Winter what?

If you’ve ever lived in an area that gets snow, then you’ve probably heard the terms winter storm watch, winter storm warning and blizzard before… but does anyone really know what they mean?  Even we here at the Chapter find it all a little confusing, so we thought it would be a good thing to look into so we know what they’re talking about on our favorite weather stations!

Winter Storm Outlook-Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.

Winter Storm Watch-Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.

Winter Weather Advisory- Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

Winter Storm Warning- Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Blizzard Warning- Strong winds; blinding wind-driven snow; dangerous wind chill is expected; it is strongly advised to take shelter. 

Is your school, company or other organization prepared for warnings such as these? If not, you might benefit from a Be Red Cross Ready presentation that addresses issues such as winter preparedness! For more information, please contact Denise Herkey-Jarosch, Regional Coordinator, NYS Citizens Preparedness Program at (716) 878-2231 to set up a presentation, or visit the Chapter online for winter preparedness tips.

Ombudsman?

Everyone has parents and grandparents, which means that everyone will most likely have to deal with a long-term care facility at some point in their life. That is what the American Red Cross’ Ombudsman Program is for. 

An Ombudsman is a dedicated volunteer certified to receive, investigate, and solve complaints made by, or on behalf of, residents in long-term care facilities.  They are assigned to a facility each week, where they go to discuss problems, concerns, or to simply lend an ear when residents have something on their minds.  The Ombudsmen also monitor the quality of care, help protect residents rights, provide information to the residents and their families to ensure proper treatment, and encourage residents to express their opinions.

Interested in becoming an Ombudsman?

You must:

Be at least 21 years of age
Be interested and capable to fulfill the advocate’s role
Have strong verbal and written communication skills

Regularly scheduled training is provided.  The next scheduled training program, a total of 36 hours, will be held on March 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16. Prospective Ombudsmen must successfully complete the full 36 hours of training.

For more information about becoming an Ombudsman, please contact (716) 878-2385.

Bundle up Buffalo!

With wind-chills putting Buffalo well below 20 degrees, we think it’s about time that the Chapter brushes everyone up on how to be prepared when outdoors in this chilly weather! 

Bring tissues: Nothing is worse than being outside with a drippy nose, so be sure to pack some tissues so icicles don’t start forming!

Light layers:  This doesn’t mean putting on 5 of our heaviest sweaters, 3 pairs of heavy wool socks, snow pants and two hats.  Layering is all about light layers, a hat, gloves and waterproof boots and coat to keep your toes, feet, socks and clothing warm and dry while keeping the wind out. 

Pay attention to signs of frostbite: If your fingers are becoming stiff, red, off colored and/or numb… get inside to warm up! You don’t want to risk damaging your body in the frigid Buffalo weather, so be sure to bundle up and be aware of places that you can stop and go indoors to warm up if traveling outdoors.

Pay attention to the forecast: If the weather service is telling you to not travel unless necessary… don’t travel unless it’s necessary!

Remember your pets: If you’re cold outdoors, your pet probably is too.  Be aware of the fact that their paws are walking in the snow and ice, and that the salt that is hopefully on the shoveled sidewalks keeping you from slipping will still be on their paws when indoors.  So keep their walks outdoors short, rinse off their paws afterwards, and remember that they get cold too!

Take something warm: If you’re going on a long outdoor journey in the frigid weather, try to bring a warm drink to keep your fingers and insides warm.

Treaded boots: Nothing is more painful, embarrassing or just plain annoying than slipping on the ice or slick pavement when walking in a blizzard.  So be sure to have boots that are not only waterproof but that will keep you from falling when encountering slippery conditions outdoors.

We often think that because we’re from Buffalo we can handle all types of weather, but as we’ve realized here at the Chapter, we haven’t had a hard winter here in Buffalo for a few years!  With multiple storms already this winter season... and spring still months away… we hope that you be cautious, prepared and stay up to date with us for tips on staying safe!

For more tips on staying safe this winter season visit us online!

Looking for a free Living Healthy workshop?

All of us are or know someone that is affected by an ongoing health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, arthritis, chronic pain and COPD.  However, there has never been much support in the community from others facing similar challenges.  That is no longer the case!

The P² Collaborative and Greater Buffalo Chapter are proud to now offer FREE Living Healthy workshops in Western New York.  

The workshops are taught by specially-trained volunteer leaders, some of whom have health conditions themselves, and cover new topics each week, providing opportunity for interaction and group problem-solving to help participants:

·         Find better ways of dealing with pain and fatigue

·         Discover easy exercises to help improve or maintain strength and energy

·         Learn the appropriate use of medications

·         Improve nutrition

·         Talk effectively with family, friends and health professionals

·         Understand new treatment choices

·         Feel better about life

The workshops are a 6-week long series and begin the week of January 17^th in locations throughout the WNY community.  For more information about the workshops or to find a series near you, please call 716-878-2371.