Page 22 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2023 - 30-06

Page 22
Senior Times - June 2023
DEFINING YOUR NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
What is a normal, high, or low temperature, and what does it mean? Learn the signifi- cance of the digits on your thermometer, and when it’s time to call your doctor.
can also tell you what to do when you’re cold. For example, it tells your body to shrink blood vessels and shiver, which helps it preserve or create heat by rapidly con- tracting and releasing your muscles. Goose bumps are another temperature message from the brain, which signals to the hair follicles to trap warm air, resulting in the telltale bumps on your skin.
Most of you will think of this a Jeopardy question and say, “What is 98.6°F?” Or pos- sibly, “What is 37°Celsius?”
The reality is that today we know that the number is actually lower and not absolute. We also know that this number really lands on a spectrum because we are all different. Experts now agree that today’s average range for a normal temperature is between 97.5°F and 97.9°F, and it’s widely accepted that the spectrum for normal extends from 97°F to 99°F. It’s even possible for you to be a little hotter or colder than that and still be com- pletely healthy.
thermometer placed under the tongue.
So, what about those “contactless” ther-
The goal is always normothermia... a normal body temperature, and your hypothal- amus works hard to help keep yours within your normal range.
No matter what, temperature is considered to be a vital sign and changes, high or low, can be an indication of a health concern.
mometers that the COVID-19 pandemic
has popularized that zap your forehead? Thermometers that read your forehead from a distance are less accurate than those that touch your skin directly, research shows. If you’re taking a peripheral body temperature, it’s important to know that it could be off by a degree.
Hyperthermia is when your tempera- ture goes above your normal spectrum. It can mean many things but is often consid- ered a sign that your body is hard at work fighting off an infection or other health issue. Infection triggers your immune system to fight back using helpers that include white blood cells and antibodies. Fever works in two ways:
1. It sets your immune system in motion to
So lets start with what is normal for you? One of the best measures is you. Knowing what’s “normal” for you when you’re feel- ing fine will help you know when a rise or decrease merits attention. Consider taking your temperature at approximate the same time every morning and evening for two weeks, using the same method (ex: orally with the same thermometer). Now do the math – determine your average morning and evening temperature using the data you collected. As long as you were healthy during that time your numbers will be more accurate.
In addition to time of day, many other conditions may impact body temperature such as age, infection, environment, medi- cations, immunizations, or even other health conditions such as stroke as it may lead to difficulty in temperature management.
respond to an infection or other issue. 2. Raising your body’s temperature when
Your best bet for the most accurate tem- perature is taking it internally. For adults, a good reading is possible using an oral
Just as your hypothalamus tells you to sweat when your body temp rises, your brain
If a fever isn’t alarmingly high you may choose to let the immune system do its job. Monitor the temperature and take action when discomfort becomes less tolerable. Oftentimes you can reduce it at home with fever-reducing medicine, such as
A small health primer can help explain. Your hypothalamus is what keeps your body’s temperature on track. The hypo- thalamus is a part of the brain that not only controls body temperature, but also the hor- mones that affect hunger, thirst, sleep, heart rate, sex drive, and mood. For example, when you exercise and feel hot, the hypo- thalamus can tell your body to sweat, and sweating helps cool you down.
you have an infection makes it more dif- ficult for the bacteria or virus, such as the flu, to remain alive in your body (they tend to prefer more normal body tempera- tures over higher temperatures). It starts to get concerning generally when you get into triple digit temperatures.
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
ORGANIZATION
Alamo Transportation
Alpha Medical Transport
Battle Buddy Mobility Transport
Battle Creek Transit - Fixed Route
Branch Area Transit Authority
Community Action Senior Transportation
JNZ Transportation
Mobility 1 Transportation
AREA
Calhoun,Kalamazoo & Jackson Counties
Battle Creek Area
Southern Michigan
Battle Creek Area
Branch County
Calhoun County- Albion
Michigan
Michigan
SERVICE CONDITIONS
Curb-To-Curb
Curb-To-Curb
Door-through- Door Service
Fixed Routes
Curb-To-Curb
Origination To Destination
Curb-To-Curb
Will Travel Out Of Michigan
PHONE
(517) 494-0029
(269) 565-4444
(269) 719-2501
(269) 966-3474
(517) 278-5889
(269) 565-4144
(517) 879-0978
(269) 430-5055
HOURS
M-F, 7am-5pm
By Appointment
Daily by appointment
M-F, 5:15am-mid- night, Some Routes Sat, 9:15am-5pm
M-F, 5am-5pm
M,T,W,F, 9am-2:30pm
7-days, 6am-6pm
By Appointment 24 hours
COST
Bills Medicare/Medicaid
Arranged through individual health insurance plans; direct pay not accepted
Bills Medicaid
$0.60 seniors
Half Fare for Handicapped & Senior Citizens Over 60
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Wheelchair $45+$2/mile, Ambulatory $30+$2/mile
Only Medicaid plans
NOTES
Medical & grocery
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Will transport within the State when available. Veteran discount.
Must have exact change, 12 punch pass for $6, 48 punches for $24
Weekly Subscriptions Available
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Additional rider accepted when in area
Albion Marshall Connector
Marshall, Ablion
Curb-To-Curb
(269) 781-3975 or (517) 654-3000
M-F, 8:45am-3pm
$1 one way for seniors, 60+; disabled & children 6-12,
$2 adults/children 13+
Must have exact change, can receive tokens for future trips if you overpay. Caregiver free.
Area Wide Transportation
Kalamazoo & Southwest Michigan
Door-To-Door
(269) 679-6999
Available 24 hours/ day
Bills Medicare/Medicaid
Rider responsible for any costs not covered. Accept credit card.
Battle Creek Tele-Transit
Battle Creek, Twps Bedford, Emmett, Pennfield, Springfield
Door-to-Door
(269) 966-3474
M-F, 5:15am-mid- night, Sat, 9:15am-5pm
$2 one-way for 60+senior/dis- abled.
Reservation Needed. $7 other passen- ger ($5 after 7pm) one-way. Ask about punch pass.
BC Go
Battle Creek Area
Ride Sharing
(269) 966-3474
M-F 6am-9pm,Sat 9am-5pm
Cost ranges from $3 to $15, depending on miles traveled
Additional passenger $3, call for additional restrictions
Community Action Senior Transportation
Calhoun County- Battle Creek
Origination To Destination
(269) 565-4144
M,W, 8am-6pm T,Th,F, 8am-4pm
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
JATA Rides to Wellness (Mobility Navigator)
Jackson County
Door-to-Door
(517) 788-7844
M-F, 8am-5pm
$15 one-way or $30 round-trip $10 for each additional leg of the trip
Any resident of Jackson County is eligible for the service.
Marshall Dial-A-Ride
Marshall
Curb-To-Curb
(269) 781-3975
M-F, 7am-6pm
$1.50 one-way for seniors 60+ & disabled, children 5-12, $3 adults/children 13+
Out-of-town: $2 one-way for seniors 60+ & disabled, children 5-12, $4 adults/children 13+
Ready Ride Transportation
Michigan
Door-to-Door
(616) 261-2400
By Appointment
Contact for Rates
10% Discount for Veterans
Details subject to change.To have your senior transportation added or changes to your listing, Call (269) 979-1479 ext. 2 or Email: ssherban@scenepub.com.