Leisure World News

The speed limit on Leisure World streets is 25 mph. No passing. Be vigilant at crosswalks! News LeisureWorld AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS: President’s Points to Ponder Page A4 Leisure World Appreciation Week Page A8 Trips and Tours Page B10 THE OFFICIAL NEWS PUBLICATION OF LEISURE WORLD ARIZONA AUGUST 2022 | www.lwca.com Staying Safe This Monsoon Season By Jack Babb – Staff Writer To those who have recently moved to Arizona, the idea of a monsoon season in the desert may seem a bit crazy. However, the danger is very real. As of the time of this writing, this year’s monsoons have been fairly mild in the desert regions (although our neighbors in Northern Arizona may tell a different story). The word “monsoon” is thought to derive from the Arabic word “mausim” meaning “season” or “season of winds”. While the term is technically applied to a seasonal wind shift or reversal, the wind change usually brings additional moisture into the region, thus “monsoon” has also become synonymous with a seasonal increase in precipitation. The summer rains bring much-needed moisture to the desert. About 30-60 percent of Arizona’s annual precipitation falls during monsoon season in a normal year, according to the National Weather Service. But it also brings lightning, heavy rain, high winds, flash flooding, hail, and dangerous driving conditions. The monsoon season runs from June 15 until September 30. Long-time Arizona residents know that the weather can become fierce at any time during this period. Here are a few tips to keep you safe during the summer in Leisure World. Check your property Before the storms arrive, clean out roof drains to prevent accumulation of rainwater on the roof. Thin out trees and trim down overgrown vegetation. Repair landscaping to ensure water will run away from your building. Consider having a professional inspect your roof and make any necessary patches. You can also bring in outdoor furniture or other important items if you see a storm coming or before you travel for the summer. The City of Mesa has free sand By Colleen Cottrell We call themour “children” and why not? Our pets, our dogs especially, share many of the same attributes of a toddler. Often funny, active, inquisitive, and at times mischievous. And like toddlers, they require the same diligence to keep them healthy and free from harm. There are many ways in which a pet can suffer injury or illness, but in Arizona, one of the greatest threats is our extreme summer heat. Dogs, like humans, can sunburn - especially in their white ears, where fur is thin, or on their nose. But the greatest threat is to their paws from walking on pavement or in the street. The paw is very sensitive; if the temperature is above 85 degrees it’s recommended your pet be kept inside. If you cannot put your hand on the concrete for 10 seconds, it’s also too hot for a dog and a severe burn may result. Always keeping inside, however, is not often possible, so heat-resistant boots are recommended to be worn even if walking primarily on grass. (The boots which slip over the paws are available at PetSmart and range from $22.00 to $40.00 per set). Unfortunately, it may be difficult or impossible to find boots small enough for very tiny dogs, as Glenda Pearson (Leisure World Resident) relates. Via the Post, Glenda also shared various ways provided by her veterinarian (BarkAvenue, 3109 W. McKellips, Mesa) of keeping your pet safe: Dogs must be kept hydrated, so always keep water with you when walking, especially if going on a hike (and no metal drinking bowls as dogs will avoid them). Running a dog in the heat can result in heat exhaustion or stroke. Try playing with your dog indoors instead or consider hiring a company that provides an indoor treadmill for exercising him. Attaching him to a moving vehicle like a golf cart or bicycle is questionable, especially in the heat. As mentioned, heat stroke is possible when a dog’s body temperature rises from the norm of 101-102.5 to 104 degrees. If it rises to 107 degrees, they can suffer brain damage or death. For that reason, multiple sources agree you should NEVER LEAVE AN ANIMAL IN A CAR! Early signs of heat exhaustion are rapid breathing, heavy panting, and muscle weakness - including staggering. If the dog is outside, get him to a cool, shady place and apply wet towels or cloths with cool water. But do not apply cold water Fido’s Faux Paws Do’s and Don’ts for Keeping Your Pet Safe continues on page A7 e Dog Days OF SUMMER continues on page A11 Photo Credit: Linda Weinstock Photo Credit: Linda Weinstock