Page 12 - Sun Rays May 2013

12 | SUNRAYS MAY 2013 ONLINE: SCTXCA.ORG
CA NEWS
Golf carts are less expensive to drive and more con-
venient than regular vehicles. Electric carts help to
reduce emissions, making them an eco-friendly alter-
native. But, like a car, they do need regular mainte-
nance to keep them safe and running. Make sure your tires
are inflated and your batteries are properly charged. Keeping
your golf cart running smoothly will make it better and safer
for all of us.
Driving around Sun City Texas, COPs often observe unsafe
golf cart operation and, as golf cart accidents are on the rise,
here are some tips to help keep you safe.
The number one accident is a passenger being thrown out of
the cart. This type of accident happens when the cart makes
a sharp left turn too fast and the passenger, who is not paying
attention or holding on, gets ejected. It’s always a good idea to
hold on when in the cart.
Another bad outcome is a rollover. Typically, this happens on a
slick, hilly terrain when you brake too fast or try to take a turn
at too fast a speed. All-wheel brakes and slowing down are the
best ways to avoid this accident.
Driving Cart Safety, Part I
Submitted by Dave Johnson, COPs Chair
Because May is National Stroke Awareness
Month, it is important for all residents to be
aware of what constitutes a stroke and how
to detect symptoms immediately. A stroke
(cerebrovascular accident or brain attack) is
the loss of your brain’s ability to function properly due to a
problem with blood supply. This can be caused by a blockage
in a vessel or bleeding from a vessel. It is a true medical emer-
gency because the cells begin to die quickly without oxygen in
the blood. The risk factors and causes of a CVA are many―and
most of us know what they are. However, here in Sun City
Texas there is one risk factor in particular that we all share
and can’t do anything about…AGE! That’s right, the older we
get, the more likely we are to experience a stroke. Guys are
most likely to have a stroke at an earlier age, but gals
are less likely to survive an attack!
For the most part, the signs and symptoms start suddenly
(over seconds or a few minutes). This is where you need to
become familiar with the mnemonic: FAST
• F is for Face —Does one side of the face droop down?
• A is for Arms —If both arms are raised, is one weak?
• S is for Speech—Is it slurred or confused?
• T is for Time―Time is critical. Note the time the signs
and symptoms began.
If one of these indicators is present, call 911 immediately.
Brain cells could be dying! The person who answers your call
Stroke Awareness
Submitted by Meg Johnson, RN, Emergency Management Committee
CPR/FIRST AID/AED CLASSES
CpR/First Aid/AED classes are taught monthly
in Sun City. For information, contact Barbara
Akers at [email protected].
is trained to help you and will tell you exactly what to do.
• Do not wait for the situation to improve before you
call 911.
• Do not drive yourself or a loved one to the emergency
room.
St. David’s and Scott & White hospitals have highly trained
“stroke” teams designed specifically to diagnose and treat this
emergency. Each hospital has been designated as a Primary
Stroke Center. Once in the ER, the teamwill set about finding
a diagnosis through a physical exam, along with the help of
pictures or scans of the brain and blood vessels. The type of
stroke will determine the appropriate treatment. Significant
advances have been made in surgical procedures to stop the
bleeding or remove a blockage. There are also medications to
break up an existing clot or stop one from forming along with
new medications for blood pressure and cholesterol issues.
Remember, the good news is the diagnosis of stroke is no
longer synonymous with a disability or the loss of indepen-
dence, but you must seek medical help FAST to get the best
possible outcome!
Think you never have to try to make a sudden stop? Have you
ever met one of our “suicide” deer intent on crossing the road in
front of you? Your instinct is to slam on the brakes.
Another sudden stop is made when a pedestrian steps off the
curb in front of you. Sometimes, our walkers don’t hear us,
and don’t always look, especially if they are wearing head-sets.
Remember, you don’t have to drive the full speed limit! A slower
speed will give you more control and time to brake safely.
Look for Part 2 of Golf Cart safety next month.
If you can help COPs by volunteering four hours a month, either
driving, office staffing or helping with maintenance, call the
COPs office at 512-966-1362, Monday through Friday, from
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY HOURS
On Monday, May 27, all CA facilities will be
open except for the CA Business and Com-
munications offices.