Conestoga Valley townlively.com
JANUARY 18, 2023
strive SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954
VOL LIX • NO 4
Look Inside
Answering The Call To Kenya BY ANN MEAD ASH
Improper shoveling techniques can lead to winter injuries.
Staying Safe In The Cold ew sights in nature can compare to a pristine blanket of white snow covering the countryside. Unfortunately, a wonderland of snow conceals dangers related to slips and falls, shoveling, and even overdoing winter sports. The good news is that with some preparation many injuries may be avoided. Zachary Wagner, a physical therapist in the rehabilitation wing at Fairmount in Ephrata sees a variety of injuries during the winter months. “The biggest thing is falls,” said Wagner, who noted that hip and femoral fractures are common as are rotator cuff and back issues related to shoveling.
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To help prevent injuries, Wagner recommends a year-round regimen to increase strength, balance, and flexibility. Both aerobic and endurance exercises are good choices, and stretching is always recommended. “Stretching is a big thing, especially in winter,” said Wagner. “When it’s cold out, muscles tend to tighten up.” So loosening up for sports activities or tasks like shoveling can make a difference. “If you’re not stretching and you’re not used to strenuous activity, you put yourself at risk for strain or tendonitis,” Wagner noted. Footwear that is appropriate for the weather is another concern. Wagner recommends nonslip, nonskid shoes with rubber soles that are not too worn and that fit well.
Arch support may be necessary to help some improve their gait and avoid falls. Dressing for the weather means layering warm clothing and wearing gloves. This is especially important for those who participate in winter sports and anticipate being outside for extended periods of time. Shoveling is a necessity for many, but it is also an activity that can lead to several types of injuries. When shoveling, Wagner said to watch your posture. “Use your knees and hips,” he advised. “Keep your back straight, and don’t lift more than you can handle.” Because cold weather can increase chances of injury, avoid sudden twists. Instead, take extra steps to move snow. “Listen to your body,” cautioned Wagner, who
recommended breaks to warm up every 10 to 15 minutes. Another precaution, which is especially important for seniors, is keeping up to date on physicals and eye examinations to be sure prescription medications and eyewear are correct. Be aware that over-thecounter cold and flu remedies can cause drowsiness and increase chances of stumbling. It is not only seniors who need to be more careful during the harsher months. Wagner noted, “(Winter) injuries can happen to anyone.” Fairmount is a nonprofit retirement community located on two adjoining campuses in Ephrata. Readers who would like to know more about the organization may visit https://fairmounthomes.org.
See Preparing The Way pg 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE LMS Sells Former New Danville Campus . . . . . . . .3 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Rotary Club Honors Students . . . . . . . .5 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . .10 House Of Worship . . . . . .12
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BY ANN MEAD ASH
“We are empowering the church through many different avenues,” said Randy Martin, who founded Preparing the Way Ministries with his wife, Bonnie. The New Holland pair, missionaries of Petra Church, oversee a number of efforts under the ministry’s umbrella, concentrated in Thika, Kenya, Africa. “In Africa, we do many things,” said Randy, who first became interested in missions in Kenya when a man from that country visited him in 1993. The man told the couple about a vision he had of a church in Africa. In 1994, he told the Martins the vision had come true. Randy visited Kenya and fell in love with the country and its people. He began leading outreaches to Kenya, traveling there about 30 times, sometimes with Bonnie. In 2015, Randy had a vision that involved dropping the nail bag he wore in his construction business. Bonnie pointed out to him that in the vision,