From the Eastford Independent Fire Company #1, Inc.
Thanks to all who are taking things safely when it comes to the amount of snow, ice, and falls that are occurring. Winter is far from over. We ask all to take a few minutes, safely, to clean around your mailboxes and especially make your house numbers visible from the road in the event you need to call “911.” Clearing a path from your driveway to your house entry is critical should you need to be transported to the hospital.
The department responded to 22 “911” calls during the month of January.
Welcome our newest member, Gavin Driscoll, to the department.
In addition to the monthly business meeting, truck checks, and line officers meeting, drills were held on SCBAs, mandatory airborne/bloodborne pathogens, sexual harassment in the workplace and HIPAA.
Tip of the Month: The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss – Communicating with Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Most know that hearing loss in older adults is common, as well as cognitive decline. What is frightening is that seniors that struggle with hearing loss can experience cognitive decline nearly 40 percent faster than those without. Taking steps to protect or address hearing loss can also protect your health and overall independence.
Tips for speaking and speechreading: Face the hard of hearing person, maintain eye contact, speak normally and clearly, not too slowly or loudly, do not exaggerate mouth movements.
Tips for communicating through writing: Keep writing simple and to the point, look for meaning in the person’s message, ignore any grammatical errors.
Tips for Dementia: Mild hearing loss can double dementia risk. Moderate loss can triple risk, and severe hearing impairment can be five times more likely to develop dementia.
Tips for Risk of Falls: Evan a mild hearing loss triples the risk of falls.
Tips for Long-Term Care: One third of older adults that are hospitalized from a serious fall injury do not return home and require admission to long-term care.
Tips for Diabetes: Diabetes can have a significant impact on hearing health. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, which can lead to hearing difficulties.
Recommendation: Research shows that restoring hearing loss with hearing aids may not only improve the quality of life, but could also extend it.
For further information, call 1-800-708-6796 or 860-231-8756.
- Submitted by Jeannine Spink