Dust Storm Safety on the Highway

 

I came upon this at a rest area.  In 2021 there was a 22-car pileup that claimed eight lives in southern utah on the I-15.  Arizona highways are more prone to dust storms than Utah.  ADOT provides this information on how to stay alive in a dust storm on the highway.  The problem with a dust storm is there can be hardly no visibility.  The major solution is to slow down.  Also important to pull over if possible.

If you get caught in a dust storm follow these tips. 

1. If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle and slow down.

2. If possible, pull off the highway before poor visibility makes it difficult.  Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved roadway.

3. Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane.

4. Turn off all vehicle lights, including flashers.  You don't want vehicles behind you to use the lights as a guide, possibly crashing into your car.

5. Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.  Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

Hearing Aids for Me

 Sheri has been bugging me for some time about getting hearing aids.  I finally  visited the audiologist in Kingman and was referred for hearing aids for both ears to help with hearing higher tones.  Higher tones help distinguish some consonants, especially s's.  

Whether this lack of hearing is due to loud noises, such as at Del Monte, or listening to kids' garage bands or is genetic I could not say.  Suffice it to say others in the family have also had hearing loss, siblings and kids, which may mean it is more genetic.  

I have had tinnitus for over twelve years.  There was the hope that adding hearing aids may effect this for the better.  However after three weeks I have not noticed any difference.

When I have the hearing aids in sometimes they tickle the insides of my ears which canbe frustrating.  I have always had dry flakey inner ear and the hearing aids do not help.

Kingman/Bullhead Blood Drive 3/10/2023

 Blood drives this Friday conjointly in Kingman and Bullhead sponsored by Vitalant

Linea de suicidio y crisis; 988

 

New Suicide and Crisis Line, National Number 988

 

If you are feeling suicidal please reach out.  If you are in crisis please reach out.  Stickers from SAMHSA.

Day of the Dead Ofrenda As a Way to Help with Grieving

 I visited the Day of the Dead Celebration at my son's high school.  Earlier this year one of the students passed away in a tragic accident.  The students had placed an ofrenda for him.  I was amazed how many of the students were using the ofrenda to remember their friend, and to grieve, including my son.  His name is Luis.

Luis:

Was a loved student of the Lee Williams High School Community.  

He liked riding bikes, hanging out with friends and family and liked hanging out watching movies with his older brother.

His favorite food was pasta, rice and beans.  

He especially loved his dog.

Luis liked to swim and in his free time he liked to go shooting.  And his favorite movies were the Michael Myers Halloween movies and favorite characters were the ninja turtles.  

You'll be missed.

Found this article on dealing with grief: 

...Grieving individuals may find it helpful to use some of the following strategies to help them process and come to terms with loss:

• Talk about the death of your loved one with friends or colleagues in order to help you understand what happened and remember your friend or family member. Avoidance can lead to isolation and will disrupt the healing process with your support systems.
• Accept your feelings. You may experience a wide range of emotions from sadness, anger or even exhaustion. All of these feelings are normal and it’s important to recognize when you are feeling this way. If you feel stuck or overwhelmed by these emotions, it may be helpful to talk with a licensed psychologist or other mental health professional who can help you cope with your feelings and find ways to get back on track.
• Take care of yourself and your family. Eating healthy foods, exercising and getting plenty of sleep can help your physical and emotional health. The grieving process can take a toll on one’s body.  Make sure you check in with your loved ones and that they are taking the necessary healthy steps to maintain their health.
• Reach out and help others dealing with the loss. Spending time with loved ones of the deceased can help everyone cope. Whether it’s sharing stories or listening to your loved one’s favorite music, these small efforts can make a big difference to some. Helping others has the added benefit of making you feel better as well.
• Remember and celebrate the lives of your loved ones. Anniversaries of a lost loved one can be a difficult time for friends and family, but it can also be a time for remembrance and honoring them. It may be that you decide to collect donations to a favorite charity of the deceased, passing on a family name to a baby or planting a garden in memory. What you choose is up to you, as long as it allows you to honor that unique relationship in a way that feels right to you.

The ofrenda especially covers the last aspect; remembering and celebrating the lives of your loved ones.  I think the students have found a way to support each other, and remember their friend.  

Blood Donation Drive in Kingman Monday 11/7/2022