, Illinois Department on Aging Director Charles Johnson is urging older people and their families to recognize that winter poses a special threat to seniors. "I hope that older people and those who care for them will take practical moves now in anticipation of the cold weather ahead," he said. First on the list, Johnson said, is a check on the furnace to be sure that it is in good shape and heating ducts are properly ventilated. Proper ventilation is also a concern if you use alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove or space heater. If you use heating oil, be sure that you have enough heating oil. Johnson said older people should set their thermostats to above 65 degrees. "Never turn down the heat to save money," he said. People who lower the thermostat to reduce heating bills risk developing hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition in which the body temperature drops. At increased risk are older people who take certain medications, drink alcohol, lack proper nutrition, and who have conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. "If paying the heating bill is a problem, please call the Department on Aging helpline at 1-800-252-8966," Johnson said. He said the Department can help link eligible people to resources such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Other cold-weather tips from Johnson and the Department on Aging are: - Dress in layers, both in and outside. - Keep active. Make a list of exercises and activities that you can do indoors when you cannot get out. - Eat well and drink 10 glasses of water every day. - Keep extra medications in the house. If this is not possible, make arrangements now with a pharmacy that will deliver. - Stock up on extra food supplies, just in case. - Have your house winterized. Be sure that walls and attics are insulated. - Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Insulate pipes near outer walls, in crawl spaces and attics that are susceptible to freezing. - Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off water in case pipes burst. - Prepare your vehicle for winter: Check wipers, tires, lights and fluid levels regularly. Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. Plan long trips carefully and travel by daylight with at least one other person. - Protect against fire. If you don't have a fire extinguisher, buy one. Make sure space heaters are at least three feet from anything flammable.. Do not overload extension cords. - If you live in a house, plan now for someone else to shovel the snow when it comes. Do not shovel snow or walk in deep snow. The strain from the cold and hard labor could cause a heart attack; sweating can lead to a chill and even hypothermia. SOURCE: The Edwardsville Intelligencer, IL http://tinyurl.com/u9h3 * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn