As Minnesota continues to experience high temperatures and humidity this summer, it’s important to be aware of the risks of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Here are some tips from Christensen Group Insurance to help you stay safe and cool!

Tips to beat the heat

Stay indoors when it’s very hot. If you must go outside, dress properly and take breaks often. Drink plenty of water, check on at-risk friends and neighbors, and find air-conditioned places to cool off.

Never leave kids or pets in a parked vehicle, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).

Be aware of who is at high risk

Infants, young children, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Recognize symptoms

Heat stroke symptoms include: very high body temperatures  (above 103°F), red, hot, dry skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, upset stomach, confusion, and fainting.

If you see these signs, get medical help immediately. While waiting for medical attention, you can help someone with heat stroke by moving the person to a cool area. Do not give fluids and cool their body with water by placing them in a cool (not cold) bath or shower, spray with a garden hose, sponge with cool water, or fanning. Continue efforts to cool the person until help arrives or his or her body temperature falls below 102°F and stays there.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, upset stomach or vomiting, and fainting.

When you see these signs, get medical attention immediately if symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour. Cool the body with cool beverages, rest, a cool (not cold) bath or shower, moving to an air conditioned room, and wearing lightweight clothing.

Seek medical help immediately for heat stroke and heat exhaustion if symptoms are severe or persist, or if the person has heart problems or high blood pressure.

For more information on extreme heat and your health, visit the CDC website or download Christensen Group’s heat-related injury and illness prevention checklist.

Minnesota’s next two election dates are coming up quickly! Primary Election Day is August 13, 2024, and General Election Day is November 5, 2024. Registering early can save you time at the polling place and ensure a smooth voting experience.

Who can vote?

To vote, you must be:

• A U.S. Citizen
• At least 18 years old on Election Day
• A resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days
• Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
• Not under a court order that revokes your right to vote

To register to vote online or update your registration, visit mnvotes.sos.mn.gov/voterstatuscheck/index.

Pre-registration closes 21 days before each election. If you don’t pre-register, you can still register at your polling place on Election Day.

Voting is a critical part of our democratic process, and there are multiple ways to cast your vote this election season. If you prefer to vote absentee, you can request an absentee ballot by visiting mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/abrequest/index.

Your returned ballot must be postmarked and received by the County on or before Election Day to be counted.

You can also track your absentee ballot’s status by visiting mnvotes.sos.state.mn.us/abstatus/index and providing the same ID number used on your application.

For in-person voting, make sure to check your polling place details and plan accordingly. Every vote counts, so make sure yours is heard!

• Security: Creating your will and estate plan allows you to communicate important financial and health care decisions so you’re prepared for whatever the future may hold.
• Peace of Mind: A will allows you to provide for the people you love, ensuring they will be supported no matter what.
• Impact: By including an optional legacy gift in your will, you can support the places and causes you care about in southwest Minnesota.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Tiffany Barnard at [email protected] or (320) 583-0094.

Take this opportunity to secure your future and support your loved ones.

Did you know you could work while taking classes at Ridgewater? Know anyone who is enrolled in the nursing program? Working at Aveyron provides a great addition to any resume and with weekend shifts, it won’t interfere with classes!

Associate Degree in Nursing

• • A two-year undergraduate program.
  • Prepares you for the NCLEX-RN Exam.
  • This program will include high-tech, hands-on simulation to prepare students to work in a variety of patient care settings.

LPN to Associate Degree (AD) Nursing

• • • Designed for current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).
    • Prepares you for the NCLEX-RN Exam.
    • A two-semester option that allows you to continue working while pursuing your RN degree.
      

Practical Nursing Diploma

• • One-year program to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
  • Prepares you for the NCLEX-RN Exam.
  • Provides essential skills for patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
  • This program will include high-tech, hands-on simulation to prepare students to work in a variety of patient care settings.

Part-time Practical Nursing Diploma

• • Three-semester evening and weekend options for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).
  • Prepares you for the NCLEX-RN Exam.
  • Allows you to continue working while advancing your education.

Each program will help you gain valuable skills and qualifications that can further your career with Aveyron Homes. As you enhance your expertise, you can provide even better care and support to those we serve.

Admission is competitive, so be prepared to demonstrate your commitment and expertise.

For more information about Ridgewater College and these programs,  scan the QR code or contact Matt Roberts, Ridgewater College Academic Advisor and Student Success Specialist, at 320-234-8505 or [email protected]. You can also fax inquiries to 320-234-8506.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your career with Aveyron Homes and achieve your professional goals with Ridgewater College’s nursing programs!

Practical Nursing (LPN) and Part Time Practical Nursing (LPN)

LPN to AD Nursing (RN) and Associate Degree Nursing (RN)

Ridgewater College QR Code