By Robert Ambrose

Keeping your pet safe in winter is important. Just as you would not walk around without a jacket in extreme cold, there are certain steps to keeping your pet safe. Bring your pet inside where it is warmer than winter cold. Dogs and cats cannot tolerate the cold anymore than humans can. Long-haired dogs and cats have resistance to the cold more than short-haired dogs and cats. Don’t shave your pet down to the skin because that extra hair is protection. Diseased pets with diabetes, heart or kidney disease cannot regulate their internal temperature as well as a healthy pet. In fact, dogs and cats can develop arthritis, so have the veterinarian check every year.

Extra food in the winter must compensate only for additional calories needed while outside. A veterinarian can calibrate the amount. Staying in the acceptable weight range is imperative. But adding pet food to gain weight to offset winter in general is a health risk.  (Obesity presents year-round health risks).

If bringing your pet inside your house is not possible, please get them some shelter. A heated water bowl placed off the ground to prevent (freezing water) and a thick pet bed pad to keep the animal safe is critical. Change the water often. Also, make sure that the pet can access its food. For example, a snow drift might prevent the animal from finding the food and water so you need to fix that.

Going for a walk in the winter requires some extra steps. Give your dog a jacket or a sweater. All pets needs clean paws. Wipe your pet’s paws with a towel to remove salt and snow-melt from sidewalks and the driveway. Wipe the belly because your loved animal might have absorbed some antifreeze, a toxic chemical to pets.

One easily overlooked problem: winter wonderland might give you a beautiful lake or river to walk across the ice. Skip that option because if your dog breaks through the ice, then you try to save it. Consequently, you’re both wet and in danger of dying from hypothermia.

Travelling with your pet is not great because the car can become cold quickly. Do not leave your pet unattended.

Since you probably stay home more in the winter than the other months, take care with the space heaters. Pets can tip them over – and that can start a fire. Use carbon monoxide detectors to monitor the indoor air for that deadly odorless gas and test the furnace before ultra-cold weather sets in (next season).

If your pet was outside for an undue duration, whining, slowing down and anxiety are alerts to bring the pet inside quickly. Consulting a veterinarian immediately may be needed since frostbite may be setting in.

If you have livestock, then a veterinarian can help you prepare pregnant and young animals for winter. Sheltering your animals from the wind is critical as is removing ice to prevent injury. Fresh water for drinking is a requirement just like with the companion dog and cats.

Visit our website or download our free Pet First Aid App for more tips.

By Maureen Zug

Like many of us, Norm Phillips took advantage of the pandemic to consider the possibility of doing volunteer work.

“I gave myself pretty good marks as a husband, a father and in my professional career, but an F- as a volunteer thus far,” he shared. “I decided that I wanted to rectify this situation.”

Norm’s journey to the American Red Cross began in London, Canada, which is located between Toronto and Detroit. Even as a teenager, he showed a strong desire to move to the United States. After completing university, he signed on with Johnson & Johnson in the pharmaceutical division. It took 17 years, but Norm and his family were finally able to immigrate to the U.S.

With Norm working at Johnson & Johnson’s headquarters in in Raritan, New Jersey, the Phillips family was able to get their permanent green cards in 1993. Norm soon became inspired by the devotion to duty that many of his colleagues and their family members showed toward the military. So when he decided to up his volunteer game, the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) was an obvious choice.

He applied for the volunteer role of resilience coordinator, which helps the SAF leadership team manage free Red Cross resiliency programming for members of the military, veterans and their families. This includes workshops led by licensed behavioral health facilitators, career counseling and mentoring, among other services.

In addition to becoming a Red Cross volunteer, Norm took another big step this summer. With their adult children and grandchildren already being U.S. citizens, Norm and his wife decided to apply for citizenship and study for the required test that covers civics and American History. At last, on August 1, Norm and his wife attained their goal and became citizens.

A few fun facts about Norm – When he’s not volunteering with the Red Cross SAF team, he is a “super” Philly sports fan with season tickets for the Eagles, Phillies and Flyers! He is also a Gordon Lightfoot and Martin Guitar devotee. And, as a tribute to his Canadian heritage, a Gordon Lightfoot-autographed print of the Edmund Fitzgerald freighter hangs on Norm’s wall.

By Robert Ambrose

For just a moment longer, can your device hold out from hackers to read this blog post about safe online holiday shopping?

Cyber attacks are in the news against major merchants, but cyber attacks affect individuals’ financial or computer health as well. For example, identity theft can result in substantial sums of money fraudulently spent – in your name. Also, cyber attacks could restrict your access to your data.  Then they ask for a fee.

Instead of enduring such a digital setback this holiday online shopping season, take precaution in advance. First, keep your software systems current. In other words, if there are available updates, download them. If you want to skip figuring which updates apply to manually download them, there is an auto-update feature. Next, use strong passwords – not your name or your birthdate. Another important tip is to consider the validity of an offer before your click into it. For example, if the offer if urgently time-sensitive, it may be just a way to hustle you into a rip-off arrangement of some kind.

Obviously, there are other steps you can take to prevent hacking. Use a secure internet connection and change your passwords regularly. In fact, I heard that if you fail to change your wifi’s router’s password when you install it, then the factory “default” password is easy for digital thieves to guess based on the router’s make and model. Additionally, do not share your pin or password. A great idea is to use antivirus software; Microsoft Security essentials is free of charge.

Every fraud prevention article must tell you that the government will not call or contact via social media to tell you that you owe money. A telephone call offering fantastic work-from-home jobs, debt consolidation, and student repayment schemes should all be suspected as fraud.

Unfortunately, someone routinely seems to be a victim to digital fraud. So what should you do when you suspect cyber fraud? Check your credit and bank card statements and report unauthorized charges. Credit reports can tell you if someone borrowed money in your name. Change passwords immediately if you see fraudulent charges.   

Professionals or you can scan your device for viruses. “Ccleaner” is a free online download to scan and possibly liberate your device. I can only vouch for Cclearner. Also, like CPR for a computer, a full system restore can bring your device back.

If you have been hacked, tell the bank and IC3, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. The FTC will receive complaints from a victim who witnesses a fraudster claiming to be a government agent. The Social Security Administration would like to know if someone abused your SSN for their benefit. The state DMV wants to know if your driver’s license was used fraudulently. Last the US Secret Service receives online crime complaints in the Electronic Crimes Task Force and the Internet Crime Complaint Center.  

Thieves might have all day to hack into a neighbor’s system. The simple prevention steps can avoid a lot of delay. Get more tips from the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.

By Samantha Antenucci

Philadelphia, like many urban centers, faces challenges related to air quality. Poor air quality can have a significant impact on both public health and the environment. Due to pollutants and the most recent wildfires sweeping through the East Coast, Philadelphia has established an air quality alert system to keep residents informed and safe. The system utilizes the Air Quality Index (AQI). This standardized measurement provides information about the quality of the air and its potential health effects.

The AQI categorizes air quality into several levels, each corresponding to a different level of health concern:

1. Good (0-50): Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little risk.
2. Moderate (51-100): Air quality is acceptable; however, there may be a moderate health concern for a small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
3. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150): Members of sensitive groups, such as children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.
4. Unhealthy (151-200): Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more severe health effects.
5. Very Unhealthy (201-300): Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.
6. Hazardous (301-500): Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.

Residents can access real-time data through various channels, including local news, government websites, and smartphone weather apps, to stay informed about Philadelphia’s air quality. When air quality alerts are issued, it’s essential to take appropriate actions to protect your health and well-being:

• Limit Outdoor Activities: During days with poor air quality, especially for sensitive groups, it’s advisable to reduce outdoor activities and exercise indoors.
• Improve Indoor Air Quality: Improve indoor air quality by using air purifiers and ensuring proper ventilation at home and workplaces.
  • Keep your windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor smoke and pollutants from entering your home.
  • Use Air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove particles from indoor air.
• Wear Masks: Consider wearing a mask labeled as N95 or N99 if you need to be outdoors during periods of high pollution. These masks can filter out fine particles effectively.
• Avoid Adding Indoor Pollutants: Refrain from using candles, smoking, or gas stoves, which can contribute to indoor air pollution.
• Keep an Eye on Vulnerable Groups: Pay extra attention to children’s health, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Consider moving them to areas with cleaner air.
• Stay Prepared: Have an emergency kit ready, including essential medications, water, and supplies in case air quality deteriorates rapidly.
  • Adding essential medications to your emergency kit, especially those for people with COPD, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, is vital when preparing for air quality emergencies.

Philadelphia’s air quality alert system safeguards public health and the environment. By understanding the Air Quality Index and taking appropriate actions during poor air quality days, residents can minimize their exposure to pollutants and contribute to a cleaner, healthier city. Philadelphia can continue its journey toward better air quality through collective efforts and informed decision-making.

By Ava Arteaga

I love all of my Red Cross experiences, but one that’s especially special to me was hosting a blood drive as a Blood Program Leader. I want to share with you a bit about my experience and how it all came to be.

It started when I became a Community Engagement Co-Chair for Temple University’s UNICEF club, called UNICEF x Temple. I wanted to start off in this position by bringing an important event to the group – something humanitarian and community oriented. As I’m already an active Red Cross volunteer, I looked no further and had a blood drive in mind! I set up a meeting with a Donor Recruitment account manager named Kathy Wenig and got to work.

The first step was securing a campus room for the drive on a date when the Red Cross staff would be available. I was given a list of potential dates and quickly found a large space at school that would be perfect. I specifically chose the Student Center so it would be open to students and open to the public! Kathy Wenig was incredibly helpful in sending over resources, marketing materials and recruitment strategies.

Successful recruitment was important to me. We had 39 slots to be filled, and I was gung-ho in getting each and every single one scheduled. The UNICEF x Temple Club was paramount helping make it happen. Our team reached out to professors, texted and emailed everyone we knew in Philadelphia, posted and reposted on social media and attached printed flyers all around campus.

To keep track of scheduled donors, I logged into the Blood Program Leader portal through RedCrossBlood.org. I watched it like a hawk because each time I saw an increase in the number of donors, I was over the moon. Slowly but surely, we filled all 39 slots!

The remainder of my duties as a Blood Program Leader were limited. Under my Red Cross login, I was able to send out pre-written email reminders to everyone who was scheduled for a donation, along with including a personalized message. I also included before and after donation health tips and encouraged folks to complete their RapidPass® for a speedy and easy donation.

On the day of the blood drive, we had an incredible turnout of 33 blood donors. To assist with check-ins and refreshments, we arranged shifts for UNICEF x Temple volunteers. Many of us volunteered ourselves! I donated, volunteered and then had to pop out to attend classes. With the help of my campus organization, everything ran smoothly and beyond expectations.

Overall, organizing a Red Cross blood drive felt empowering and meaningful from start to finish. Up to 72 lives could be saved as a result of this event! I am thrilled with what we were able to contribute, as I believe saving simply one life is a miracle. If you want to take action in a purposeful way, your search is over. Become a Blood Program Leader and feel the miracles yourself. Lives are awaiting!

 By Michael Antonucci

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) weekly influenza (flu) report, the U.S. has seen an early increase in seasonal flu cases. The American Red Cross cares that everyone stays well through flu season, as we will rely on healthy donors to keep the blood supply afloat this winter

How to Prevent the Flu

The first and most important step to take for protecting against the flu is getting the vaccine. The flu vaccine can reduce the severity of symptoms or stop you from developing them altogether. Other preventative measures include keeping away from those who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, disinfecting hands and commonly touched surfaces, and avoiding touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Who should get the flu vaccine

Influenza affects people of all ages but can be particularly harmful to certain groups. Those who are 65 and over, 2 years or younger, have a history of chronic lung disease, or are pregnant (in addition to many others) have a higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu. A more detailed list including all high-risk groups can be found on the CDC’s website.

When and why to get a flu shot

It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine and to do so by the end of October. However, it is not too late for those who have yet to get their flu shot. Flu season peaks between December and February but can continue into May, so there are still several months of heightened flu activity to be anticipated.  

What to do if you have the flu

To know if you have the flu, watch for common flu symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and/or fatigue. The only way to reliably know if you have the flu is by diagnosis from a healthcare professional. If you suspect that you may have the flu, speak with your healthcare provider about flu testing and diagnosis.

Give blood now to avoid a seasonal blood shortage

Medical experts are urging people to get the flu shot to avoid a flu epidemic on top of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Because blood can only be given by those who are feeling well, a severe flu season could create additional challenges to maintaining a sufficient blood supply for hospital patients in need.

Get the flu vaccine this year to help protect the nation from the virus but also to ensure that patients continue to have access to lifesaving blood products. There is no waiting period to give blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot as long as the donor is symptom-free and fever-free. There is no risk of transmitting the influenza virus after receiving a flu vaccination.

For those that have the flu, it is important to wait until they no longer exhibit flu symptoms, have recovered completely and feel well before attempting to donate. Donors must feel healthy and well on the day of donation.

Stay healthy this flu season and make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Visit the CDC’s flu information webpage for more information.

By American Red Cross Biomedical Communications

The American Red Cross now invites those who spent time in the U.K., Ireland or France and have never tried to give blood due to concerns over variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) – related to mad cow disease – to give blood and help save lives.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated its blood donor eligibility guidance on vCJD, eliminating the deferral for those who spent time in the U.K., Ireland and France between 1980 and 2001. In alignment with FDA changes, the Red Cross began accepting donations Oct. 3 from individuals who have not tried giving blood before due to the prior donation criteria. In combination with prior eligibility updates in 2020 for those who spent time in other European countries, this new change effectively eliminates the deferral related to vCJD for all donors. 

“For many years, the Red Cross has heard from people who have spent time in these countries – often members of the military and their families – hoping for the opportunity to donate blood or platelets,” said Dr. David Moolten, Red Cross Medical Director for the Penn-Jersey region. “We now welcome all donors who may have spent time in Europe and avoided blood donation as a result to join us in our lifesaving mission to help patients in need.”

Changes in progress for those with a Red Cross donor record

Those who have tried to give with the Red Cross and have been previously deferred from donating will be contacted by the Red Cross once system records are updated. This deferral is more complex to remove than others as there are decades of donors in the Red Cross system who have been deferred under the previous FDA requirements. Individuals who have questions about their donor record can contact the Red Cross Donor and Client Support Center at 1-866-236-3276.

Blood donations needed this fall

More blood donors – especially type O donors – are urged to donate now to prevent disruptions to essential medical care this fall. Book a time to give by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you, all who come to give Oct. 16-31, 2022, will receive a $10 e-Gift Card by email to a merchant of choice.

By Dave Skutnik

People everywhere are feeling the impacts of climate change with more frequent and intense weather events threatening our communities. September is National Preparedness Month, and the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region urges everyone to get ready for these emergencies now.

Just last year, more than 40% of Americans — some 130 million people — were living in a county struck by a climate-related disaster, according to analysis from the Washington Post. Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties all experienced significant flooding and/or tornadoes when the remnants of Hurricane Ida moved through nearly one year ago.

Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime. As we approach the peak of hurricane season, you can be ready by visiting redcross.org/prepare.

“More powerful climate driven occurrences are happening across the U.S. than ever before,” said Guy Triano, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “In fact, there have been more climate-related disasters in the nation over the past two decades than in any other country. It’s vital that everyone take steps to be prepared.”

THREE EASY STEPS

Three simple steps can help to keep your family safe during disasters — 1) Get a Kit. 2) Make a Plan. 3) Be Informed.

1. Build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Also include a first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool and personal hygiene items. And don’t forget to add copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
2. Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans.
3. Stay informed by finding out what emergency situations may occur where you live, work and go to school, how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.

Include your pets in your emergency plans. Remember, if you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. It’s important to plan in advance to know which pet-friendly hotels are in your area, and where your pets can stay in an emergency situation.

Take any special considerations into account as part of your emergency planning. Older adults or people with mobility, hearing, learning or seeing disabilities may need to create a support network of people that can help during an emergency. Create a plan that takes into account your capabilities, any help you may need and who can provide it, especially if you need to evacuate or if the power goes out for several days.

HELP YOUR COMMUNITY

Red Cross volunteers play critical roles in their local communities by making sure families don’t have to face tough times alone.

“Be ready to not only help your loved ones, but your neighbors too,” said Triano. “Join us as a Disaster Action Team member or volunteer to drive blood products to hospitals. Learn lifesaving skills by signing up for first aid or CPR classes, or make an appointment to give blood or platelets.”

A strong blood supply is key to preparedness for disasters and medical emergencies, and donors can ensure blood is on the shelves the moment it’s needed. As a thank-you, all who come to give Sept. 1-18 will get a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Plus, those who race to give Sept. 1-30 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR experience, including two tickets to a 2023 race, and will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, all thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts.* Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

*Terms apply. Visit rcblood.org/racetogive