Willing Workers of White Hall’s Extension Homemakers Club met May 23 at White Hall Library. President Cheri Aronowitz asked Lyslie Trammell to read the Thought of the Month “Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.”
Vice President Karen Needler led members in the Homemaker’s Creed. Sarah Payton read the Handy Hint “Place some nonslip strips normally used in bathtubs, on painted porch steps to give your family and visitors nonslip safety in wet weather.”
Marnette Reed read the Inspiration from Luke 1:37. Secretary Elizabeth Wall called the roll. Members present were: Aronowitz, Needler, Payton, Trammell, Reed, Peggie Barbaree, Dee Kindrick, Jo Ann Carr, and Wall. Donna Stephenson, Malinda Traweek and Mary Ann Kizer, Jefferson County Family and Consumer Science agent were guests. Stephenson and Traweek were welcomed as new members.
Barbaree, community service chairwoman, reported that 120 dolls and 25 pillows were delivered to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Cot sheets are being worked on for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Kid’s First and cancer caps for the Arkansas Cancer Institute. Cereal was collected for the White Hall Food Pantry.
Carr, education chairwoman, reported the club had participated in the county smorgasbord workshop in May and a county workshop would be held June 22 at the Extension Office and reminded members to sign up. She also announced a Fair Judging School was being planned for August. Payton reported the flags had been put out on the doors of the patients’ rooms at the White Hall Nursing Home.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Needler explained the top 10 tips for Senior Summer Safety:
1. Drink Water. The sense of thirst declines with age. Side effects of medicines can also cause dehydration. Senior adults should drink water, not caffeine drinks.
2. Keep Cool. Turn on the air conditioner and/or fans. “If you do not have air conditioning, go to the movies, the mall, the library or church to find refuge in cooler spaces,” according to a news release.
3. Talk To your pharmacist about the effects medicines have on you in the summer and about the effects the summer has on medicines.
4. Dress for the weather. Include hats and sunglasses. Long-sleeved shirts made of appropriate summer materials will not only protect you from the sun but will also help you feel cooler.
5. Sunscreen – wear it. apply often. All skin hues need sunscreen. Protect your skin. Also use a lip balm with a SPF (Sun protective factor).
6. Know the symptoms of heat-related illness. There are several levels of heat-related illness. Senior adults are at particular risk.
7. Enjoy outdoor activities. Summer is a great time to get outside and walk, garden swim, bike, hike, have picnics, etc. Watch the clock to avoid the hottest hours of the day. Check the weather forecast.
8. Have A check-in plan. Increase your social circle. Set up regular calls with a friend and/or a relative. Let someone know if you are going to be outside for an extended period of time.
9. Home Safety – poison prevention. One of the most dangerous poisons is hydrocarbons. These include gasoline, lighter fluid, furniture polish, lamp oil, turpentine and paint thinner. Be aware of the dangers of inhalation as well as ingestion. Keep away from areas that have been recently sprayed with pesticides as they can be absorbed though the skin. When in doubt, call the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222).
10. Car Safety. Have your eyes checked annually and keep your prescriptions up to day. Wear UV blocking sunglasses not just dark lenses. Use preservative-free eye drops to keep your eyes moist and vision more clear. Check the air pressure in the tires, check belts and hoses for good condition and good fit. Check you wiper blades, check the coolant reservoir level to be sure it is full, check your air conditioning in the car. Always wear your seat belt.
A bonus tip was given on avoiding mosquito bites. The Zika mosquitoes breed in artificial containers and are more closely associated with people and dwellings. Insect repellents are the first line of defense against mosquito bites. Repellents containing DEET are effective at repelling mosquitoes. Details: Mary Ann Kizer, Family and Consumer Science Agent, Jefferson County Extension Office, 534-1033.
Kizer announced the next Mediterranean cooking class would be on June 20 and Rice Expo at Stuttgart would be Aug. 4. She also said a press release had been printed with instructions for removing ticks and taking them to the extension office for a state wide study.