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Dehydration a danger for older adults

Local Columns

Editor’s Note: The following column was originally published June 6, 2020. Thanks to breakthroughs in medicine and nutrition in recent years, we are living longer than ever before. But this increase in life expectancy also brings an increase in the number of diseases, injuries and impairments that affect older adults. With this in mind, we at the Salem Visiting Angels office have created this series of articles to keep our older population and their families informed and to offer some practical advice for meeting the challenges faced by seniors and those who care for them. ...

We should all understand why we celebrate July 4th

Editorials

As Americans celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of our Declaration of Independence, it is important to take a hard look at why such a day is worth celebrating, nearly 250 years later. After all, the date has been a federal holiday only since 1870 — the heart of the Reconstruction Era, when lawmakers saw the value in finding ways in which Americans could be united in their celebration. (Christmas and New Year’s Day become federal holidays that year, too.) But since the beginning, there have been certain truths worth fighting for here — foremost among them that all men are ...

Celebrating the birthday of the finest nation in the world

Editorials

“The second day of July, 1776 will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” — John Adams to his wife, written in 1776. Resolution for independence from the British ...

Individuals sure do matter when it comes to donations

Editorials

Repeated reminders of our need to take care of one another have often come with pleas from vital non-profits for support over the past few years. Charitable giving is a priority for many who are able to make it part of their budget — and the number of people who share that priority appears to be growing. According to the recent “Giving USA” report, charities received approximately $592.5 billion in donations in 2024 — a 3.3% increase over 2023. The donations data used for this report came before the layoff of tens of thousands of workers for non-profits for 2025 due to changes ...

Make sure to follow the rules and be respectful

Editorials

Even when law enforcement officers are not under direct fire, they still face dangers each day that many people never even consider. Take, for example, the case of a Fostoria, Ohio, Police Division officer who was conducting a traffic stop and had probable cause to search the vehicle. In the passenger’s purse he discovered a bag containing white powder. But, according to a report by WTVG, during the search enough of the powder became airborne that the officer collapsed and is believed to have suffered a fentanyl overdose. Thank goodness other officers on the scene were able to ...

Non-profits will need the help of individuals

Editorials

Repeated reminders of our need to take care of one another have often come with pleas from vital non-profits for support over the past few years. Charitable giving is a priority for many who are able to make it part of their budget — and the number of people who share that priority appears to be growing. According to the most recent “Giving USA” report, charities received approximately $592.5 billion in donations in 2024 — a 3.3% increase over 2023. The donations data used for this report came before the layoff of tens of thousands of workers for non-profits for 2025 due to ...