Page 4 July 4, 2013 Seniors Finance Preventing Heat Illnesses Among Seniors Avoiding Hidden Flight, Hotel Fees Courtesy of Ryan Iwamoto, owner and happens when the body loses too much By Jason Alderman policy before booking, especially and co-founder of 24Hr HomeCare water and salt. Symptoms can include heavy The last few years have been if you’re looking at a discounted, Last summer was the third hottest summer sweating, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. tough economically for many people. non-refundable rate. on record, with temperatures in Los Angeles Heat cramps are muscle pains and spasms, Unemployment fears combined with Minibars often have electronic reaching into the triple digits. This summer usually involving the stomach and legs. plunging home, stock and retirement sensors that trigger a charge if you won’t be much cooler. As temperatures These are the result of salt and water loss account values caused many to forgo simply move the contents. Also, rise in Southern California, seniors are at from heavy sweating. big vacations – even though stressful water or snacks sitting on the dresser an increased risk of heat illnesses. Even In addition to knowing the symptoms of times are when we most need to may appear to be complimentary, more troubling, as reported by the Center heat illnesses, follow these top five tips to recharge our batteries. but double-check before consuming. for Disease Control (CDC), this population help safeguard your loved ones: But with the economy turning around, many Hotel parking in major cities can cost up has the highest incidence of deaths due to • If you know a senior, visit them at families are cautiously dipping their toes in the to $50 a day, and many have mandatory valet preventable heat illnesses. least twice a day, and look for signs of travel pool once again. Hotel occupancy rates parking, which means adding a tip on top have risen in many areas and airports are as of that. Research nearby municipal parking crowded as ever. lots beforehand, or check the city’s tourism “We all have loved ones who are over the age of 65. If you want extra charges onto their bills. Here are a few Sometimes using public transportation and taxisbureau for hotels offering parking promotions.Airlines and hotels are notorious for tacking to help them prevent heat illnesses, familiarize yourself with the to watch out for: is cheaper overall. symptoms in order to spot and properly treat the illness.” bag (Southwest still allows two), but most housekeeping or spa gratuities to your bill, soSome hotels and resorts automatically addA few airlines allow one free checked charge up to $25 for the first checked bag each ask first before leaving your own tip – unless way, and even more for additional pieces. Plus, of course the service was terrific. According to a recent study at UCLA, the heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If you see most now tack on hefty fees for overweight Most hotels charge exorbitant amounts for warming trend we experienced last summer signs of heat stroke, seek medical attention and over-sized checked and carry-on luggage, local and long-distance calls made from room will continue. Within the next 30 years, immediately. so measure and weigh your luggage carefully. phones, so use your cellphone. temperatures in L.A. will rise by about four • Find out if they’re on medications affected Expect to pay extra for things like changing Resorts often charge extra for services they to five degrees, and the number of days with by heat. These include high blood pressure flights, extra leg room, priority boarding, offer – such as gym access or daily newspaper temperatures above 95 degrees will triple. medication, Parkinson’s drugs, antidepressants unaccompanied minors, pets, Wi-Fi access delivery – even if you don’t use them. Find This puts more seniors at risk for suffering and diuretics. and food. Some airlines even charge extra to out the policy ahead of time and scrutinize from heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Seniors • Encourage them to drink cool water speak to a live person or to buy your ticket at your bill for unused services. and persons with chronic diseases are the and clear juices. Make sure to ask if their the airport counter or by phone. Ask to see your bill the night before you check most susceptible to these illnesses because doctor has prescribed water pills or limited Airfarewatchdog.com, Travelnerd.com and out, so you can review it for overcharges. their bodies do not adjust as well to sudden the amount of fluid they can drink. Kayak offer great fee comparison charts for various If you’re traveling abroad, be aware that changes in temperature. • While it’s best to stay indoors with the airlines; but always double-check the airline’s using your cellphone can be mighty expensive. We all have loved ones who are over the air-conditioning on, some seniors might not own posted rules before booking your flight. Research your carrier’s international calling age of 65. If you want to help them prevent have air-conditioning, or might have trouble Some hotels charge extra if you check in plan and ask whether your phone is compatible heat illnesses, familiarize yourself with the getting to a cool place. If so, offer to take before a certain time. Ask whether they’ll store with foreign networks. You may need to rent an symptoms in order to spot and properly treat them to the movies, or plan a low-impact your luggage for free until check-in so you can international cellphone, or an unlocked phone the illness. activity at a “cooling location.” These are begin sightseeing unencumbered. and international SIM card. The most severe, heat stroke occurs when public spaces set up throughout L.A. where Many hotels charge a hefty penalty if you If your budget’s in good shape and you’re the body cannot control its temperature. The people without air conditioning can escape don’t cancel a reservation 24 to 72 hours getting wanderlust, maybe it’s time to venture body temperature skyrockets, the pulse rate the heat. You can find a list of these locations beforehand – sometimes the equivalent of one out into the world again. Just be cautious about night’s lodging. Read the hotel’s cancellation how hidden expenses can add up. • If you see a dog with a YELLOW RIBBON or something yellow on the leash, this is a dog who needs some space. Please do not approach this dog with your dog. Please maintain distance or give this dog and his/her person time to move out of your way. There are many reasons why a dog may need space: skin, extremely high body temperatures, wear lightweight clothing and apply plenty Illustrated by Lili Chin www.doggiedrawings.netIN TRAININGHEALTH ISSUESBEING REHABILITATEDSCARED OR REACTIVE AROUND OTHER DOGS• If they do go outside, make sure theyby dialing 2-1-1.and stay safe this summer. •Heat exhaustion is milder than heat stroke, soars and normal cooling mechanisms break down. Symptoms and signs include red dry nausea and unconsciousness. If someone you of sunscreen. know is showing signs of heat stroke, seek Learning about heat illness prevention can Those of us who own these dogs medical attention immediately. help you and your loved ones beat the heat appreciate your help and respect! TIME “SPECIAL SUMMER SAVINGS”Subscribe NowOnly THIS IS YOUR TO FIND A GOOD BUSINESS $6999* HERALD PUBLICATIONS PARTNER. *Limited time offer. Keep up on your community’s City Council and SchoolEach publication. Board decisions, local sports and discover new events. Are you ready to grow your business? Boston Private Bank can help with the personal guidance Name: and favorable financing you need to invest in your ideas and your future. Address: To learn more about our Small Business Lending Program, please Newspaper(s): El Segundo Herald Torrance Tribune Inglewood News call Jimar Wilson, Vice President, Lawndale Tribune Hawthorne Press Tribune at 818-501-1752. Thank you for your readership Mail this form and your check to: BostonPrivateBank.com Herald Publications, 312 E. Imperial Ave., El Segundo, CA 90245 B O S T O N • S A N F R A N C I S C O • L O S A N G E L E S
Manhattan 7_04_13
To see the actual publication please follow the link above