HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1999-07-21, Page 6PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 1999.
Don’t be too trusting when travelling
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen staff
Today's seniors are living longer,
healthier, more active lives. And
whether summer, winter, spring or
fall, this busy generation is hitting
the road and flying high.
Travelling, though a wonderful
pastime is not without its hazards no
matter what your age. But seniors
can be particularly vulnerable.
OPP Sr. Const. Don Shropshall,
who often attends meetings to
advise seniors on safe travelling,
says, “Seniors are too trusting and
often can’t defend themselves. They
need to take more care.”
Precautions begin before you walk
out the door, Shropshall says.
“Before you leave the house on hol
iday look for a family member or
trusted friend to leave the key with.”
He adds that this person should be
told the duration of the trip and a
phone number which they can con
tact. Shropshall says it’s also impor
tant to let the OPP know that you’re
going to be away and who the con
tact is. “That way if there is a break
and enter we can get in touch with
someone right away. We can have
our people out looking for the guilty
party earlier.”
Shropshall recommends a motion
detector light system be installed
outside for those frequently away
from home. A timer for indoor
lights, which come on in different
rooms at different times giving the
empty house a lived-in look is also a
good idea.
Also, he adds, leave no window or
door unchecked. “I once investigat
ed a break in where the thieves
entered through a third storey win
dow that had been left open for air.
For patio or slider doors and win
dows, he advises a piece of wood be
used as a block.
Finally, Shropshall warns, “Don’t
announce your absence.”
On the road
Once you have taken as many pre
cautions as possible to protect your
home, make sure you do the same
for yourself.
When traveling by car have your
vehicle checked out by a mechanic
before you leave. However, it’s a
good idea to have a phone so that
you can call for assistance rather
then rely on a stranger, in case of
emergency. Also, get a “Call Police”
sign to be placed in your window in
times of trouble. These are available
— Travel Tips)—
Travel Tips for people
with special needs
(NC) - Many countries do not
provide access for people in
wheelchairs or make allowances
for those with special hearing,
sight or other physical require
ments. Contact your local access
organization or talk to others who
have travelled to your destination
in the past. There are also several
guides published about inter
national travel and people with
special needs. Check your local
library or bookstore or the
Canadian Transportation Agency
Web site www.cta-otc.gc.ca
- News Canada
at the OPP detachment .
If your car breaks down don’t put
up the hood. “It blocks the view and
draws attention.”
Finally, if someone stops don’t get
out and make yourself available as a
victim, says Shropshall. Instead, roll
the window down no more than an
inch. “And keep in mind that this
person will be a touch leery. He has
no way of knowing if the police
Improving your quality years
(NC)—Being well-nourished doesn’t
guarantee perfect health, however if you
are poorly nourished, you greatly
increase your risk of disease. Nor can
you stop the clock, but regular exercise
and a healthful diet can substantially
extend your quality years. New research
suggests that some of the physical
changes and chronic diseases that used
to be considered an inevitable part of
aging may be the result of life-long diets
deficient in key nutrients. Small dietary
changes may make a big difference
down the road.
The immune system
The immune system is one of your
most vital defenses against disease and
infection. The health of your immune
system depends greatly on having
enough protein, iron, zinc, vitamins A,
C, D, and E, many B vitamins and
several other nutrients. Help keep it
strong by eating a balanced diet that
includes enough milk products,
vegetables and fruit, whole grain
products, meat and alternatives.
Eat three meals a day
Don’t skip meals. Eating three good,
balanced meals a day is the best way to
ensure you get the nutrients you need to
be healthy. Follow Canada’s Food Guide
to Healthy Eating to keep you on track.
However, for those times when you
don’t feel like a meal or you are pressed
for time, try a high energy booster drink.
They are quick to make, and can be
made in larger batches and stored in the
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have already been called by another
driver and are on their way.”
On the road never let the fuel tank
fall below the halfway mark.
Vehicles should be locked at all
times even when travelling. “It can
happen in the cities that someone
will yank open the car door when
you’re sitting at a light and grab
your purse or take the car.”
When you park the car find a well-
refrigerator for days. They make a great
snack or breakfast on the go.
Booster Drink:
1 cup (250 ml) vanilla yogurt
1 cup(250 ml) milk
1/2 cup(125 ml) skim milk powder
Add your favorite fruit combination
Mix ingredients in a blender until
smooth. Makes 2-3 scrumptious servings
Make daily deposits in the bone bank
Some bone loss may be inevitable as
you get older, but osteoporosis isn’t. To
reduce your risk, eat 2-4 servings of
Milk Products every day. Nourish your
bones now and they will stand up for
you later.
Food over supplements
Always choose food over dietary
supplements. It’s the most effective way
to get your nutrients. It is not proven
that antioxidant supplements help protect
against heart disease and cancers as well
as actual fruits and vegetables. Why ?
Because it is the combined effect of the
thousands of substances in foods which
may be more powerful than the
antioxidant vitamins alone. Food is to
complex to be reduced to a pill, or even
a handful of pills.
- News Canada
Phone:
(519) 357-3010
Fax:
(519) 357-3143
lit area where you can see and be
seen. Have the car keys in your hand
when returning to the vehicle so that
you don’t have to linger at the door.
“Also, you can actually defend your
self with them by jabbing or slash
ing. It’s not going to stop them for
long but it will buy some time for
you to put space between you and
them.”
Before getting into the car, if pos
sible, Shropshall recommends cir
cling it so that you can look under
neath and determine that no one is
waiting to pull you down. If the car
is a two door before you leave it
make sure the seats are forward so
that you can see when returning that
no one is in the back seat. “If you are
under a light, approach the vehicle
from behind so you can check the
back seat.”
Be discreet
Don’t advertise who you are. If
travelling by plane or bus, make sure
only your last name and first initial
is on the luggage tag. Do not provide
a complete address and use a phone
number that’s vague. For example,
Shropshall recommends a family
member’s work number. “You have
people who hang around airports
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and check out the luggage to find out
what houses are likely to be empty.”
In hotels
While there may be a tendency to
consider hotels a secure environ
ment it is not a time to let your guard
down. Upon arrival make sure your
luggage is attended at all times to
prevent theft.
If travelling alone, ask to be
accompanied to your room and have
someone check to see that there is no
one hiding.
Don’t open the door to anyone
who says they work at the establish
ment without investigating. “Check
with the front desk and see if they
sent someone to your room. If yes,
then find out the name of the person
and verify that that is who is at your
door. If the answer is no keep the
person with whom you were speak
ing on the phone until security
arrives.”
Finally, though these precautions
are excellent advise for anyone to
follow, Shropshall notes that the
older and younger people are more
susceptible and should be on alert.
“Caution and a little common sense
go a long way toward protecting
yourself,” he says.
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