Page 18 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 29, 2020 aavvyvy S avy v niororeniioor io by Jim Miller What Older Diabetics Should Know About Coronavirus Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are both in our late sixties and have diabetes. We would like to fi nd out if our diabetes increases our risk of getting the coronavirus. Concerned Diabetics Dear Concerned, Currently, there’s not enough data to show that people with diabetes are more likely to get coronavirus (COVID-19) than the general population. But the problem for diabetics is, if you do happen to contract the virus, your chance of developing serious complications are much higher. This is especially true if your diabetes isn’t well-controlled. Here’s what you should know. Diabetic Risks Health data is showing that about 25 percent of people who go to the hospital with severe COVID-19 infections have diabetes. One reason is that high blood sugar weakens the immune system and makes it less able to fi ght off infections. Your risk of severe coronavirus infection is even higher if you also have another condition, like heart or lung disease. If you do get COVID-19, the infection could also put you at greater risk for diabetes complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which happens when high levels of acids called ketones build up in your blood. Some people who catch the new coronavirus have a dangerous body-wide response to it, called sepsis. To treat sepsis, doctors need to manage your body’s fluid and electrolyte levels. DKA causes you to lose electrolytes, which can make sepsis harder to control. How to Avoid COVID-19 The best way to avoid getting sick is to stay home as much as you can. If you have to go out, keep at least 6 feet away from other people. And every time you come back from the supermarket, pharmacy or another public place, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Also wash your hands before you give yourself a fi nger stick or insulin shot. Clean each site fi rst with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. To protect you, everyone in your house should wash their hands often, especially before they cook for the family. Don’t share any utensils or other personal items. And if anyone in your house is sick, they should stay in their own room, as far as possible from you. The CDC also recommends that you stock up on medications and diabetes testing supplies to last for at least a month. The same goes for grocery supplies and other household necessities. Also know that Medicare is now covering the cost of telehealth visits, so if you have questions for your doctor, you can ask by video chat or phone instead of going into the offi ce. If You Get Sick The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are a dry cough, fever, or shortness of breath. If you develop any symptoms that are concerning, call your doctor about getting tested. If you fi nd that you have contracted COVID-19, the fi rst level of care is to stay home and check your blood sugar more often than usual and check your ketones too. COVID-19 can reduce your appetite and cause you to eat less, which could aff ect your levels. You also need more fl uids than usual when you’re sick, so keep water close by, and drink it often. You should also know that many over-the-counter medicines that relieve virus symptoms like fever or cough can aff ect your blood sugar levels one way or the other. So, before you take anything, check with your doctor. Be aware that if you start experiencing severe shortness of breath, high levels of ketones or DKA symptoms like severe weakness, body aches, vomiting or belly pain, you need to see your doctor or get to an emergency room right away. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. OBITUARIES | FROM PAGE 18 the 82nd Airborne. After serving in the Army, Joe returned to Revere where he worked in the family’s hospitality business for many years while also serving as a Revere Fire Fighter until his retirement in the late-70s. Joe was an avid horseman – he enjoyed racing and owning horses. In the winter months, Joe could be found on a ski OBITUARIES slope. In his retirement years, Joe took great pride in his yard work and spending time with his family. Joe is survived by his wife Ann Marie (Weitz), his three daughters: Lillian Guido and her husband James, Nanci Campbell and her partner, Mike Vega, and Christine Devlin and her husband Peter. He was a loving grandfather to James Guido, Nanci Pappas and her husband, Sean, Kaci Martinez and her husband, Adrian, Shae Campbell, Jordan and Jack Devlin. He was a loving great-grandfather to Bradley, Joshua and Matthew Pappas. He is also survived by his sister Alice Cataldo, and brothers William and Peter DiCarlo as well as many nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his younger brother, Michael. Services will be private. In lieu of fl owers, please send donations to OBITUARIES| SEE PAGE 19 ~ LEGAL NOTICE ~ CITY OF MALDEN Public Notice Health Department/Board of Health 110 Pleasant St. 2nd Flr. Malden, MA 02148 781-397-7000 ext. 2049 (P) Christopher Webb, Director In summary, the Malden Board of Health held a meeting on May 21, 2020 and at that meeting the following motions were enacted in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 111, Section 31. Public Gatherings All municipal sponsored gatherings to include July 4th events, concerts, social events with 10 or more people either indoor or outdoor are cancelled for June and July, 2020 or until the review by the Board of available evidence based supports. Variance to 105 CMR 410.201: Temperature Requirements The Board varied the State Sanitary Code, Chapter II, Minimum Standards for Human Habitation, 105 CMR 410.20, Temperature Requirements, to allow the conversion from heating to cooling in all residential properties in the city of Malden no earlier than June 1, 2020. May 29, 2020 Space for Lease 3 Large Rooms, each with Large Walk-in Storage Area. or Aerobics Studio. Located at Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza, Route 1 South, 425 Broadway, Saugus. Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507
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