From George Evens. Remembrance Day November 11th – “Lest We Forget”
In this Edition – Part-Three & Four Conclusion of series – A growing trend, potentially exorbitant future costs & massive social impact, “Hearing Loss, caused primarily by NOISE, impacting younger generations” , a “MUST READ for all who can currently hear”. Watch for & Support for Private members Bills, may be a National “good idea”? “Homeless in Canada a legacy of bad Government policy & decisions?” Senility is time to retire? November 2014 MUNICIPAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN STARTS TODAY – SAY YOUR GOOD BYE’S! Research Candidates for Office, simply enter their name in Google Search and get many facts. TOXIC LEADERSHIP EXAMINED TODAY BUT MORE DETAILS COMING IN DECEMBER.
George F. Evens featured Senior in October 31, 2013 Edition of Seniors 55 Plus. Here is a link to the Mission Seniors’ Living 55 Plus, published in the Mission City Record, the last Thursday monthly. The e-edition is available at http://www.missioncityrecord.com/eeditions/
EDITORIALLY SPEAKING OF COURSE BUT-
* Politics need changes, no more so than at Mission & Abbotsford. Political changes is a two-part phenomenon. First, the “Bureaucracy” needs (revamping) in that “new blood” can create new philosophy, ideas, and approaches, that as stated previously, “when too many think the same way progress gets mired in status-quo and we find moribund Councils the order of the day, as recent history proves”. Most in Mission rejoice that a new MLA was elected but the jury is still out that Mission gained. Second, CRMG accomplished the task to rid Mission of a moribund Mayor & Council and served a transition but now we need a new competent longer term Council, notably a (strong) leader. The jokingly profound style of intimidation and weak direction epitomized by “Don’t anger me” utterances, by the Mayor should have been expected by previous naïve claims about, “Randy is my HERO” and “my compatriot” alluding to former Councillor Ron Taylor. Both seemingly architects of the CRMG platform and to give credit, well defined approach getting rid of the Old Council. But now Ron has resigned CRMG and Randy is still a legend only in his own mind but has lost power as MLA. So CRMG Mayor is a (puppet) with no one pulling the strings, hence resorting to “don’t anger me” threats as his best quality seemingly. VOTERS have roughly a year to determine who to elect prior to the ever expected “usual 17 suspects suddenly appearing within a month of next election day, each seeking to be elected”. ECAC played a pivotal role last election in encouraging the Senior vote and expected results, more than “meets the eye” to the uninformed. ECAC will be pondering available Candidates, likely convene a “Round Table Discussion Group” and will give Seniors’ of Mission some guidance by our endorsements of qualified Candidates – Seniors, 10,000 strong in Mission, if becoming organized and banding with ECAC, will form the voting block to elect the next progressive Council. In fact, we only need approx. 3000 voters to elect (our) Candidates. Two (key) components next election will be “Seniors’ & Animal Care & Respect”, two very important aspects of creating inclusive caring Communities.
* Homeless in Canada, add a diminishing “Middle Class”, stir heavily with loss of jobs and a major outcome is “Homeless”. Sadly, as is often the case, (statistics lie) and often fail to be true and accurate reflection of actual unemployment. Throw in lots of “Bafflegab” notably by Government, at all levels and Homeless surfaces as a major factor in the sad plight of millions in North America. But in Canada, for our purposes, we find Government in BC, for example, placing Mental Health Patients back in Society, with few if any actual “safety nets”, certainly not (housing) to replace the Institution closed, that was home to many in need. Then, lets mess up more, and add “Drug Addiction” to the mix of unfortunates, ensuring (Privacy Acts) protects, in part, Government need to explain, claiming (privacy you know). If Government is empathetic, plans strategy and places safety nets and housing provision in place, the dilemma is remedied in large part but if like City of Abbotsford (a prime example of contempt, lack of respect and indifference toward Citizens less fortunate). This is exacerbated by revolving door Health Ministers, who, frankly “do not know their ass from a hole in the ground”, I am told, then we witness the debacle in play right now. Worse, like at City of Abbotsford, the “relocation of so-called “Homeless” camps without plan or empathy, and as might be predictable, the Media has now got its teeth in Abbotsford’s butt. The three factors at play and in conflict, that need to be addressed are;
· Homeless – Financial based, in part, caused by Free Trade Agreements, Immigration = job loss, that in due course produces an endless “Homeless dilemma”, this is (muddied) and exacerbated by lumping in more (homeless) from unrelated sources.
· Homeless – Mental Health based, lack of Institutions for those needing this institutionalized protection, such as reopening Riverdale would address, in part. Mental Health reasons exacerbates Police costs and manpower to deal with increasing incidents, again, by “Homeless”, they rationalize.
· Homeless – Drug Addiction based, that of course, “we cannot force addicts into rehab, so, let’s exacerbate the (Homeless) dilemma, lump in (Drug Addicts) and by conveniently using “Mental Health & Drug Addiction” we bafflegab the Public into believing “Homeless is a composition of the three, very complicated, you know?
· Homeless camps, a self-preservation attempt to providing oneself with shelter, of sorts, is not met with understanding, empathy and cooperation, if like City of Abbotsford, too many (wrong thinking) Bureaucrats & Politicians are indifferent, ignorant and lack respect, we find “manure spread in an attempt to chase Homeless away” but that (blew up in the faces of perpetrators and heaped shame upon Abbotsford the so-called “Bible Belt of God fearing Christians”, right! We just witnessed another relocation of the Homeless Camp, to no avail, the problem and its causes still prevail. My word, what is a poor (Politician) to do. For example, leaving Church the Mayor is met with accolades from some parishioners, “Good job Mr. Mayor, we support you, get the slackers out of Abbotsford”. Then we find Abbotsford Community Services rightly proposing a 20 unit Housing project, to first provide housing, yet, God fearing Business (Leaders) oppose location. So, the Mayor looks at these peers (supporters & votes) decides better to punish the homeless. The first step is recognition and to accept this is a temporary approach, so work with the camp dwellers to make their lives more palatable, while inept politicians seek solutions; assign locales, introduce a hierarchy to recognize (camp leaders) and agree to standards of aesthetics, hygiene needs, install a number of plastic garbage bag lined cans, install a large garbage dump bin and pick-up by the City; install several porta potties. Work in conjunction with facilities and organizations like Salvation Army, exclude any requirements to be religious inspired to get help, and arrange shower & washroom facilities, laundry facilities, small steps to give respect and permit some self-respect of camp dwellers. Simply, the first step is like Abbotsford Community Services demand, shelter
· D.R.E.A.M. another piece of the puzzle for Homeless in Abbotsford. 5 & 2 Ministries working on a site with Landowner in Abbotsford, for Homeless reflect the (missing ingredient) of Municipalities & Government, notably vision, innovation, compassion, empathy and desire to succeed in finding a remedy, working directly with and including Homeless in decisions.
Ø Homelessness is a phenomenon created by successive bad Federal & Provincial Management decisions and thus, can be remedied quickly if the “Political Will” and needed “Empathy & Compassion” existed. So long as VOTERS too, lack the wisdom and conviction to do what is right a demand resolution of many social ailments that failure to demand elected people act accordingly, we will witness a perpetuation of the unacceptable status-quo dealing with Homelessness, but similarly Bullying, lack of Seniors’ rights & needs and recourse to recall inept Politicians at each level of Government.
· THE LEARNING PAGE – offers sage advice and counsel to all Humans, with some focus upon Seniors’ but seeks to explore and thus, provide you with proven successful “Management skills & techniques” to improve your productivity, informed decision making & stimulate your creativity, innovation and contribution to Society. It is “look in the mirror time”.
* TOXIC LEADERSHIP – “The Allure of Toxic Leaders – Why we follow destructive bosses and corrupt Politicians and How we can survive Them”, still true today, just as defining followers makes a profound statement about the nature of leadership itself. The phrase was coined in 1996 and is linked with a number of dysfunctional leadership styles. An interesting book by Jean Lipman-Blumen “The allure of Toxic Leaders” is available from AMAZON.
* Toxic Leadership Basic traits – generally considered to be either/or insular, intemperate, glib, callous, inept, discriminatory, corrupt or aggressive. Some styles include “playing Corporate power politics, overcompetitive attitude, abuse of disciplinary system (to remove workplace rival), a condescending/glib attitude, shallow & lacking self-confidence, become aggressive to cope, poor self-control, physical or psychological bullies, discriminatory attitudes, cause workplace division instead of harmony, uses “divide & rule” tactics, arrogant, irritable. Many are authoritarian, autocratic and/or control freaks who tend to use micromanagement, management by fear to keep a grip on their authority; can be both hypocritical & hypercritical of others.
* Aggressive narcissism – this syndrome is on Psychopathy checklist and glibness/superficial charm, grandiose sense of self-worth, pathological lying, callous/lack of empathy, shallow emotional affect with genuine emotion short-lived and egocentric, cunning/manipulative, lack of remorse or guilt and a failure to accept responsibility for own actions.
* Toxic Leadership of “Bad Leadership” comprise seven different types, notably “Incompetent – they do not create positive change”; “Rigid – stiff & unyielding unable to adapt to new ideas, new information or changing times”; “Intemperate – lacks self-control aided & abetted by followers who are unwilling or unable to effectively intervene”; “Callous – uncaring & unkind, ignored & discounted are the needs, wants and wishes of most members of the group”; “Corrupt – lie, cheat, or steal, put self-interest ahead of public interest”; “Insular – minimize or disregard the health and welfare of those outside the organization for which they are responsible”; “Evil – the harm can be physical, psychological or both”.
* Some other traits, a manager who bullies, threatens, yells; mood swings, backbiting, belittling boss from hell. There you have a few ideas to ponder and whet your appetite for more..
* Mission Seniors’ Dream, “An Activity Centre within my lifetime”. Two BEST SITES, either adjacent Leisure Centre incorporating low-cost & market housing or to be part of a vibrant CIVIC CENTRE (Downtown). – what is in store for Seniors’? The basic Seniors’ Activity Centre should initially be approx. 12,000 sq. ft in size (with expansion five years hence to 15,000 sq ft and maybe in 10 years hence expansion to 20,000 sq. ft). It should be erected as a cement structure, possibly tilt-up sections, adjacent the Leisure Centre, on the 2 acre District owned property, to mitigate building costs, with any zoning change facilitated by Council. Being adjacent the Leisure Centre incorporates use of available services, such as weight training, swimming pool and other applicable amenities used by Seniors’. Located on easy access Bus route. We envisage incorporating a several story above/beneath ground parking façade. In addition, consideration, to above ground 2-3 story housing, incorporating some low-cost Seniors’ Housing, possible inclusion of several 300 sq. ft, single suites, in a mix of market housing, to facilitate a cost-saving viable venture. Actual services may vary upon determined interest and need but our web. site www.thecouncilclaw.ca affords viewing like new Seniors’ Activity Centre’s at Pitt Meadows, as well, Maple-Ridge, Coquitlam and West Vancouver.
§ Mayor Adlem inaugural address published December 5, 2011, stated, “This will be done in a timely manner” referring to making a decision on a Seniors’ Activity Centre. Two years later, still waiting for the pending Seniors’ Task Force Report but moreso, how many more Seniors’ will be lost and never enjoy a day in their own Seniors’ Centre? Lesson – always get a firm date when a Politician makes a promise to do something but equally elect a Council who respects Seniors’ and will assertively work hands-on to make things happen, like a Seniors’ Activity Centre, a state-of-the-art Cat Centre, improved housing for lower income and the Homeless, not bafflegab and hollow claims of caring.
* What do Politicians like the most about VOTERS? Given most (Politicians) have an established group of “follow at any cost mentality supporters”, they love to witness low voter turnout, a thriving apathy and when the eligible VOTERS become aroused, seek “change” and a higher voter turn-out is anticipated, we occasionally find the “weak leave the sinking ship and not seek re-election”. Last election witnessed 7363 voters (30.0%) permitting riddance of Mayor Atebe and most of Council. This was up from 2008 – 5681 voters (25.1%). So the question may be, can we increase voter turnout to ensure a change? Why yes we can, if you get involved NOW and start by listening to ECAC!
* Possibly the single greatest demand upon VOTERS everywhere, whether to elect “Boards at Associations” or “Politicians” the more pronounced qualities desired in Candidates include their exuding “empathy”, just as being wary of persons to avoid, the “passive bystanders”, thus the qualities of sound ethics and values that set true “Leaders” apart from the pack – take the time to research Candidates carefully, set high standards and vote for people who meet needs. “We are only limited by the imagination of our Leaders”.
“DELIBERATELY STUPID AWARD” – This ‘infamous’ increasingly popular, recognized authority is awarded to the most deserving, the misguided, arrogant, self-centered & truly ignorant among us but the “deliberately stupid” category is a truly heartfelt distinction not that many, fortunately, can aspire to & attain
1. 4 year election terms help create employment for self-serving (politicians) but would be disasterous for many Communities. Look at what you have now and imagine, do we want (Incumbents) for four years? Actually, any election term without easy “Recall Legislation” are a disaster and we can be saddled with incompetence that may have any number of consequences.
2. Canadian Negotiators continue to lack skills to play with the “big boys”, remember Free Trade Agree,ments of past years, well, more to come – CETA will result in higher drug costs for Canadians … Read more in the report, CETA and Pharmaceuticals: Impact of the trade agreement between Europe and Canada on the costs of patented drugs
3. “Unnecessary Unhealthy Noise Makers” such as the incessant Booom Booom Booom Box Stereo abusers driving throughout neighbourhoods, at all hours, shaking windows, upsetting Animals and Humans alike and similarly Bang Bang Boom Bang of loud Fireworks, at all hours, notably late evening and during the night. These “brain-dead” species of morons, are enabled to disturb complete neighbourhoods by neighbors devoid of conviction to “speak-out”, report each incident of a noise immediately to authorities. By extension, in each instance (Authorities) devoid of empathy and lack of responsiveness to pro-actively seek to stop unnecessary noises. Hence, we find Communities in a state of upset, confusion and moral decay at feeling disenfranchised and helpless to make their community better. Leaders can play meaningful roles to create better living environments but the dilemma, “who is a leader”?
4. Mission Councillor Jenny Stevens and a weak patronizing Mayor who permitted abuse of privilege and power to witness her uncalled for and untrue rant that could only be described as encouraging a form of “Verbal Adult Bullying”. It is, as well, an example of “shooting the messenger” as for years (my) advocacy has been, in part, as a Messenger like thousands of Animal Advocates across the Nation (saying the same things) but her claims, all I say is “hot air” is likewise an insult to all others. This rude and thoughtless tirade was uncalled for but possibly typical of a (Politician) long past being retirement too caught up in her own self-importance and ego. Shame on Mission Council, except Councillor N. Tilbury who was gracious in his defence albeit ruled out-of-order by the sanctimonious Mayor. View my “Delegation” on www.mission.ca click Web Casts; click October 21, 2013, “hit” PLAY; scroll down to “Delegation” and ‘click’ to view.
The “Political” future is unfolding with cautiously optimistic opportunities
We need to “rebuild” the ‘Political system” and reinvigorate the Voters confidence in ‘creating and managing political change needed to restore Voter trust & confidence, including wise & thoughtful realignments of revenue streams to augment “Government coffers”, to eliminate a culture of crass, partisan evasion and lack of sincerity, some paths include.
· Next major public movement, most likely Seniors’ & expansion of the “Silver Tsunami” (a major growing Seniors’ movement, lacking co-ordination/organization of the whole but significant organization among throngs of Seniors’ groups across North America) – The common denominator of public protests, “long-standing issues not being effectively addressed”…..currently the “yell for attention” – next COMMON GOALS/ACTION by any astute Government!
· Simple & fundamental change is needed, abandoning “Leader dictatorship” and “creating effective Recall”, reinstating the Constituent as the primary beneficiary.
MISSION ELECTION 2014
v Election Issue – Mission Council have joined Fraser Health Authority to impose pay parking at Mission Memorial Hospital in 5 years. This must prompt expansion of ongoing (current) protest to eliminate pay parking at Hospitals, by adding a protest to prohibit FHA & Mission Council from proceeding with an agreement to add MMH to the list of Hospital charging (unacceptable) parking fees. Ask each incumbent what they will do to change this decision, anyone not agreeing to stop this travesty does not deserve a VOTE.
v Election Issue – Mission Council Chambers may be a home to “Institutional Bullying”, in that it does not have high standards for the way people treat each other, then bullying may be more likely and/or prevalent and have an influence on why people bully. A bully has never learnt to accept responsibility for their behavior; is unable and unwilling to recognize the effect of their behavior on others; does not want to know any other way of behaving; is unwilling to recognize that there could be better ways of behaving. Thus, “Verbal Adult Bullies use words that can be quite damaging. Adult bullies (Council members) who use this type of tactic may start rumours about victims, or use sarcastic or demeaning language to dominate or humiliate another person. This subtle type of bullying also has the advantage, to the bully, of being difficult to document. However, the emotional and psychological impacts of verbal bullying can be felt quite keenly and can result in reduced job performance and even depression.
v Election Issue – Repeated utterances “Don’t make me angry” tell a story of intimidation and unprofessional behavior by a (weak) Mayor lacking competence who falls into a Verbal Adult Bully definition and raises public concern
v Election Issue – Jenny Stevens unprovoked, unwarranted, untrue and unfair personal attack is tantamount to Verbal Adult Bullying and raise serious questions about motivation and hint at “Public Office Abuse, when intentionally uttering words to disparage another.
v Election Issue – “Political Slates”, bring in a group of people of like mind but too often, many slide in under the guise of an (impressive slate) but in due course Public Opinion may form and “weak-links” emerge to be gone next election. Political Slates can be a good vehicle to defeat Incumbents, such as happened at Mission 2011 election, as often Voters like the unity and organization implied by a “slate’, ease of making a voting choice and just as easily (another) slate can replace one. Getting rid of unacceptable (politicians) is crucial and next election November 2014 will witness Mission making some significant changes.
v Election Issue – Who leaked PSIT information to former Councillor R. Taylor, who then made Public? RCMP do not have enough evidence to lay charges but is the case still open?
* MISSION “ELECTION 2014” – Are Mission & Abbotsford Councils performing, who is/who is not? It is time to start planning our ‘election campaign’ to attract, if needed, a (New Mayor & Council). CRMG (Mission) identified the successful process, a needed (SLATE) approach & typical campaign to achieve a renewal of Council, so let’s make more wise Candidate choices but the campaign process is before us. Will CRMG (Abbotsford) be fielding Candidates? Are any incumbents at Mission or Abbotsford not running for re-election? Seniors’ hold the balance of (votes) to elect a new Council.
Some Important dates to remember
· Thursday November 7, 2013, 10:30am, Mission Seniors Centre Association meeting at Mission Community Activity Centre ALL SENIORS’ are encouraged to attend this meeting, as sanction of new Bylaws is on the Agenda and requires member approval; JOIN or RENEW MSCA ($10 Annual dues – help plan activities – YOUR SENIOR VOICE, LEADERSHIP, SUPPORT & WISDOM is needed more than ever NOW! VOLUNTEERS are needed.
· Thursday November 14,2013, Mission Seniors’ Advisory Committee monthly meeting at Mission Seniors’ Centre (venue change) – What is MSAC doing? Is MSAC attracting “the BEST” Senior Leaders? Does MISSION need one STRONG (Umbrella) organization to (represent) Seniors’ & secure an Activity Centre? An “Age Friendly” community needs a “steering Committee” – who?
· November 4 – 10, 2013 – “Fall Prevention Week”. Take the survey www.SeniorsBc.ca
· March 11 & 12, 2014 – Council of Senior Citizens’ Organizations (COSCO), Two-day Leadership Skills Workshop at Abbotsford (details will follow) but you can Register at pither470@shaw.ca. Some topics will include Changing demographics, Basics & Hierarchy of human needs, qualities of leadership, effective seniors’ organizations, leading Volunteers, conducting meetings, organizational goals, seniors’ identification & fulfillment, advocacy & referral, searching out talented volunteers, and other topics.
Note: Please email me any important Seniors’ dates throughout the year, that recognize any Seniors’ accomplishment or issues, such as Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15th, Seniors’ Week, etc.
· When is the McBarge opening?
Some Important web.sites to become aware of & informed about Seniors’ issues
* The Elder Citizen Action Coalition – www.thecouncilclaw.ca ‘click’ CONTENTS. The “cutting-edge Leadership for Seniors’ in Canada – Seniors’ unite & organize; NOW on ECAC site, 23 pictures of the impressive “New” Pitt Meadows Seniors’ Activity Centre (adjoining “The Wesbrooke Seniors’Living Community”
* District of Mission – www.mission.ca – watch Council meetings in progress LIVE VIA WEB CAST or check back anytime to view any topic or issues
* COSCO “Council of Seniors Citizens’ Organizations” www.coscobc.ca – 80 affiliated organizations; 85,000 senior members – The “Joys & Tears Conference” notes now posted
* OMBUDSPERSON – www.bcombudsperson.ca – A Roadmap To Better Seniors’ Care In B.C., A Summary of BC Ombudsperson Report – 176 detailed recommendations. Subscribe to receive email updates at http://www.ombudsman.bc.ca/subscribe Simply, “The Ministry of Health has, in many cases, failed to fulfill its leadership role for Seniors’ care in B.C.”.
* Elder Advocacy & Support (BCCEAS) – www.bcceas.ca (8% or 61,000 Seniors’ in B.C. experience abuse).
* NEW! Mission Seniors’ Activity Centre new web.site www.missionseniorscentre.com
* The Council Advocacy calls upon allies of people, finances and resources from around the World, in many diverse endeavours, via altruistic & caring measures. Keep in mind, this is not your typical Newsletter, many complain & do nothing constructive, whereas, The Council & ECAC, “News To You Newsletters” has established a public expectation to “tell it how it actually is, factual, questioning Journalism, no political correctness, no sacred-cows, no “political “spin” but equally important to be pro-active”. Remember, when progressive Leaders, important (decision makers) and astute VOTERS want factual opinions, they can trust, they consult “News To You Newsletters” as the reliable, informed, compassionate/empathetic source. Read carefully, keep an open-mind, broaden your ‘attention span’ and you will learn something…..
The News To You Newsletter seek to follow these basic rules:
1. Open discussion of ideas, values and priorities together with the expression of opinion is the basis for shaping effective and meaningful action
2. The phony prominence derived from elected office (Legislature, Municipal Council, Chamber of Commerce or Non-Profit Association) status neither promises omniscience nor protection from criticism from fellow citizens. The apparent fact that local (papers) will not criticize does not imply that others won’t or shouldn’t.
· “The Council Advocacy”, “The Council Animal Advocacy (CLAW)” and now “The Elder Citizen Action Coalition (ECAC)” are private owned, operated, non-profit, apolitical and pro-active organizations. ECAC is on the ‘cutting edge’ of the “silver tsunami” with the potential to represent millions of like-minded Seniors’ who share our values, thus our sphere of influence is massive.
· ECAC always represent the majority of public interests & public opinion & convey “responsible communication on all matters of public interest. The rallying call, “Unity In Challenging Times” *** Passion *** Persistence *** Power *** Progress
· The Sun (most recent on Elder abuse) & Province have done some good articles, thus, each Community paper can augment and help bring information & solutions to the many dilemma’s facing Seniors but caring is the first obstacle or challenge to be met. The Province series Boomerangst gives a good overview of Seniors’ needs, refer to http://www.theprovince.com/news/boomerangst/our-aging-society.html
SENIORS’ MATTER – “It is time for all to shake hands”
….. Some retrospection will identify a road to follow …..BUT, First, (our focus) Seniors’ and a (story) that needs to be told “HEARING LOSS”. ECAC will talk to Citizens about various issues & try to focus Societal attention on Seniors’ important needs in the desire to be part of catalysts to spawn immediate informed attention and needed action to improve Seniors’ lives.
Hearing Loss – Part Three….. Exacerbating the “noise dilemma” is the dramatic ignorance of authorities to recognize and enact legislation, to control noise emanating devices at source of manufacture. Thus, many retailers of noise emanating devices blast the unsuspecting ear drums of the younger and younger without conscience or knowledge, in many cases but otherwise indifference is a significant player. Contributing to the noise problem, is a fundamental emphasis by some to treat persons inflicted by any noise, who have the right of protest but perceived audacity, to (complain) as just that, “complainers”, who ought to be ridiculed and dismissed, “move if you do not like it”. Sadly, such extreme insensitivity and ignorance if too often patronized rather than have the informed integrity and fortitude to act in diligent and pro-active fashion, to abate noise.
The right to enjoy a person’s home in peace & quiet is often overshadowed by the sheer stupidity and moribund behaviour of authorities & elected buffoons, who lack the wisdom & empathy. Unnecessary and unhealthy noises, in addition to exacerbating hearing loss, have a most profound dramatic impact upon one’s health. Physical pain (140db+), vertigo (120db), blood vessel constriction, blood pressure increase, heart rate increase, stress (70db) , sleep loss, the inability to concentrate, interruption of feminine cycles
Noise if typically created by irresponsible people, with no caring for others rights to enjoy peace & quiet, if they feel (their) noise is fun or enjoyable, like listening to Boom Box Stereos. Others believe their right to scare birds with the incessant Bang of largely useless Propane Cannons (110-130db), can contribute to their livelihood, by a larger amount of berry output, lack needed empathy for inconvenience caused and feel “making a buck is more important” than workers health or neighbours right to quiet. Thus, it is critical for citizens to be convinced that noise control efforts are made on their behalf and “that responsible citizens control their own sound making”. Simply, “Your right to make noise ends where your neighbour’s right to peace & quiet begins”.
Not all noises contribute to hearing loss unless exposed or in closer proximity and thus, in some cases it is just annoyance and neighbor alienation that emerges. Train whistles or emergency sirens are annoying. Usually sensitivity to high-frequency sounds is first to go, followed by inability to hear speech frequencies. The effects of noise exposure are cumulative, thus we start out with a redundancy of hair cells but with repeated noisy insults, enough are destroyed to impair hearing. Permanent hearing loss begins about 85db. Ear plugs are recommended when using a hair dryer, kitchen blender, mowing lawn with gas mower, shooting guns, riding motor cycles, snow blowers, leaf blowers or chain saws but most fail to observe simple precautions, hence, in part, the dramatic rise in hearing losses.
Hearing Loss – Part Four Conclusion ….. Another source of hearing loss come from Meniere’s Disease, a disorder of the inner ear that affects hearing and balance. It can cause sudden attacks of vertigo (a spinning sensation) or tinnitus (a loud ringing in the ears) and hearing loss may be temporary or permanent. May cause events of nausea and vomiting, a feeling of pressure in the ear and while cause is unknown it may be related to a fluid imbalance in the inner ear. Treatment may include medicines, sometimes surgery but avoiding caffeine, alcoh0ol, tobacco, salt and stress may prevents attacks of vertigo.
Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is totally preventable but “once you have hearing loss, you’ll have it for life”. Some of the harmful noise levels and sources of unhealthy noises include but are not limited to “prolonged noise over 85db can cause hearing loss; regular exposure to noise over 110db or more for more than 1 minute can cause permanent hearing loss; immediate ear damage by exposure to 150db; excessive noise and maximum time allowed without earplugs, include Rock Concert 120db (7.5 min), Stereo Headphones 110db( 30 min), lawn mower 90db (8 hours), Boom Box 110db (30 min).
After poor service, noise is the second leading complaint about restaurants but proprietors ignorance and greed has spawned the belief, wrongly in the longer-term but they believe “people spend more on food and drink in bustling eateries”, many have created venues to maximize sound levels.
Hearing loss for Seniors’ as Youth, can be devastating but is often preventable. Seniors’ with hearing loss are 32% more likely to be admitted to hospital. Older adults are 57% more likely to experience psychological distress, such as depression. Hearing loss can lead to social isolation. Approximately 2/3 of people over 70 years have a hearing loss. Again, noise not age is the leading cause of hearing loss today.
Seniors’ exposed to any and all forms of noise can suffer the same detrimental effects, so continued awareness of environmental surroundings, including “noise pollution” must be heeded and careful & thoughtful behavior and action to reduce or eliminate harmful noises taken. Something to ponder, “would you want to be the only one in the Nursing Home who can carry on a conversation”? Why not have your hearing tested and take family members along, particularly youth, as knowing you have lost some hearing means you’re in a position to take steps to prevent further hearing loss.