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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 1984)
Portland Observer, February 1, 1984 Page 7 Winter cold brings hypothermia danger for elderly------------------------- Even though it cods a lot to heal a home this winter, elderly Oregonians should he aware that they run the risk o f indoor hypo thermia if they keep their homes loo cool. Ted Haskell, Oregon State U n i versity Extension energy agent in Coquille, reported that cases o f hy pothermia have turned up where the victim was indoors and the tempera ture above 60 degress Fahrenheit. The victims were almost always el derly. He explained that hypother mia simply means that someone is so cold that his or her life is threatened. Haskell said it's not certain if the apparent increase in hypothermia is a result of better diagnosis or the re sult of people keeping their homes cooler in response to rising energy costs. Vicki Schmall, O SU Extension gerontology specialist, pointed out that hypothermia can cause skin damamge, loss of portions o f fing ers and toes from frostbite, and damage to the brain and internal or gans. Death is the most severe result when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees. Older people are more susceptible to hypothermia becasuc their body's “ thermostat" is less efficient. They don’t shiver as effectively to gener ate body heat and they also lose the protective layer of fat under the skin that helps keep younger people warm. The elderly may not be as aware as young people that they are becoming cold. The elderly most likely to develop hypothermia are the chronically ill, the very old, the poor who are un able to afford enough heat, and those who do not take normal steps to keep warm. “ People who live alone are at higher risk ," Schmall said, “ be cause no one is present to recognize early symptoms such as shivering, puffy face, sluggish speech, drowsi ness, mental confusion, and pale, waxy skin.” Certain drugs can impair the body’s ability to regulate tempera ture and may also speed up the rate of heat loss. Persons who are taking antidepressants, sedatives, tranquil izers, and cardiovascular medica tions should ask their doctor whe ther the medication might affect control o f body temperature. Alcohol abusers are at risk for similar reasons. They may feel warmer because of the effects o f the alcohol and therefore, tend to neglect themselves physically. People restricted by injuries, es pecially head injuries, or certain health conditions, such as strokes, may not recognize symptoms of body cooling or may not be physi cally able to change the conditions. And because physical activity produces body heat, anyone who is forced to be sedentary through age or illness loses a defense against the ous," she added. The gerentology specialist says the best preventions o f hypothermia are: •Keep the living space w arm —at least 67 degres. People who are frail may need higher termperatures •W e a r a hat and warm socks— even in the house. •M a k e sure bedding is adequately warm. Hypotherm ia can develop during sleep. •A v o id prolonged Norman 3 . Wooding, one o f the nation's outstanding and dynamic gospel singers of Birmingham, A la bama (formerly of Portland), gave a most memorable gospel concert at Paradise Baptist Church on January 22nd. Wearing a most spectacular robe of vibrant gold. Wooding opened the concert with his own unique ren dition of “ I'm his and he is m ine." He then went on to sing, “ Great Day Com ing.” Then he stirred the “ over-flowing” crowd with his one and only version of “ Get Away, Jordan.” He concluded the concert with a vibrant version o f "G reat Judgment D a y ." He has returned to Birming ham, to resume work with the inter national singing group. “ The M o ments o f Inspirations,” with whom he is affiliated. Hock Shop Buy. SatlorTrada 1 Anything of value 5600 N.E. Union 267 5330 exposure to cold. •M a in ta in good nutrition. People who are malnourished have even system shouldn't be in that room. The warm room can be heated with a small healer, such as an elec tric portable heater, an electric base board heater, or a small vented fuel burning heater. When using a port able heater, be sure to keep it away from foot traffic, avoid using exten sion cords, and keep flammable ma terial away from the heater, Haskell cautioned. He added that a well-weatherized home will keep elderly occupants safer from hypothermia. Well- weatherized homes cost less to heat so people living in them are better able to afford warmer temperatures. Also, most weatherization measures reduce drafts and warm up the inter ior surfaces of the house so the oc cupants stay warmer and more com fortable. BONOEtl J A M TA Y LO R A ASSOCIATES BOOKKEEPING A INCOME TAX SERVICE LICENSED TAX CONSULTANT • .•»« of •apoatorx« M 2 1 N.E. T«th Av». Portland. OK «7211 Krusteaz ■ «Pancake Mix I V R /, $149 I * TAX PLANNING • • PROFESSIONAL TYPING (M 3) 249-0023 by appointment Bath Tissue a» Family Scott Print 0t A ssid Colors, 4 Roll pack Buttermilk Ot Wheat Honey 3 S hound All Purpose. Enriched Flour. 10 Lb Bag l.~ * VZ 1 ’< c 68 I Bandon ,-^2-Lb. Cheese Assorted Pepsi Products. 16 Ounce Bottles Plus Dep Medium Cheddar. Oregon Cheese 18 Ct Daytime 24 Ct Newborn 14Ct Ovetnite. 1 ? Ct Toddler $1 Round Steak $299 I t ’s Safeway For Savings! 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