The cold weather that has gripped our nation over the past few weeks has left almost no community unaffected. Seeing a couple from Minnesota standing on a South Florida street, wearing their warmest winter gear and still shivering, brings home the point that we need to be attentive to the problems of cold weather, no matter where we live.

I am thankful to our friends at the American Geriatrics Society <http://www.americangeriatrics.org/> for the following information that all caregivers need to heed for their loved ones and for themselves.

When the temperature drops, older adults run a high risk of health problems related to the cold including hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature), frostbite, falls on ice and snow, and injuries. So it's important that they, and those who care for them, take certain precautions this time of year.

Because older adults have slower metabolisms, they tend to produce less body heat than younger people. Thanks to the way our bodies change as we age, it's also harder for older adults to tell when the temperature is too low. This can be dangerous because your body, when outside in the cold for too long, begins to lose heat very quickly. The result can be hypothermia, a deadly drop in body temperature. Here's what you should do:

? Stay indoors when it's very cold outside, especially if it's also very windy; and keep indoor temperatures at about 65 degrees.

? If you have to go outside, don't stay out in the cold or the wind for very long.

? Wear two or three thinner layers of loose-fitting clothing. (They are warmer than a single layer of thick clothing.) Always wear:

o a hat

o gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer)

o a coat and boots

o a scarf to cover your mouth and nose and protect your lungs from very cold air

? Stay dry; wet clothing chills your body quickly.

? Go indoors if you start shivering; it's a warning sign that you're losing body heat.

? Know the warning signs of hypothermia: lots of shivering; cold skin that is pale or ashy; feeling very tired, confused and sleepy; feeling weak; problems walking; slowed breathing or heart rate. Note: Don't rely on shivering alone as a warning sign, since older people tend to shiver less, and some, not at all, as their body temperature drops. Call 911 if you think you or someone else has hypothermia.

Going back inside for a cup of hot chocolate. Stay warm!

No Respite for the Weary

Come senators, congressmen

Please heed the call

Don't stand in the doorway,

Don't block up the hall....

The times they are a'changin' - Bob Dylan

Boy, the old Yogi Berra saying rings true nowhere greater than in D.C. You know the one that goes, "It ain't over 'til it's over". Or as another of my favorite Muses, Michael Corleone, has been known to say "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in". Or even, reflecting back to what little I remember about the Sixties, (don't ask) "When will they ever learn?" (Peter, Paul and Mary, for all you kids out there).

I, of course am referring to the inch by inch battle that the good folks at the National Respite Coalition are fighting on our behalf. After years of walking the halls of Congress, they were able to help craft legislation that actually made its way onto the President's desk to be signed into law late last year. Phew, you think these good folks could actually get some respite themselves after all their fine work. Hah! The funny thing about a law is that it still needs to be funded. Which, is unfortunately where as they say, "the wheels are in danger of coming off the wagon." and where we once again need your help - quick.

I know that everyone reading this column understands the value of respite to family caregivers, our loved ones and our communities. Now, we need to let our elected representatives understand that we, the electorate (um, their bosses) want them to take action on this vital issue. Please click on the link below, read the message from Jill Kagan and help get the money flowing to something of value in Washington. Now that would be music to my ears.

"We've come a long way, baby" (all right, I'll stop). But seriously, twelve years ago next week, when we released the first issue of Today's Caregiver magazine, you'd be hard pressed to find someone who knew what respite was, now it is a law. A soon to be funded law. The times they are certainly a'changin.