Nancy Hopcraft 1941-2021 It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing of Nancy Hopcraft, a retired member of the Canadian Snowbird Association board of directors. Nancy and her husband Gord joined the CSA on September 28, 2000. Nancy became a member of the Canadian Snowbird Association board of directors in 2004 and held the executive positions of secretary, second vice-president and treasurer while representing snowbirds as a director for the Province of Ontario until her retirement in 2017. Nancy’s enthusiasm to communicate the CSA’s message at “coffee hours” both at her Canadian home in Timmins, Ontario and at her U.S. home in Panama City Beach, Florida, as well as hosting Snowbird Lifestyle Presentation events andWinter Information Meetings, was indispensable to the growth of the CSA. In 2012, Nancy was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. We send our deepest condolences to Nancy’s beloved husband Gord and her family. Four ways to spot a fakeonline review When shopping online, many of us rely on product reviews to help us make smart purchasing decisions. However, fake online endorsements or reviews are more common than ever and could trick you into making a purchase. Fake reviews appear to be posted by regular customers, but are actually written by, or on behalf of the business offering the product or service. Not only do these fake reviews hurt you, they also hurt legitimate businesses by giving some businesses an unfair advantage. That’s because fake reviews are often used by businesses to improve upon legitimate negative ratings of their products or services. As social media and online shopping have become ever-present in our lives, fake reviews have exploded. Here are four red flags for fake reviews: 1. A product or service has received lots of great reviews all of a sudden. 2. A recently created profile has provided positive reviews on a variety of products in a short period of time. 3. The reviewer’s tone is overly positive and makes it out to be “the best thing ever.” 4. Several reviews for the product use very similar wording. Make reviews only one of several sources that you use to choose your online purchases, and when you do read them, look for reviews over a wide range of time. Find more information and report fake reviews at competitionbureau.gc.ca. Easy steps to help you avoidheat stroke Heat stroke might be a familiar term for many of us, but it’s easy to forget how serious it is. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and the most severe of several heat illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat rash. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you’re caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating. Heat stroke can happen when your body overheats – often due to overexposure to, or overexertion in the heat. If not prevented, it can lead to long-term health problems and even death. Older adults, children, and those with pre-existing conditions or medications are most at risk. Fortunately, negative health outcomes of dangerous heat exposure are largely avoidable if you take appropriate preventive measures. Here are three easy steps that you can take: Drink liquids Water is the best way to stay hydrated. Remember to drink before you feel thirsty, since when you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Modify activities Plan strenuous outdoor activities − such as workouts − for cooler days, or choose a cooler location, such as a place with air conditioning or with shade. Avoid sunburn Limit your time in the sun and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is SPF30 or higher. Because sunburned skin makes sweating less efficient, it also makes it harder for your body to cool itself off. Also, remember to watch for symptoms of heat illnesses such as heat rash.These include dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, extreme thirst, rapid breathing or increased heart rate. If you experience any of these symptoms during extreme heat, move to a cool place and drink liquids right away. Findmore information at Canada.ca/health Source: www.newscanada.com Source: www.newscanada.com SnowbirdAlert 8 | www.snowbirds.org
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