Ms. Senior Forsyth County Pageant will be held this year

Answer: You heard correctly. There will be a Senior America Pageant in Forsyth County. Senior America is an organization designed to enrich the lives of older adults while also tapping into their energy to enrich the lives of others. The Senior America pageant, being held for the first time in Forsyth County, will showcase local women who are 60 years and older. The Ms. Senior America Pageant process mirrors the Miss America contest in that the winner of the Ms. Senior Forsyth County Pageant will go on to compete for the title of Ms. Senior North Carolina in Pinehurst in May 2025. The winner of the state contest will then compete in Atlantic City, N.J., in the fall of 2025 for the title of Ms. Senior America, complete with a photo opportunity alongside Miss America. Linda Anthony, the local director of this pageant, won Ms. Senior Davison County 2012, and Ms. Senior North Carolina in 2013. Her enthusiasm for this pageant is infectious: “You will make great forever friends!”

Pageant segments include evening gown modeling, a statement of your life philosophy, a less than three-minute talent, and an interview with the judges. There is a meet and greet scheduled for prospective contestants on Friday, June 21 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the South Fork Community Center, 4403 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem. Contestants will need to commit to three pageant rehearsals and the final event on Aug 3 at 11 a.m., at Mt. Carmel Methodist Church, 4265 Ebert Road, Winston-Salem. The pageant is open to the public, begins at 2 p.m., and is free. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

For an application or more information you can visit senioramerica.org or contact any of the three directors listed below. The completed application is due by June 28, along with the $25 non-refundable entry fee.

Director: Linda Anthony, (336) 239-4418 LDA@triad.rr.com, or Co-Directors Jennifer Gentle, (336) 972-3526 jennilynne143@msn.com, and Sarah Daffron, (336) 549-7249 sdaffron@triad.rr.com.

Q: What can I do to stay safe in the extremely hot temperatures?

Answer: Many people struggle to deal with the uncomfortable effects of rising temperatures this time of year as we move toward the official start of summer. Increasingly higher temperatures can be especially threatening for aging adults and can put them at greater risk than others. Challenges that sometimes result from normal aging such as heart conditions, lung or kidney disease, illnesses that result in weakness or fever, conditions treated by prescription drugs, and poorly functioning sweat glands or changes in skin can all make the body more likely to become overheated and unable to cool itself.

Heat stroke is the most serious of heat-related conditions and should be treated with medical attention immediately. Older people living in homes without air conditioning or fans are most at risk, as well as people who are prone to dehydration or have chronic diseases. Signs of heat stroke include fainting or unconsciousness, but could also be a change in behavior, a body temperature over 104 degrees, dry, flushed skin, a change in pulse and a lack of sweat despite the heat.

However, you should also be on the lookout for heat exhaustion, which is a warning that your body is struggling to keep cool and could lead to heat stroke. This is often associated with being cold and clammy, dizzy and nauseated. Someone suffering from heat exhaustion is likely to feel thirsty and drained of energy. They should rest in a cool place and get plenty of fluids. Activity and exercise in extreme heat can result in heat syncope, or sudden dizziness, heat cramps in the muscles, or heat edema, a swelling in the ankles and feet. Resting in the shade and putting your feet up will help to alleviate these issues, but if they persist then you should see a doctor.

In many cases, heat-related illnesses can be prevented by being aware of the dangers.

• Listen to the weather reports for humidity and air pollution warnings. The temperature outside doesn’t have to reach 100 degrees to put you at risk.
• Dress in natural fabrics like cotton that are cooler than synthetics.
• Avoid crowds when it’s hot, and don’t exercise in the heat.
• Drink fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine. Water and fruit or vegetable juices are good choices. If your doctor has asked you to limit fluid intake, talk to them about your options.
• To keep your house as cool as possible, keep your windows covered during the day and open at night. Avoid using your oven.
• If your house is hot during the day, try seeking an air-conditioned building like a mall, movie theater, library, senior center, or even a friend’s house.