Saturday, December 19, 2015

Regional life is full of many fine features and input for the young. Family is close and strong community is supportive and neighbours are friends.

Children grow up with security and love and safety and freedom in regional places.

They do not spend many years of early life in day care, this augurs well for a mind that learns and achieves.

Young people are not distracted by commercial powers in the city. They are grounded in regions and have manners and have learnt how to work.

Well done country students, that's one for country life.

EVERY summer, Victorians know how important it is to prepare for the threat of bushfires.

But the facts show heat kills more Australians than any other natural disaster and senior Victorians are especially at risk.

In the 2009 Victorian heatwave, the number of deaths increased by 374 people. Almost 80 per cent of them were over 65.

During the 2014 heatwave, the number of deaths increased by 167. With more 40 degree days on the horizon, seniors need to take hot weather seriously and get prepared for another potentially deadly summer.

We all have a role to play to help seniors survive the heat. During the festive season, one of the best gifts we can give is to think of someone who may be alone.

Regular contact with an older person can help alleviate loneliness, as well as ensuring that they are safe and prepared, it could save a life. Heatwaves are becoming a regular feature of the Victorian summer, so it’s important to plan ahead and consider how you can look after yourself and others when the extreme heat hits.

Seniors can very easily become dehydrated, which can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency which can result in permanent damage to vital organs, or even death, if not treated immediately.

The Survive the Heat campaign is now running to raise awareness of just how deadly extreme heat can be, and to share tips on staying safe in the heat. Heatwaves are more than a nuisance that cause a restless night’s sleep.

The campaign urges everyone to take heatwaves just as seriously as any other natural disaster. There are simple steps all seniors should take on hot days such as drinking more water, keeping cool in air-conditioned buildings, scheduling activities in the coolest part of the day and wearing loose, light-coloured clothes.

For more information, keep an ear out for updates on the radio and visit the Better Health Channel at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/heat. If you or anyone you know feels unwell on a hot day call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24, or call 000 if you suspect symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

WITH Christmas around the corner it’s heartening to read some good news for a change. 

I’m talking about the security guard Mathew Winchester and Ainsley Stone who, off their own bat are kicking goals for the Christmas spirit by collecting gifts of food for the needy. 

Merry Christmas to one and all and happy New Year. 

This week’s letter of the week winner is Ann Brennan of West Albury.

Please collect your double pass to Regent Cinemas Albury at the front counter of The Border Mail office at 1 McKoy St, Wodonga.