By: Cheryl Stover

& Jordana Naftzinger

With winter already starting early in 2011, it wouldn’t be a surprise if most of the country will see colder than average temperatures —and plenty of precipitation in the coming months.

While a cover of white may be lovely to look at, cold weather can pose a threat, not only to your health, but to your pocketbook, as well.  But with a little preparation, you can help curb the wear and tear on your body and bank account.

First, conserve the heat you already have.  The experts at the U.S. Department of Energy offer some simple, inexpensive strategies:

• Open curtains to allow in daytime sunlight, and close them against the chill at night.
• Cover drafty windows with a heavy duty clear plastic film, and find and seal leaks around utility pipes, chimneys, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
• Adjust the temperature on your thermostat as low as is comfortable during the day and when you are asleep or out of the house reduce the temperature by several degrees.
• Install programmable thermostats, which make it easier to control temperature.
• Replace your furnace filters regularly.
• Keep your fireplace damper closed unless you have a fire going.
• Cover bare floors with rugs.

Help to Make Energy Ends Meet
For some families the rising cost of heating can be a real financial hardship.  But there is help through a federally-funded initiative called “LIHEAP” or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.  LIHEAP helps more than 5 million households each year through block grants to states.  States then award funding to community organizations, which provide financial assistance to households that pay a high proportion of income for home energy — particularly the disabled and the elderly.

In October 2008, the federal government released more than $5 billion to states for the program.  Applications for assistance are made to the local grantees in each state and while there are income eligibility requirements, anyone can apply.  Larger states also have programs that offer discounts through local utility companies, as well.  To learn more about LIHEAP and other programs in your state, visit www.energynear.org.

Cold Danger Zone
Even if you don’t need help meeting the cost of keeping warm, you may be tempted to “go green” by dialing down the thermostat.  This may seem a harmless strategy, but remember to use restraint.  Seniors are more vulnerable to hypothermia — a dangerous lowing of body temperature.

As we age, a slower metabolism, chronic health problems and some medications put us at greater risk for the condition.  Unfortunately people often overlook the symptoms of hypothermia and don’t seek medical attention.  That’s when hypothermia can lead to serious complications such as coma, frostbite — even death.

Mayoclinic.com recommends that we learn to recognize the symptoms of hypothermia in ourselves, friends or family members and don’t hesitate to get medical help.

Watch for:

• The “umbles”— mumbles, stumbles, fumbles, grumbles!
• Shivering
• Slurred speech
• Cold pale skin
• Very slow breathing
• Fatigue and lethargy

If you do venture outdoors in cold weather, be
safe:

• Tell someone where you’re going.
• Protect yourself by dressing warmly — wear a hat, scarf, gloves, water-proof coat and shoes, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, and several layers of loose-fitting clothing.
• Pay special attention to the wind chill index.  It measures the rate of heat loss from the skin.  As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from the body more quickly, causing a sudden, and risky, drop in skin temperature.
• And remember, cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart, and any exertion – such as shoveling snow – can be dangerous.  It’s best to leave cold-weather heavy lifting to younger friends or family!

Heritage at Milford Assisted Living, Genesis Health Care.

Presented  by Heritage of Milford Assisted Living, Genesis Health Care.
For more information on
Heritage at Milford call 302-422-8700
or Heritage at Dover call 302-735-8800
visit www.genesishcc.com
© 2010 Genesis Health Care Corporation.

Heritage Assisted Living cares for the members in their community and strives to encourage the independence of seniors, but also encourage them to partake in daily activities.  They are dedicated to meeting the needs of their seniors.  Their mission is to improve the life of each and every single member that is within their community by delivering excellent healthcare and the compassion of their staff.  Heritage’s educated and well-trained nurses have become the core of the community.  Through dedication and passion, Heritage will continue to improve the daily lives of their senior citizens.

More than 200 skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities are located in 13 eastern states, with healthcare providers in 23 states and the District of Columbia.  Genesis Healthcare is headquartered in downtown Kennett Square, Pennsylvania – a historic borough located southwest of Philadelphia and about 20 minutes northwest of Wilmington, Delaware.