Bickford of Wabash

We are so happy that the oppressive heat has gone away for a while. This morning we played bingo and got some exercise. This afternoon we made strawberry flowers. Of course the best part of making strawberry flowers is eating them! Since they are made of strawberries and string cheese, they are as healthy as they are tasty and cute. Soon we'll sit down for the next installment of our "Founding Mothers" book. Always something fun happening at Bickford of Wabash.

This morning we had pet therapy and exercised. This afternoon we held our monthly lima bean auction. The big ticket item was some Breath Savers sugar-free mints at 7 beans. Always something fun happening at Bickford of Wabash.

Thursday was a great day for us. In the morning we enjoyed trivia. In the afternoon we ate elephant ears from the Wabash County 4-H Fair and put together some snack bags for the local Little League team that's headed to their regional tournament this weekend. After that we read the second installment of our new book "The Founding Mothers." Always something fun happening at Bickford of Wabash.

5 Ways to Prevent Heat Stroke What is heat stroke? Heat stroke happens when you’ve been exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time or participated in a physical activity in high temperatures, which causes your core body temperature to reach 104 degrees F or greater. Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat injury and is considered a medical emergency. Serious heat stroke can cause organ damage and even death. Symptoms of heat stroke include: Body temperature of 104 F or higher Confusion, slurred speech, agitation, and even seizures Skin will feel hot and dry and turn red as body temperature rises Nausea and vomiting Rapid breathing Headache Racing heart beat Treating Heat Stroke Heat stroke can be very dangerous and is a medical emergency. If you think you or someone you know may have heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Also, get out of the heat as soon as possible. Remove clothing and try to cool the person down by using a spray bottle with ice water in it, spray with a cold hose, or get them in a cold bath. Preventing heat stroke Don’t wear any excess clothing. Too much clothing in hot temperatures hampers your body’s ability to sweat and cool itself down. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. Don’t drink alcohol in excess. Drinking too much alcohol can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Drink plenty of fluids while outside and participating in active pursuits. Use sunscreen and wear hats and sunglasses while outdoors. Never leave anyone in a parked car.

Great reasons why Bickford is PET FRIENDLY! The Benefits of Pet Ownership for the Elderly Animals can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity. Pets provide other intangibles, too. “Dogs and cats live very much in the present,” says Dr. Jay P. Granat, a New Jersey-based psychotherapist. “They don’t worry about tomorrow, which can be a very scary concept for an older person. An animal embodies that sense of here and now, and it tends to rub off on people.” Pets can also have an astounding effect on symptoms of depression and feelings of loneliness. Older pet owners have often said how incredibly barren and lonely their lives were without their pets’ companionship, even when there were some downsides to owning an active pet. Psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld, who brings her own golden retriever mix, Sandee, to her New York City office, has even witnessed animals’ ability to prompt better memory recall in their elderly owners. “I’ve seen those with memory loss interact with an animal and regain access to memories from long ago,” she explains. “Having a pet helps the senior focus on something other than their physical problems and negative preoccupations about loss or aging.” Animals benefit from adoption, too, particularly when seniors adopt older pets. “These lucky animals go from the pound to paradise. Retired adopters tend to have lots of time to devote to a previously unwanted pet, forming a lasting bond,” says Chicago veterinarian Dr. Tony Kremer.