Desert Messenger

4 www.DesertMessenger.com May 20, 2020 18% increase in scorpion stings at Banner Poison & Drug Information Center Corner of Moon Mt. & Cowell • Quartzsite • 928-927-5400 QUARTZSITE'S ONLY YEAR ROUND SALON Cheyanne and Debbi ARE HERE FOR YOUR WE'RE OPEN YEAR ROUND! Hair, Nails, and Pedicure Services SUMMER HOURS: TUES - FRI The Salvation Army happenings More people at home means a greater chance of an accident Poison centers across the nation are seeing a 20% increase in scorpi- on poisonings and calls to their cen- ters. As more people are working remotely and children taking class- es at home, there is an increased potential for poisoning accidents, including bites and stings. "With the warmer weather we are experiencing in Arizona, and more people staying at home, scorpion stings have been on the rise," said Maureen Roland, managing direc- tor of the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center. "We've seen an 18% increase in calls to the Ban- ner Poison Center and Drug Infor- mation Center by people who have been stung by a scorpion." There are more than 60 species of scorpions in Arizona, with the bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) being the most common and the most dangerous. The bark scorpion sting is very painful and its venmon can pro- duce numbness and tingling that can travel through the body. Severe stings may require a visit to the emergency room to receive the antivenom. "Children under the age of six are more likely to develop severe symp- toms," said Roland. "Extra pre- caution should be taken to protect against and prevent scorpion stings. If you or someone you know has been stung, call the Banner Poison and Drug Information Center at 1- 800-222-1222 right away to speak with a healthcare professional for treatment advice." Safety tips for keeping scorpions away include: • Clear away debris, trash, logs, and bricks from the home and use regular pest control • Seal cracks or other openings • Scorpions like cool, moist areas - do not leave shoes, boots, clothing items or towels outdoors • Wear shoes when outdoors, es- pecially near the pool at night • Teach children not to pick up bugs in or around the house Warmer temperatures have also brought a rise in rattlesnake bites and bee stings. Roland advises to always be aware of your surroundings, look before you place your hand under or into something, and periodically ex- amine the outside of your home. If you or a loved one believe there has been exposure to any poison, medication or chemical, please call 1-800-222-1222. The poison cen- ters can assist in next steps, includ- ing whether it's necessary to seek additional medical attention. More information on scorpion stings and prevention can be found at https://www.bannerhealth.com/ services/poison-drug-information/ desert-critters/bark-scorpions We appreciate all the calls asking when we will reopen. We miss our dedicated shopper friends. We are anxious to see everyone as soon as possible. At this time, I am not able to tell you when this will happen. Please watch our Facebook page and I will post on Quartzsite Chatter, too. Announcement will air on local radio. In the meantime, I am doing some online sales with sidewalk in person local pickup. Look at our Salvation Army Thrift Store Facebook Page or the Quartzsite Marketplace for items. This will be exact cash only, by scheduled appointment using safe distancing practices. Check it out. For our out of school kiddos, we are offering a JUST FOR YOU Summertime Fun Activity Pack program. This will be for Quartzsite preschoolers to 5th graders. We will have activity, coloring and reading books, crayons, pencils, paper, and some healthy snacks, too. Maybe some other surprises, too. Call to arrange a pickup and selection time. Program starts JUNE 1st. We will follow CDC safety procedures. This event is compliments of Quartzsite Salvation Army Service Center. Any questions please call. Please remember that even though our Thrift Store is temporarily closed to shoppers and we cannot accept donations, the Salvation Army Service Center is always reachable with a phone call for urgent assis- tance. Please don't hesitate to call. We have provided outreach help to many these past weeks. Wake up every morning with the thought that something wonderful is about to happen. Love is never quite as satisfying as when we give it away. Be happy. Lee-Ann Henle, Manager Quartzsite Salvation Army Thrift Store & Service Center 928-927-3636 or 360-921-7571 • While never formally closed, many places of worship opted to temporarily change or suspend services in order to follow physical distancing guidelines. As they resume operations, the Arizona Department of Health Services re- leased GUIDANCE for enhanced physical distancing and safety precautions. Governor Ducey also announced an accelerated plan to test all staff and residents of long-term care facilities as well as individuals within Arizona's prisons. As part of this plan, the Arizona Department of Health Services will partner with private-sector labs to expand testing to 147 long-term care facilities and provide antibody tests for correctional offi cers. Arizona's new Executive Order, which took effect on Saturday, May 16, builds on Arizona's comprehensive efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect public health, including: ramping up testing availability and frequency; implementing tracking of key health metrics such as reported symptomatic cases and emergency room usage; standing up surge hospital capacity to be used as needed; expanding statewide contact tracing; bol- stering supply chains for personal protective equipment for frontline med- ical workers and emergency responders; implementing enhanced safety protocols to protect those living and working in high-risk facilities such as nursing homes; and providing public health guidance for businesses and individuals to ensure continued physical distancing. RETURN STRONGER FROM PAGE 1

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