News Briefs

RMV Cautions Customers to be Aware of Text Phishing Scam

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is cautioning customers to be aware of a text phishing scam that has been reported in the Commonwealth and in other states. The scam reportedly involves customers receiving text messages, claiming to be from the “DMV,” that direct them to click on a provided link to update their personal identifying contact information.  Customers can identify this type of text as a phishing scam because it includes “DMV” and in Massachusetts DMV is not the name of the Registry of Motor Vehicles; in Massachusetts, the name of the Registry is abbreviated as “RMV.” Any text using the phrase “Department of Motor Vehicles” or “DMV” should be deleted.

Please note that the RMV does not send unsolicited requests for personal and/or contact information to customers by text.  Any communication by text from the RMV would be as a result of a customer-initiated request or transaction.

For the latest Registry updates and information, please check Mass.gov/RMV or follow the RMV on Twitter @MassRMV.

MVES Offers Tips to Beat the Heat this Summer

We have already had many heat waves descend upon us this summer and it is expected they will continue throughout the season. During these hot and humid summer months, Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) recommends that it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on the older adults in our lives.

Older adults are much more likely to develop heat-related illnesses than younger people because as we age our bodies don’t adjust as well to drastic changes of temperature. Also, some medications that older adults are taking can affect the way their bodies regulate heat. Here are some tips and resources to help you beat the heat.

• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. Don’t try to do too much on a hot day.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.

• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.

• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%.

• Air-conditioning can provide a lot of relief in the summer. On the most unbearably hot days when it’s too hot for fans to be effective, air-conditioners can even help you stay safe. If you don’t have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate perspiration, which cools your body.

• The heat affects more than just people. Our pets can be in danger when the temperature rises. Keep your animals safe and healthy in this heat. Do not leave them in a hot car or without water.

Staying Hydrated

The ability to feel thirst lessens with age so you may not realize when you need to drink more. You may find you have to use the bathroom more often, losing more fluid. As we age, our bodies start losing muscle (which holds water) and gain fat (which cannot hold water). Medications that increase urination or help constipation can also cause dehydration.

Dehydration occurs when you don’t have enough fluid in your body. It can cause serious health problems, but luckily is easy to prevent. Dehydration may be caused or worsened by diarrhea, vomiting, overheating, diabetes, high fever, or excessive sweating. If you experience any of these, be aware and make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids.

Hydration tips:

• Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink; by this time you are already dehydrated.

• Keep a glass of water near you and drink from it regularly.

• Eat foods which contain water (fruits, soups, gelatin).

• Keep a full water bottle in the refrigerator and take a drink every time you open it.

• Drink extra in extreme heat to replace the water lost from sweating.

• Start and end the day with a cup of water.

• Do not replace water with alcohol or caffeinated drinks.

• Recognize when your body is asking for more water. 

In extreme heat, it’s important that we watch out for each other and stay informed about how to remain healthy and safe when the thermometer climbs. Stay cool, hydrated and out of the harmful rays of the sun.