Senior Living: Protect yourself from wildfire smoke this summer

But as we have experienced, it is also wildfire season, and as you may have heard, the latest forecast is for a significant wildfire potential in the Pacific Northwest starting this month.

We don’t need to be reminded to avoid smoke because we know who’s at the greatest risk. Us! So, how do we prepare to “Be Smoke Ready” and protect ourselves from wildfire smoke?

The go-to resource for the Gorge is the website SmokeReadyGorge.org. There you can learn how to create clean indoor air, make a plan, protect your mental health, protect pets and livestock, and find the air quality index (AQI) from more than 30 air quality sensors in the Gorge. And if you haven’t already, you can also sign up for emergency notifications from your local alert system.

But if you don’t want to make a trip to the website, here are some of the key points.

Be aware of the air quality where you are living. The AQI (Air Quality Index) ranges from 0-500 with different levels and health concerns. If the AQI is above 100, it can be unhealthy for sensitive groups. If the AQI is above 150, it can be unhealthy for the general public.

Avoid outside activities, but if you must be outside in heavy smoke, a properly fitted N95 grade mask can help. And make sure it fits properly! Your mask should fit tightly around your face so you can’t smell an air freshener sprayed in the air. N95 masks are available through Hood River County Emergency Management, Hood River County Health Department, OSU Extension Service, and NCPHD.

Continuously run a portable air purifier in one or more rooms, but an air purifier can be expensive — unless your overprotective children buy you one! An inexpensive and surprisingly effective alternative is making your own DIY filtration unit. Simply seal a 20–inch square MERV-13 furnace filter (which you may have to order online) to a 20–inch box fan with a bungee cord, and you’re set.

This summer be prepared and visit SmokeReadyGorge.org. It only takes a spark!

You can also refer to Columbia Gorge News’ annual Fire in the Gorge publication, inserted into last week’s edition and available at the Hood River and The Dalles offices.

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Brain Tease: For those of you who remember middle school math classes: Divide 30 by ½ and then add 5, what’s the answer?

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Let’s catch up again. For May 14, I missed Shari Lewis, Rebecca Abrams, Dave Lutgens, Rhonda Spies and Rose Schulz.

For the May 21 question, those who sent in the correct answer were Ed Sullivan, Doug Nelson, Dave Lutgens, Judy Kiser, Lana Tepfer, Shelly Hinatsu, Donna Mollet, Craig Terry, Julie Hoffman, Tina Castanares, Pat Evenson Brady, Debbie Medina, Bruce Johnson, Rhonda Spies, David Liberty, Ken Jernstedt, Rebecca Abrams and Mike McFarlane.

And for last week, the name of the live variety show first broadcast in 1950, starring Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, and Howard Morris was “Your Show of Shows.” I received correct answers from Bruce Johnson, Judy Kiser, Donna Mollet, Jess and Kim Birge, Dave Lutgens and Lana Tepfer. And the quilt raffle ticket winners are Mike Nagle and Eva Summers.

My apologies to Nancy Higgins, whom I have missed too many times.

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At a meeting, as part of introductions, I was asked who my favorite female movie star was. Since I seldom watch the current movies, I could only think of this movie star whose Hollywood career started in 1932. I definitely showed my age! For this week’s “Remember When” question, who has won four Academy Awards for Best Actress and is known for her 26-year relationship with Spencer Tracy? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it with a copy of one of my favorite movies, “Bringing Up Baby.”

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Well, it’s been another week, trying to stay on the road with the wind blowing in my face. Until we meet again, don’t order more than you can swallow.

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“So this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad, and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.” — Stephen Chbosky

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Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on second and fourth Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Town Hall (541-308-5997) — Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).

For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answer:

When you divide by the fraction 1/2, you need to multiply 30 by 2. Then, add 5 and you end up with 65.