An online platform that seeks to connect and enrich our communities through collaboration, education, and resources.

TULIPS & TEARS: SUICIDE RATES IN SPRING

As the old adage goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” Along steroids for sale with the tulips, sun and warmer temperatures, springtime brings with it a multitude of factors that lead to a notable increase in suicide rates. There are several different theories as to why we see a spike during spring. If you took a poll, most people would probably guess that the highest rates of suicide occur during the winter months, but this just isn’t so.

Last year, our nation saw its biggest surge in suicide rates in nearly 30 years.

Every age group saw an increase except for older adults. Robert D. Putnam, a professor of public policy at Harvard, posits that this escalation in suicide rates supports a larger emerging pattern of evidence of the links between poverty, hopelessness and health.” Click here for information on how Oregon measures up in suicide rates and trends.

What do the early warning signs look like? Which groups are at the highest risk? People who may be suicidal can be identified by their mood, the things they’re saying and how they’re behaving. Click here for more information on the signs of and risk factors for suicide. If you find yourself in a slump, here’s a link to get support. Has your life been touched by suicide? Here’s a link on ways to cope with the painful impact of suicide.

SUMMER SUN & FUN: HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT

Stay safe and comfortable

As Oregonians living in the Willamette Valley, we know how exciting it can be to finally have the rain dry up and the sun come out. But summer time, and the high temperatures that come with it, can pose some serious health and safety risks for everyone, especially adults 65 and older. As we age, our bodies become less able to adjust to drastic temperatures. Further, older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions and medications that impact the ability to moderate body temperature. Here are some things to keep in mind and ways to stay safe and comfortable during the sizzling months of summer.

Stay Hydrated: Does your mouth feel like the Sahara? Well, older adults are more prone to becoming dehydrated than younger people because we lose our ability to conserve water as we age. We also become less aware of when we are thirsty. Keeping a water bottle near you when you’re hanging around the house, and especially when you’re outside, can help remind you to stay hydrated.
Find water boring? Me too! Click here for a delicious list of recipes for flavored water that you can make at home: http://www.foodnetwork.com/healthy/packages/healthy-every-week/healthy-tips/12-ways-to-make-water-the-most-delicious-thing-ever
Chill Out: If you have air conditioning, use it! If you don’t have air conditioning, try to plan for outings at locations that do, such as the mall, senior center, library, or a friend’s house. It’s important to know that even small temperature increases can have big impacts on older adults with chronic medical conditions and who take certain prescription medications that can impair the body’s ability to adjust to the heat. Be chloro dehydro methyltestosterone sure to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss any precautions specific to your health.
Dress for Comfort: When choosing clothing for a hot day try to select items that are loose-fitting, light-colored and made of natural fabrics like cotton, as natural fibers generally breathe better than synthetic materials.
Protect Your Peepers: Eye health is imperative for people of all ages, but older adults are more likely to be impacted by cataracts and degenerative eye diseases. Be sure to select a quality pair of sunglasses to wear (even on cloudy days), and the styles that provide coverage on the sides are even better to prevent irritation and damage to your eyes.
Sunscreen: Your skin is your largest organ. As Oregonians, we sometimes forget that wearing sunscreen on a daily basis is a good idea for protecting ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun. If you have light colored hair or are bald, be sure to wear sunscreen or a hat to protect your noggin. Try to stay out of the sun between 10 am and 4 pm, as the sun is most intense during these hours.
Beware of Hyperthermia: Knowing the signs and symptoms of hyperthermia is important. Heat stroke is an advanced form of hyperthermia and can be life-threatening, particularly for older adults.
Things to watch for include:
Dry, flushed skin
Nausea & Vomiting
Body temperature over 104 degrees
Changes in behavior including agitation or dragon pharma sustanon confusion
Headache
Lack of sweating when it’s hot out
Fainting
Rapid Pulse
Heavy Breathing
If you notice these signs, get medical attention immediately.
Did you know:
The Albany and Corvallis Farmer’s Markets offer special incentives on fresh, local produce.

They accept Senior Vouchers and Oregon Trail EBT cards.
For folks with SNAP benefits, they participate in the Double Up Food Bucks incentive program which gives you double the amount you spend to buy additional produce, up to $10 matching per day! This means you could purchase a wide variety of fresh fruits and veggies to make some refreshing flavor-infused water!

Use these links for more information on our local farmer’s markets and the Double Up Food Bucks program:

ALAN SILVER, PSYD

Alan Silver, PsyD
Psychologist Resident
Samaritan Health Services,
Albany General Hospital; North Albany Clinics
Dr. Silver is a Psychologist thyro3 for weight loss Resident with a focus on health psychology, including working with patients with physical and emotional distress (e.g., management of chronic pain). He works primarily with individual patients, but also co-facilitates the PainWise group with an emphasis on behavioral and physical strategies to manage pain. Research interests include LGBT health, as well as pre-surgical psychological evaluations (e.g., organ transplant). He completed his internship at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI and obtained his doctorate at Pacific University in Hillsboro, OR.