The Lackawanna County Veterans Affairs Office is joining forces with the Area Agency on Aging to distribute farmers market vouchers on Thursday, August 22, from 9 AM – Noon in the VA office on second floor of The Lackawanna County Government Center on a first come, first served basis.

Each eligible veteran can receive up to four $5 vouchers that can be redeemed at participating farmers markets and farm stands for fresh fruit and produce.

Individuals must be Lackawanna County residents and be 60 or older by December 31, 2019.  The annual income guidelines are as follows:  $23,107 for a single person, $31,284 for a couple, $39,461 for a three person household, or $47,638 for a four person household.  Proof of age in the form of a driver’s license or birth certificate must be provided along with proof of Lackawanna County residency in the form of a utility bill or a driver’s license.

Veterans who are unable to come to the office may appoint a proxy to pick-up the vouchers for them.  Proxy forms must be obtained at the Area Agency on Aging and filled-out prior to picking up the vouchers.

Contact the Veterans Affairs Office at (570) 963-6778 or the Area Agency on Aging at (570) 963-6740 with any questions.

Due to the current heat wave throughout the Commonwealth of PA this week, all residents have been advised to drink plenty of fluids (water, sports drinks), to stay out of the sun, to wear light colored, loose fitted clothing, and to run a fan or air-conditioner (if available) to keep cool.

Although anyone, at any time can suffer heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.

Persons age 65 and older are particularly susceptible to heat related illnesses and complications that can result during periods of high temperatures and humidity. Individuals with chronic respiratory illnesses, such as asthma or diabetes, may also find that their conditions worsen during these times. Persons who are homeless, and infants and young children, are also at increased risk for complications in the summer heat.

Please check on persons who are alone, have limited outside supports and who may be at high risk of heat relation illnesses. Make certain they are using a fan or air conditioner, if available to them. Encourage them to hydrate with clear liquids and to limit their intake o caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

Additional tips:

DO:
• Drink more fluids, don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which dehydrate the body.
• Wear lightweight, light colored clothing.
• Stay indoors, ideally in an air conditioned place.
• Visit your local library, mall, senior community center for drop-in center if you don’t have air conditioning. Check for hours of operation.
• Rest often in shady areas.
• Listen to the news and public announcements for heat advisories.

DON’T:
• Underestimate the seriousness of heat-related emergencies.
• Leave anyone, a person or animal, in a parked vehicle.
• Stay in the hot weather if you feel sick.
• Overexert yourself or work outside without taking breaks.
• Hesitate to call EMS and seek medical attention!

SIGNS OF HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES INCLUDE:
• Nausea
• Confused or disoriented
• Dizziness
• Skin is cool, pale or moist (possible heat exhaustion)
• Skin is hot, red or dry (possible heat stroke)
• Heavy sweating and headaches.

Due to the extreme hot weather over the next few days, please respond proactively and take steps to identify and check on persons at risk for heat related illnesses…including the elderly, disabled and homeless.

In the event of a medical emergency, please call 9 – 1 – 1.