5 Things: Papers Pulled for April's Town Election, Committee Members Wanted, and More

1. Today's Weather from the National Weather Service

• Today: Showers. Patchy fog. High near 45. Northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
• Tonight: Showers. Patchy fog. Low around 42. East wind 6 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

2. King Philip Sports Today

• Wrestling vs. Oliver Ames, 7:00 p.m.

3. Committee Memebers Wanted

From the Town of Wrentham's official website:

The Town of Wrentham is looking for three Town residents to be members of the Elderly & Disabled Taxation Fund Committee (MGL Chapter 60, Section 3D).

Taxpayers may donate to the Taxation Fund and this Committee would be charged to carry out the provisions of this Chapter and identify the recipients of such aid. If you are interested, click on the link below to fill out an Application Form and submit completed form to the Board of Selectmen's Office.

4. Incumbents Seeking Re-election in April's Town Meeting

After nominations papers were made available on December 10, a a few incumbents have taken out papers to seek reelection. The following have taken papers accordung to the Wrentham Town Clerk's Office. Everyone listed will be seeking relection but must obtain 48 signatures to appear April's ballot.

Moderator: Keith S. Billian

Town Clerk: Carol A. Mollica

Board of Health: Debra Dunn

Wrentham School Committee: Eric Greenberg

Constable (3 positions): Peter Preston

5. Take Precaution this Winter

From the American Heart Association:

With winter weather on the way for much of the state, the American Heart Association is encouraging individuals with existing heart disease or stroke and those who may be at high risk, to take a minute to put their health first. This includes people with a strong family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smokers, those who are overweight and the sedentary.  For these individuals, the stresses of the season combined with cold weather may pose extra concern and the association is urging individuals to exercise due caution to avoid sudden cardiac death.

Deaths from coronary artery disease tend to rise rapidly right after Thanksgiving, continuing through Christmas, and peaking around New Year’s Day.  Several factors may influence this unfortunate trend, from an increase in respiratory infections during the winter, to increased workload on the heart from activities such as shoveling of heavy snow.

The American Heart Association recommends the following tips to help respond to and prevent sudden cardiac arrest:

Avoid sudden cold weather exertion

Snowstorms present particular challenges for everyone, primarily because getting rid of the snow usually means sudden exertion in cold weather.  In and of itself, snow shoveling can be healthy, good exercise, but not if you are normally sedentary, are in poor physical condition, or have risk factors that make snow shoveling inadvisable for your health. Everyone who must be outdoors in cold weather should avoid sudden exertion, like lifting a heavy shovel full of snow. Even walking through heavy, wet snow or snowdrifts can strain a person's heart. 

Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when your body can't produce enough energy to keep the internal body temperature warm enough, causing it to fall below normal. It can kill you. Heart failure causes most deaths in hypothermia. Symptoms include lack of coordination, mental confusion, slowed reactions, shivering and sleepiness.

Children, the elderly and those with heart disease are at special risk. As people age, their ability to maintain a normal internal body temperature often decreases. Because elderly people seem to be relatively insensitive to moderately cold conditions, they can suffer hypothermia without knowing they're in danger.

Stay Warm

People with coronary heart disease often suffer chest pain or discomfort called angina pectoris when they're in cold weather.  Besides cold temperatures, high winds, snow and rain also can steal body heat. Wind is especially dangerous, because it removes the layer of heated air from around your body. Similarly, dampness causes the body to lose heat faster than it would at the same temperature in drier conditions.

To keep warm, wear layers of clothing. This traps air between layers, forming a protective insulation. Also, wear a hat or headscarf. Much of your body's heat can be lost through your head and ears are especially prone to frostbite. Keep your hands and feet warm, too, as they tend to lose heat rapidly.

Avoid alcohol before heading outdoors

Alcohol gives an initial feeling of warmth, but this is caused by expanding blood vessels in the skin. Heat is then drawn away from the body's vital organs.  Alcohol consumption and physical activity in harsh winter weather conditions can increase the likelihood of hypothermia.