Cover that cough and get that shot
It may be a little late in starting, but flu season is underway in the Florence area. Clinical Manager Linda Shappell with PeaceHealth Medical Group said there have been two confirmed cases treated in Florence in the past couple of weeks. Influenza can strike any age.
Linda Shappell– “Anyone can get the flu and symptoms vary by age. We do have fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, you can feel tired; coughing for sure; headache, runny stuffy nose.”
Several students at Siuslaw schools were out of classes last week, many complaining of flu-like symptoms. Shappell says that’s a good example to follow in order to help prevent the spread; if you don’t feel well, stay home. Another way to go is with prevention by getting a shot.
Linda Shappell – We have many different ways. You can call, make an appointment. When you come in and see your provider we’ll definitely ask and offer a flu vaccine. We do have a special clinic here in the… in the clinic itself and we can certainly get you vaccinated any time that works for you.”
Shappell urges people to follow some basic rules to help prevent spread of winter illnesses… things like washing your hands frequently; covering your coughs; and even wear a mask if you must go out.
Halloween safety
It’s Halloween and that means costumes, candy, parties… and one of the deadliest nights of the year for pedestrians.
The Oregon Department of Transportation says there have been ten fatal crashes on Halloween night in the past decade. 70-percent of those were alcohol and-or drug-involved.
ODOT has issued advice for Monday evening… drivers need to slow down, drive sober and avoid distractions so they can watch for kids on the street.
Trick or treaters and their parents also have a responsibility to stay on sidewalks and in crosswalks. Wear costumes that don’t impair your vision and that are reflective or show up at night; and always use caution when crossing streets and roads.
Party-goers and hosts need to make plans in advance to make sure everyone has a way to get home safely and don’t let impaired guests drive.
Fall prevention
For older residents, falls can be a big hazard. As we age, our sense of balance can deteriorate and our vision can begin to fail, making it difficult to see obstacles. Preventing those falls can be the best way to avoid the consequences, but what happens when you do fall and can’t get up.
According to emergency responders, some simple preparation can make a big difference.
Medical alert devices, hanging around your neck can be a good idea, but so too, can a cell phone in your pocket.
9-1-1 dispatcher Yolanda Ross says one of the biggest challenges she and other dispatchers face is the inability to understand the caller in an emergency. Yes, it’s an emergency and you may be in pain, but try to slow down, speak clearly and try to answer questions. Another challenge… locked doors.
Ross suggests getting a key lock box for the outside of your home, or if you feel comfortable, hide a key outside and tell responders.
Siuslaw Vision 2025
A town hall meeting tomorrow evening in Mapleton will provide upriver residents an update on a variety of different projects that could benefit them.
The Siuslaw Region Vision 2025 steering group has organized the update. It will provide information on targeted improvements in education, health care, jobs, recreation and disaster preparedness.
Vision co-chair Jo Beaudreau says the upriver town hall started with conversations between the Mapleton Lions Club and the school district. From there, she said, “it blossomed” into the other topics.
The Town Hall meeting will be Tuesday evening from four to six at Mapleton High School.
Winter plover protections go in place
Temporary fencing near the beach and adjacent to the Umpqua number-three parking lot south of Winchester Bay has been erected to provide a buffer for a flock of threatened Western Snowy Plovers.
Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist Cindy Burns said the birds have been congregating near the parking lot for the past “couple of weeks”. They’re continually monitoring the area to see if the flock disperses.
A plover was struck and killed by an off-road vehicle last week. Burns said that’s what prompted the fencing. She urges people visiting the area… including off-roaders… to be alert.
Biologists usually erect fencing or ropes during the bird’s nesting season between March and September. Burns said they’re working to help the bird “conserve resources to enable successful breeding in the spring.”
Blood drive set for Siuslaw High School
The goal is to get 50 people to register for a blood drive next week at Siuslaw High School. Senior Destinie Tatum is organizing the drive along with the American Red Cross. That organization will have their blood donor bus at the high school Thursday, November tenth from 8:30 to two.
Anyone can pre-register to give blood that day simply by visiting the high school office at 2975 Oak Street.
