Donna Nichols • June 21, 2023

How to Stay Safe Around Town This Summer

A man is crossing the street at a crosswalk with a car driving by.

Another great article in the June 2023 AARP Bulletin discusses ways to stay safe this summer. It covers ways to stay safe around the house, around town, when you travel and outdoors. This blog will cover ways to stay safe around town. Each section was written by different experts, so I will highlight some of the bullet points for you here.


Ryan Pietzsch discusses distracted drivers, and this is a big one, I think. He says, there’s no way to tell if the drivers around you are texting or eating lunch or both. He suggests using the “what if" strategy to stay safe. As you are driving, ask yourself, “What if that car runs the red light?” or “What if the driver ahead of me is reading a text?” Doing this allows you to respond to the situation and choose the most appropriate defensive action.


William Van Tassel states that preventing road rage starts with prevention, not provocation. Drive with common courtesy. Let others merge or change lanes, drive at a speed comparable to those around you, use your turn signals and don’t tailgate. If you find yourself dealing with a hostile or aggressive driver, don’t engage. Keep driving calmly. If it escalates, get to a public place, and stay in your car. If you feel threatened, call 911.


Michael Flaum discusses what to do if you see a stranger behaving erratically. He says to remain calm. Move away if you want and are able to do so casually. He also states that if you, the person, or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911, or better, 988. 988 is a new national mental health emergency number. If you call 911, make sure you tell dispatch you are dealing with a mental health emergency and ask for a mental health support response team.


Pam Shadel Fischer talks about getting hit by a car and states that more than three-quarters of pedestrian fatalities happened after dark, compared with less than a quarter during daylight, dawn, or dusk. When crossing the street, use only designated crosswalks, which often have better lighting to make you more visible to drivers. Pam says if you must cross somewhere there is no crosswalk, use your cellphone’s flashlight. Shine it ahead of you to make yourself more visible to drivers.


As stated, I just pointed out the bullet points, to read the entire sections, pick up the AARP Bulletin. The next blog will cover ways to stay safe when you travel. I hope you find some valuable tips in my blogs to keep you safe!

A man is standing in front of a stop sign while a person holds a cell phone.
By Donna Nichols February 5, 2026
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By Donna Nichols February 2, 2026
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference February brings a soft reminder to pause and check in with the most loyal companion we have — our heart. It beats for us without asking, carrying us through decades of joy, loss, laughter, and change. American Heart Month invites us to honor that steady work with simple habits that help us feel stronger, more energized, and more connected. The Power of Small Steps Heart health doesn’t require dramatic resolutions or strict routines. In fact, the most meaningful changes are often the smallest ones — the ones we can weave into our day without feeling overwhelmed. A ten‑minute walk after breakfast. Choosing water before coffee. Stretching your arms and shoulders while waiting for the kettle to boil. Turning on a favorite song and letting your body sway a little. These tiny choices add up. They support circulation, boost mood, and remind us that caring for ourselves is still possible at every age. Movement That Meets You Where You Are Not everyone can take long walks or join a fitness class — and that’s okay. Gentle movement counts. • Marching your feet while seated • Rolling your shoulders to release tension • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • Reaching toward the ceiling to open your chest Every bit of movement helps the heart do its job with less strain. Food That Loves You Back Heart‑healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Think in terms of adding rather than restricting. • Add a handful of berries to breakfast • Add a few colorful vegetables to lunch • Add a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for healthy fats • Add one extra glass of water during the day Small additions feel doable — and they nourish the body in ways you can feel. Connection Is Heart Medicine, Too Loneliness can weigh on the heart just as much as physical strain. February is a wonderful time to reach out. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a memory with a grandchild. Join a community activity, even if just for an hour. Let someone know you’re thinking of them. Human connection is one of the most powerful heart‑protective habits we have. A Month to Celebrate Your Strength Your heart has carried you through so much — every milestone, every challenge, every moment of joy. This month is not about perfection. It’s about honoring your resilience and choosing one or two small habits that make you feel good. A healthier heart doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet, steady choices we make each day. And February is the perfect time to begin.
By Donna Nichols January 12, 2026
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