Good afternoon. The heat here in Vegas is no joke. I am careful in this heat. If I need to change an appointment, I will. Better safe than sorry. The heat and my medication don’t see eye to eye. My dentist visit today went well.

I want to share that a resident here passed away on Sunday. No one knew until they looked into things. Two others went to the hospital yesterday. I am grateful today. Health is so important. It is a reality as we age we become more sensitive and fragile.

I have to reiterate that gratitude helps keep us grounded. Things could always be so different. One thing I wanted to highlight about aging is support. One neighbor who went to the hospital was in the apartment for three days before he got help. He had fallen and couldn’t reach the door when help came.

Two suggestions came to mind. Someone else you trust needs a set of your keys. Keep the phone and phone number readily available. Talk to someone regularly so they will do a wellness check if they don’t hear from you. Someone else having the keys helps this process. The apartment staff are not allowed to enter without permission even if you know something could be wrong. You would have to call the police. Take care of yourself. Find that person you trust and let them know. Or, speak to a close friend and have that conversation.

As we age, these steps become critical, especially if you live alone. I had this conversation today with my daughter. Support can be readily available but we have to work together.

Be blessed.

Sandra R Vercelloono