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20 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | AUGUST 2023 At our June meeting, we had the opportunity to hear an informative presentation from Andrea Merrill, Environmental Health Technician from the Department of Environmental Health, County of Riverside. Ms. Merrill provided information to help us mitigate the effects of mosquitoes on our community. With the heavy rains this season, she warned us we could expect a high influx of mosquito infestation this summer. We were also reminded to remove standing water in our yards. Standing water is a primary breeding ground for mosquitoes. On July 12, we were fortunate to have guest speaker Dr. Karan Singh, Chief Medical Officer for San Gorgonio Hospital. Dr. Singh shared his vision for San Gorgonio Hospital and updated us on current medical issues facing our community. For our August meeting, representatives from Homeland Security are scheduled to give a presentation on how to avoid becoming a victim of scams. We will also be provided with information on the various types of scams that specifically target the elderly population. We look forward to seeing you at our August Neighborhood Watch meeting. A hot, dry summer is forecasted! Keep the following preventive measures in mind while working or playing in hot conditions this summer: Stay Cool: Remember to follow these precautions at home prior to going outside for exercise, work, or play. • Wear Appropriate Clothing - choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. • Stay Cool Indoors – stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. Keep in mind, electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness. • Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully – try to limit your outdoor activity to when it is the coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so your body has a chance to recover. • Pace Yourself – cut down on exercise during the heat. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest. • Wear Sunscreen – protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Tip: look for sunscreens that say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels, as these products work best. • Do Not Leave Infants, Children, or Pets in Cars – cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. Drink Plenty of Water: When it is hot and humid, your body quickly loses water through perspiration. Note: When you are thirsty, you are not properly hydrated. • Stay Hydrated – it is important to drink up to four cups of water per hour, even when you are not feeling thirsty. Note: Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks. These drinks can cause you to lose more body fluid. • Replace Salt and Minerals – heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Note: If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk to your doctor before drinking sports beverages. • Keep Your Pets Hydrated – provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shady area. We would like to thank all our Block Captains and all our Neighborhood Watch members for all you do to keep our community safe. ~ Frank Hilberg, hilberg frank@gmail.com Neighborhood Watch & Community Awareness