Snowbird Alert Source: www.newscanada.com Kids aren’t the only ones affected by RSV Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a highly contagious illness with mild cases having similar symptoms to a cold or flu. Many people associate RSV with young children; however, RSV can affect people of all ages. In fact, adults over the age of 60 are among those at increased risk of developing serious respiratory issues from RSV, even more so if they have underlying conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, diabetes or congestive heart failure. RSV can worsen such conditions and may lead to hospitalization. And, while young children may have higher rates of hospitalization, most deaths attributed to RSV occur in older adults. So, what happens that makes us more vulnerable to RSV once we’re older? As we age, our immune system weakens, which makes us less able to fight off infections and can increase our vulnerability to viruses such as RSV. This natural, age-related decline in immune function becomes more evident the older we get, making older adults more likely to face severe problems and potentially become hospitalized with RSV. Getting sick with RSV at an older age can also have long-term impacts, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke weeks or months after catching the virus, which can also lead to loss of mobility and independence. While preventive options for RSV are in development, there’s currently no vaccine or treatment in adults, making it crucial to take steps to avoid catching it. Regularly washing your hands and avoiding close contact with people who are sick, even if that means having to skip a visit with the grandkids or outings with friends, are effective measures which you can take. How to protect yourself when using money apps More and more apps are available to help us manage money online, and they seem to be gaining in popularity. With products, services and advice constantly changing and increasingly digital, here’s what you need to know. Many of these apps are designed to help you manage your finances online. Banks offer apps with personalized products and services, including product comparison tools and budgeting tools. Third-party providers may offer services to buy or sell cryptocurrencies or invest in the stock market. While money apps can be a practical and convenient method to manage personal finances, they can also pose risks, particularly when they’re not from your bank. Before using one, make sure that you understand how your personal and financial information may be used. If you’re unsure, ask your bank before providing details such as banking or credit card numbers or passwords. Big problems when using a money app could include data breaches and fraud. Read the app’s privacy and security policies and remember that it’s your responsibility to look for any purchases or withdrawals which you didn’t make and to check your bank’s policy regarding how customers are protected against fraud. If you become a victim of fraud, contact your bank and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Also notify Canada’s two credit reporting agencies – TransUnion and Equifax – to place a fraud alert on your account. Find out more about your online banking rights and responsibilities at canada.ca/money. Three helpful tips to boost your immune system as you age As we age, our immune system weakens, which is why older people are more susceptible to getting sick and often take longer to recover from illness than they did when they were younger. So, the older we get, the more important it is to give your immune system the support it needs. Here are three ways in which you can do that. Eat well The food you eat is the fuel that your body needs to function. Consuming a variety of foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables to get all of the nutrients you need – and minimizing processed foods – will help you stay healthy. Smoking and drinking alcohol both negatively affect your immune system, so you should avoid or minimize consumption of both if you’re looking to boost your immunity. Remember adult vaccines Throughout one’s life, vaccination including adult vaccinations provides effective protection against disease. While many of us are familiar with childhood vaccinations, they don’t provide lifelong immunity against every disease. As well, some vaccines are prescribed only for adults. Adults require helper, or booster, shots to maintain immunity for some conditions. And, if you didn’t get all of your shots as a child, you could still be at risk of infection from vaccine-preventable diseases. For example, if you are among the 90 per cent of Canadian adults over 50 years old who’ve had chickenpox, you should consider a vaccine to help prevent shingles. It’s a painful disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Exercise regularly Regular exercise improves your cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure and helps protect against a variety of viruses and diseases. A balanced diet and regular exercise will also help you maintain a healthy body weight which, in turn, helps boost your immune system. While exercise is important, allowing your body to rest is equally valuable. Sleep is the tool which your body uses to recharge its batteries, including your immune system. 6 | www.snowbirds.org
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