GUARDIAN ANGEL TO THE RESCUE

Photo by Denise Blasor

SLIP-FALLS are more prevalent than you think. In fact, they are the second leading cause of accidental death and disability in the U.S., accounting for close to 15,000 deaths each year, according to The Post Chronicle in Denville, New Jersey.

A SOBERING fact. And while slipping or falling can happen to anyone, the elderly are more prone to such accidents (17 percent of the population of Puerto Rico is 65 years and over). If living alone, a serious fall could leave the person unconscious or unable to move and seek help. For elderly people anxious to maintain their independence but aware that the unexpected can happen, a medical alert system may be just the kind of protection to have in the event of an emergency, such as a fall, or a sudden medical situation, such as a heart attack.

SEVERAL services of this kind are available in Puerto Rico, including the one that CareGivers of Puerto Rico, a home care provider, launched in the year 2005 under the name of Electronic Guardian Angel (Angel Guardián Eletrónico). A new option, recently made available to clients, is a wireless system which incorporates a cell phone and can easily be transferred to another location.

THE CONCEPT behind Guardian Angel is simple and revolves around a small button that the person wears on a chain around the neck. In the event of an emergency at home, a press of the transmitter button immediately activates an electronic console connected to the phone line, automatically sending off a signal to a monitoring center where personnel stand by 24/7 ready to move into action (Jaime Tous, manager of CareGivers' technical Tele Care division, said that at least six of the calls the center receives daily are real emergencies). The console's built in, high-frequency microphone allows the monitoring center to "listen in" on what's happening in the room and speak with the person in distress to assess the emergency and dispatch the appropriate help. The protocol includes calling a relative or neighbor to notify the accident and quickly get them to the scene or, in the event the caller is unable to speak, sending an ambulance to the site. 

SERVICE REP Erick Parrilla said that the monitoring center, based in Rio Piedras, stays in contact until the end of the emergency, keeping the line open so as to make sure the relative or neighbor is on hand to provide access to paramedics. Or, if an ambulance is not needed, the relative or neighbor can notify the center through the open line that they are taking control of the situation. 

CURRENTLY, some 3,000 Puerto Rico residents island wide have signed up with Guardian Angel, according to Parrilla. The cost of the service includes a $50 fee for the installation of the console, approximately 12" by 4" in size, and a monthly fee of $39.50, based on a one year-contract; or $29.50, on a two-year contract. Installing the console is a simple procedure that takes between 30 to 40 minutes. Additionally, users need to fill out a form with information on their state of health, prescribed medications, primary physician, and the hospital of their preference. They also must refer the names of six neighbors and relatives as potential contacts in the event of an emergency. Available 24/7, the service covers the entire island.

GUARDIAN ANGEL 787.726.2272

DOWNRIVER IN ENGLAND ON A SUMMER DAY

Photo  by JACK BIERSCHENK

"Of all things this was the saddest, that life goes on: if one leaves one's lover, life should stop for him, and if one disappears from the world, then the world should stop, too; and it never did."

Truman Capote, "Master Misery"  

New York: Best Kept Secret

Courtesy of Raffetto's Corp.

There are many best kept secrets in New York, here is one of them: Raffetto's, makers of fresh pasta since 1906. Inside this homey, well-stocked store that seems plucked right out of a small Italian town, you will find all kinds of pasta, from dry spaghetti and tortellini to freshly made ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms, goat cheese, lobster, ground meat and pumpkin. But the most popular variety has got to be the cheese and spinach ravioli which are so delicious that once you start eating them you will certainly insist on a second portion, and maybe even a third! At $5.75 for a box of 48 cheese and spinach ravioli, you are not just purchasing a memorable meal but are getting one of the best deals in town. Other varieties of ravioli are a little more expensive. Top the pasta with one of Raffetto's delicious homemade sauces; the selection includes arabbiata, pink vodka, meat and pesto. But for the cheese and spinach ravioli, the best complement is Raffetto's simple, honest and true marinara. Try it. You will be returning to the store for more.

Raffetto's Corp.

144 West Houston St., New York, NY 10012 Between Mac Dougal St. and Sullivan St.

Business Hours: Tues-Fri from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m 

Sat from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. 

Tel. (212) 777.1261

NEW AT SUPERMAX

A new line of organic products under the brand name of Brad's Organics debuted recently at Supermax supermarkets. The line spans several dried, whole grain pasta varieties; sauces for pasta; salad dressings; and beans. The whole wheat linguine proved excellent: the dried pasta is fresh and, when cooked, it has a delicate, nutty taste. But the marinara sauce was quite disappointing: basically, not enough substance and too watery for one's liking. Also, a bit too sweet.

By Carl Blasor

The sea sings and pounds, it's not in its right mind. Don't tie it down. Don't lock it up.
It is still being born.
Pablo Neruda

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home.  Mixed breed with a dash of 

persian. Very confident and cuddly. 

Call 787.723.4651.

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