NIAGARA, Wis. — We have not heard much lately about COVID, the pandemic that swept the world, killing hundreds of thousands of people. Even the images of overcrowded hospitals with patients in gurney-lined hallways, and refrigerated containers outside housing the dead from the hospitals’ overcrowded morgues may have faded from our recent memories. But we cannot afford to let ourselves be lulled into a false sense of security just because the evening news is singing one tune lately. While the media seems singularly interested in the upcoming election, COVID has been busy mutating into a much stronger strain that still poses a threat to public safety. The recent AARP Bulletin reported some alarming but helpful information that I want to share with you today.

Over this past summer, 42 states reported spikes in emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to COVID. One in 50 Americans 65 and older have been diagnosed with COVID in the past three months. This is more than double last summer’s rates; the increase is largely due to a new, stronger strain named FLiRT. The Centers for Disease Control have confirmed this statistic as well as the cause. Virus strains are very adaptable and eventually find a way to outsmart vaccines, which is why research continues and new COVID vaccines are developed annually, just like flu vaccines. Researchers and infectious disease specialists work hard to stay one step ahead of the next new strain.

While people younger than 65 tend to catch the new strain during the summer months, those older are more susceptible to it between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. For this reason, medical professionals expect to see more cases in an older population as we move through the winter months. Consequently, it is very important for those of us who find ourselves in this older population to prepare for what is ahead. Follow the guidelines below to keep yourselves healthy:

1. Get your vaccinations up to date. The CDC stresses that vaccination remains the safest and most effective way to avoid the virus. All three drug manufacturers — Moderna, Novavax, and Pfizer — have released their updated COVID vaccines. Locally, The Drug Store has both flu and COVID vaccines available and are vaccinating the public between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Be sure to bring your insurance/Medicare card with you; TDS notifies your primary care physician when they provide the vaccination so it can become part of your medical record.

2. Do not rely on prior immunity. Protection lessens over time. And because the older vaccines were not targeted for the newer strains of the disease, you will not be protected against them.

3. Do not rely on a history of luck. Though you may be a “novid” — one who has never contracted COVID in the past — it doesn’t mean you are immune to the virus. In fact, not having had the disease before means your immune system has not had the need to build up antibodies against the virus, which actually makes you more susceptible to contracting it.

4. Protect yourself in high-risk areas. High-risk areas are those where a lot of people gather: grocery stores, laundromats, concerts, restaurants and family get-togethers. Hand washing remains the front line of prevention strategies, so be religious about it. And wear a mask when you are around a lot of people in a confined space.

5. Stock up on home tests. Did you know that home tests had been developed? They have and are effective in letting you know at the first sign of illness, whether or not you have COVID. This is critical to effective early treatment. These home tests are available at our local pharmacies, so stock up now.

6. Have a Paxlovid plan. This drug is an antiviral medication developed to give early and effective treatment for COVID. It reduces the severity of COVID and helps to prevent against the development of long COVID. This is a prescription, so have a conversation with your physician on how to go about getting the medication if you develop the disease at an inconvenient time — when you or your doctor are out of town or if it develops on the weekend. It is important that you begin Paxlovid as soon as possible for it to be the most effective.

7. What if I test positive? Remain isolated until you have been symptom-free at least 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medications. Once symptoms pass, the CDC recommends that you take additional steps for the next five days to prevent the spread of the disease. These steps include: practice social distancing, wear a mask, ventilate your home if possible and wash your hands frequently.

COVID can become a “nasty gift that keeps on giving” through the development of “long COVID.” The CDC defines “long COVID” as “an infection-associated chronic condition that occurs after COVID-19 infection and is present for at least three months as a continuous, relapsing and remitting, or progressive disease state that affects one or more organ systems.” You may be surprised to know that 18 million Americans have experienced long COVID; currently, more than 1 in 20 people are living with its symptoms. In fact, it has been recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. And, researchers have discovered a link between it and our shrinking life expectancy. So, obviously, this condition is nothing to take lightly.

Here’s a list of conditions that can follow COVID and can indicate the presence of long COVID.

1. Extreme fatigue is the number one symptom reported by long COVID patients.

2. Shortness of breath. The chest CT scans of more than one-third of people hospitalized with a previous COVID infection had lung scarring and thickening two years after coming into contact with the virus.

3. Difficulty concentrating, spaciness and forgetfulness are just a few of the brain challenges COVID can bring. With long COVID, these become an everyday occurrence that lasts indefinitely.

4. Depression and anxiety are mood disorders that are among the top five issues that happen to people after COVID.

5. Sleep disturbances have been reported by nearly 40% of people with long COVID; insomnia and sleep apnea being the two most common complaints.

6. Digestive upset, indicating irritable bowel syndrome, has been reported. Complaints include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating and gas.

7. New or worsened allergies, even from patients who have never experienced allergies before, have been reported. Asthma and allergic rhinitis were very common.

8. Last but not least, COVID survivors have reported an increase in chronic pain, everything from aching joints to testicular pain to inflammatory arthritis.

The danger of contracting COVID is real. Do not risk getting this disease or suffering from the effects of long COVID. We do not often have an opportunity to help alleviate a national problem. Let’s all do our part with this one — get vaccinated today.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program is run by donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; staff and resident ice cream social, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.; reminisce, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; nail spa, 10 a.m.; start to finish, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” game show, dining room, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; Bible study, 10 a.m.; team trivia, 11 a.m.; resident choice of games, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; morning walk, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search puzzle, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; “You be the Judge,” 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; hymn sing, 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; senior bball, 2 p.m.; mystery movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/current events, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; monthly birthday party, 2 p.m.; dinner in DT, 4 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word search/hangman, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; pokeno, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee clutch, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee clutch, 9:30 a.m.; resident council meeting, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; tabletop bowling, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Sunshine Club/outside fun, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; arts and crafts, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Scattegories, 10 a.m.; Packers vs. Titans, noon; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Packer tailgate, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy; 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Men’s breakfast, 7 a.m.; rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; hangman, 10:15 a.m.; lunch outing, 11 a.m.; afternoon cinema with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; cooking with Bob, 10 a.m.; fall ride, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; penny ante, 10 a.m.; silly crafters, fall craft, 2 p.m.

Friday: Short stories, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Word search, 10 a.m.; air hockey, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Cooking for adults, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise and music, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason/Bible study, 10 a.m.; card club, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; What am I? 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; social circle and treats, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Cranium Crunch, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Bunco, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Dollar General, 10 a.m.; star of the month, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; bologna, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; H.H. with Vicky and Dave, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; bunco, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles; activity packets.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Vegetable pizza, lowfat cottage cheese, pineapple tidbits, pudding cup.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Thursday: Chicken soft tacos supreme (cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream), Spanish rice, corn.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — salad bar at 11:30 a.m., meal at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Oven-fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Haddock with vegetables, coleslaw, whole wheat dinner roll, dessert.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Thursday: Baked pork chops, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, applesauce.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked chicken, rice pilaf.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes.

Wednesday: Pizza.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA – independent from above menu) —

Monday: Pancakes, syrup, sausage, applesauce, yogurt cup.

Tuesday: Blackened fish, au gratin potatoes, California blend vegetables, dinner roll with butter pat, pudding cup.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Thursday: Orange chicken, boiled rice, Oriental vegetables, biscuit with butter pat, fortune cookie.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pancakes, syrup, sausage, applesauce, yogurt cup.

Tuesday: Blackened fish, au gratin potatoes, California blend vegetables, dinner roll with butter pat, pudding cup.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Thursday: Orange chicken, boiled rice, Oriental vegetables, biscuit with butter pat, fortune cookie.

Friday: Cheese tortellini with parmesan butter sauce, broccoli, dinner roll, pudding cup.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards — smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Wet burrito, refried beans, cornbread.

Tuesday: Oven-fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, Brussel sprouts.

Wednesday: Pork roast, fried cabbage, peas.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Pancakes, syrup, sausage, applesauce, yogurt cup.

Tuesday: Blackened fish, au gratin potatoes, California blend vegetables, dinner roll with butter pat, pudding cup.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Lazy pierogi casserole, spinach orange salad, breadsticks, fruit.

Tuesday: Boiled dinner — with ham, carrots, cabbage, rutabagas, potatoes, breadsticks, fruit.

Wednesday: Porcupine meatballs, mashed potatoes, creamed corn, pumpkin blondies.

Thursday: Turkey ranch wrap, baked beans, potato salad, apple slices with caramel dip.

Friday: Beer battered fish, sweet potato fries, broccoli, mixed fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Swiss steak over rice, stewed tomatoes, Far East vegetable blend, yogurt with fruit.

Tuesday: Cheese tortellini, spaghetti sauce, country trio vegetable, side salad, pear cup.

Wednesday: Monterey chicken, smashed red potatoes, dinner roll, pineapple upside down cake

Thursday: Mushroom Swiss burger, hamburger bun, oven potatoes, carrots, fruit cocktail.

Friday: Pollock fish, baked potato, peas and onions, whole wheat bread, mixed fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Meal served at 11 a.m., salad bar available. No night meals at this time. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken Florentine casserole, buttered pasta, peas.

Tuesday: Country-style ribs, macaroni and cheese, corn, garlic biscuit.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans.

Thursday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, buttered baby carrots, dinner roll with butter pat.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Swiss steak, baby red potatoes, side salad, dinner roll, fruit juice.

Wednesday: Sliced turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, wheat dinner roll, pears.

Thursday: Bacon-wrapped pork, seasoned noodles, caramelized carrots, cookie, fresh orange.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, yellow beans, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Ham and Swiss sliders, chips, peas and carrots.

Wednesday: Beef chop suey, rice, Oriental vegetables or stir fry.

Thursday: Lasagna, broccoli, breadstick.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Birthdays and bingo on second Thursday.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served, salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Sweet and sour chicken with fried rice, Oriental vegetables, egg roll.

Wednesday: Pulled pork sandwich on a hoagie bun, potato wedges, coleslaw.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables, dinner roll.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Pancakes, syrup, sausage, applesauce, yogurt cup.

Tuesday: Blackened fish, au gratin potatoes, California blend vegetables, dinner roll with butter pat, pudding cup.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.