Out and About – Week of July 30th

At this time of the year, everyone should be aware how important it is to keep yourself hydrated. We should consume more water even if we’re not thirsty. Staying hydrated year-round is equally important, yet is easily overlooked.

Driving while dehydrated might cause you to lane drift or be late in braking your vehicle. According to “Men’s Health”, a person’s athletic performance might be affected if you’re two percent or more dehydrated. During cold weather, when you might run for exercise, you would dress in layers. It might be difficult to remember to stay hydrated. This is less likely to happen if you run indoors, because you would be wearing less clothing. When you fail to keep your body hydrated, you reduce functioning in your cells, tissues and vital organs.

Here are several signs of dehydration:

Muscle cramping, especially in the legs.
Craving sweets.
Dizziness. Your blood pressure has a tendency to lower if you are lacking fluids. This can lead to becoming light-headed and dizzy.
The Veterans Administration (VA) has received more than its share of bad press over the years. I’ve had reason to visit the VA in Battle Creek myself because of being a Vietnam veteran and diabetic. Every time I visit the facility, I walk away feeling extremely blessed, because there are so many veterans who aren’t as lucky as I am. I still have both arms and legs and am not confined to a wheelchair. I feel ashamed of myself, because there are other veterans who are not as lucky, yet their disposition and attitude is more positive than mine. They have accepted their disabilities and have chosen to move on with their lives. I salute them for this.

I’m sure there are incidents where the attention one receives at the VA is less than perfect; however, every time I’ve gone for an appointment, I am treated as though I’m the only patient there to be treated. I have a team assigned to me to make sure every question is answered and any service needed is provided. My team consists of a doctor, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and a Registered Nurse (RN).

I guess every story has two sides. I feel fortunate that my side of the VA crisis is positive. As Commander of the American Legion Post in Three Rivers, I can honestly say that the American Legion stands ready to help any veteran in need. If we can’t help you, we’ll put you in contact with someone who can. The American Legion Honor Team recently provided graveside services for a twenty-seven year old Marine who killed himself. I feel this happened because someone failed to come to his aid. This is terribly wrong and should never happen. Sometimes, all a person needs is someone to talk and listen to them.

Here’s something everyone should know. In proportion to its size, a fly walks thirteen times as fast as a man or woman can run.

KARMA: What goes around comes around. Keep your circle positive. Speak good words, Think good thoughts. Do good deeds.

See you Out and About!

Submitted by Norm Stutesman