Charitable contributions don’t always require your checkbook By Jen Beck
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hen the dust settles this fall, and you find yourself digging through the end of election mail, you might just find the beginning of the annual fundraising appeals. Given your holiday budget, fixed income, or the year it has been, you may not have as much to give to your favorite charities. Philanthropy during the holiday season is therapeutic and a great way to cap your year of giving, but if your finances don’t allow, there are alternatives to mailing in a check. First and foremost, your favorite charities need volunteers. While organizations may not allow volunteers inside the building, they may have projects you can take home. Virtual volunteerism is also at an all-time high and can be a great way to stay involved even from a social distance. What skills can you bring to the virtual world? Good with computers? Help enter data. Retired lawyer or insurance agent? Provide education on your area of expertise. Speaking of education, if you’re a teacher at heart, almost every kiddo learning virtually could use your help. Determine at what capacity you’re able to give and reach out. If political activism speaks to you, your favorite charities can use your support all year. Health charities, educational organizations, and state policies are impacted by activism. Passion truly leads the cause, and with technology it’s easier than ever to reach out to your representatives. From the privacy of your own home you can call a senator, email a representative, or contact a legislative hopeful through social media. Share with them why it’s important to vote in ways that support older adults, or recycling, or a better future for your grandkids. The beauty of activism is personal choice; wherever your passion may lie, connect with your charity and ask how you can encourage policy on their behalf. Your philanthropic efforts don’t have to extend all the way to the White House. Looking locally, even within your circle, can provide a much-needed bucket filler. In general, families are stretched thin. Working professionals are wondering how they’ll get food on the table before 8 p.m. Neighbors might be concerned with a drive home from an eye appointment next week. Offer to drop off dinner or pick up the kids from football. Check on your circle and see if you can help. It costs nothing to be a good person. The best part of the holiday season is being with friends and family and seeing their faces light up over a homemade dessert might be the literal and figurative “cherry on top.” Giving of your time and talent is just as important as financial gifts. Spend time thinking about what feels right for your holiday season and give as your means allow. Most importantly, enter the holiday season with grace and kindness and carry on your annual traditions of meaningful giving. (Beck is with Midwest Geriatrics, Inc. of Omaha.)
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Get tested as soon as possible
Audiology group urges Americans to consider the benefits of wearing a hearing aid at any age
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he American Academy of Audiology is urging the public to be aware of the importance of good hearing health. The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders said approximately 28.8 million Americans could benefit from the use of hearing aids. While age is often cited as a factor, there are growing numbers of younger people reporting hearing loss. A study published by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care cited nine risk factors for dementia. Untreated hearing loss is listed as one of those risk factors. The report also said dementia typically starts many years before it’s recognized. Untreated hearing loss impacts the brain and cognitive health. There’s also a link between untreated hearing loss and falls. According to a study by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, an increase in hearing loss in an individual, for instance going from normal hearing to an untreated mild hearing loss, is associated with a three-fold increase in fall risk. One of the factors in maintaining healthy hearing is being conscious of the degree and amount of loud sound exposure. More than 40 million Americans, age 20 to 69, have some type of hearing loss with approximately 10 million of those attributable to noise-induced hearing loss. Managing sound exposure can protect hearing. Many hearing losses are caused by damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear. The damage, which may be permanent, can be caused by too much noise. Steps, however, can be taken to prevent this damage. The simplest way to protect your hearing if you can’t avoid loud sounds is to wear protection. An audiologist can help you identify the right hearing protection including custom products that can provide a comfortable fit and good sound quality. The American Academy of Audiology said lengthy or repeated exposure to noise above 85 decibels can damage hearing. To
and other technology tools that are increasingly important for working remotely, learning online, shopping, banking, and engaging with others.
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he four main ways for protecting your hearing are E for earplugs, A for avoid loud sounds, R for reduce the level of sounds, and S for shorten time in loud environments “There is no doubt people are concerned about their health. Often, though, they don’t think about the importance of hearing health,” said Catherine Palmer, Ph.D., president of the American Academy of Audiology; at professor at the University of Pittsburgh, and director of audiology for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System. “An audiologist educates patients about safe versus unsafe levels for listening. They utilize tools and share resources that empower patients to protect their hearing. Additionally, they perform hearing evaluations and facilitate rehabilitation efforts for hearing loss, tinnitus, and certain balance problems.” Audiologists are equipped to work with the public during the pandemic and are practicing within CDC and local health guidelines. “Anyone suspecting his or her hearing has diminished, should see an audiologist and get tested as soon as possible,” Palmer said. The American Academy of Audiology has audiologists listed on its website by location at audiology.org. Click on “find an audiologist.”
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Outlook Enrichment
f you or a loved one with vision loss have found challenges in accessing critical services, Outlook Enrichment can help through its adaptive technology training program. For individuals who are blind or have low vision, assistive technology includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with vision loss/disabilities and also includes the process used in the evaluation and selection of adaptive technology. Outlook Enrichment offers computer and smartphone training remotely. This helps clients learn how to use smartphone apps
put that into perspective, noise from fireworks can reach up to 155 decibels. A jet plane taking off is estimated to be 150 decibels. Shooting a gun is around 140 to 175 decibels depending on the gun. An amplified music concert and an MP3 player with the volume turned all the way up can be as high (or higher) as 120 decibels. Movie action scenes in the theater have been known to reach 100 decibels. Outdoor sounds can pose a risk too. Lawn mowers are around 85 decibels and chain saws can be 115 to 120 decibels. Compare these with normal conversations that are around 60 to 65 decibels.
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utlook Enrichment also established a technology help line for people with visual impairment at 531-365-5334. The organization’s adaptive technology trainers respond to messages within 24 hours with technology solutions to help their blind neighbors stay connected and to conduct business. Call 531-365-5314 to schedule a phone appointment.
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November 2020
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New Horizons
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