Bridge to Wellness

Emergency preparedness tips and upcoming conservancy event

by Patti Bihn, BSN, RN

September was National Preparedness Month, and this year the focus was on preparing older adults for disaster. Several factors make older adults more vulnerable after disasters, including, but not limited to the following:

• A greater likelihood of suffering from chronic conditions and the need for associated medications.
• A greater reliance on assistive devices, such as walkers or glasses and support from caregivers and others.
• An increased likelihood of social isolation (according to the Red Cross).

A disaster or emergency can happen at any time and sometimes without warning. See the accompanying “10 Essentials for Your Emergency Kit” for information on items you should gather in order to help plan and prepare for your needs in a disaster or emergency.

Is there someone in your life who needs to get a little more prepared?  Are you looking for a place to start?  Visit ready.gov/low-and-no-cost for low-cost and no-cost preparedness steps you can take today.

Upcoming conservation event

The Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition (SAWC) Clean Up Club will work with Legacy Land Conservancy to spruce up Beckwith Preserve, clearing brush and invasive species (autumn olives) on Saturday, September 30, from 10 a.m. to noon. Meet at the parking lot off M-106 on the eastside of Stockbridge and bring gloves and water bottles. Also, information will be available about Legacy Land Conservancy and how they work with land owners to preserve farmland or undeveloped land. Email stewardship@legacylandconservancy.org with questions or for more info.

This column is sponsored by the Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition. Patti Bihn is the Faith Community Nurse Liaison and Diabetes Prevention Program Lifestyle Coach at Chelsea Hospital. 

Preparedness references and resources

Red Cross: bit.ly/3L26WKv and bit.ly/3OYaOwZ

Ready.gov: ready.gov/older-adults

American Psychological Association: bit.ly/3EeQsea

Health in Aging Foundation: bit.ly/3sD7nnW

A disaster or emergency can happen at any time and sometimes without warning. These are some items you should gather to help plan and prepare for your needs in a disaster or emergency. Image credit: National Institute of Aging.