BIG TIPS FOR MOVING TO A SMALL TOWN;

by Cathy Goodwin

Want to escape the big city and move to a small town?
Planning retirement or a serious midlife, mid-career move?
Escaping crime, car alarms and a high cost of living?
Here are some Big Tips for your Small Town Move.

1. Each small town has a unique personality.

Do your research -- and don't stop with the internet. Talk
to people who live there. Ask who stays and who leaves.

2. Housing prices may surprise you.

Expecting a bargain? As retirees flood an area, prices rise,
especially if there are natural limits to expansion. If
prices are low and houses are hard to sell, the local rental
market will be tight.

3. Be prepared to be active in your new community.

Often friendships develop from belonging to groups: Chamber
of Commerce, churches, hiking -- whatever interests you.
Volunteering may be the norm.

4. Be self-sufficient.

"Know how to entertain yourself." That's what many small
town dwellers identify as the secret to small town
happiness.

5. Identify your "must haves" and be sure you will have
them.

Crave an occasional espresso? Fresh-baked bread? A nearby
shopping mall? Check your destination to see what's
available. Inevitably, there will be some wonderful options
you didn't expect -- and some favorites will be missing.
When predicting expenses, remember you may find
yourself driving three hours for a taste of sushi or a
sound of symphony.

6. Bring an independent source of income with you.

Jobs may be scarce. If you work for a local company, you may
have trouble finding a new job if something goes wrong. And
since people know each other, one mistake can get you
branded as "difficult" all over town.

7. Be flexible.

No matter how careful your research, you will have
surprises. It may never occur to you to ask, "Do you
have..." Customs vary widely when it comes to social life,
real estate transactions, and more.

8. Stay in touch with your previous life.

Use email and phone to stay connected to friends, family,
and even big city newspapers. Encourage friends to visit. In
the long run, you will probably get comfortable faster than
if you bury your past and try to "go it alone."

9. Do not anticipate that small town dwellers will be less
sophisticated.

Many newcomers are retirees, fleeing from big city life, and
others have lived and traveled all over the world.

10. A dog helps.

Your dog will enjoy the fresher air, slower pace
and larger yard. Your dog's happiness will be contagious.
And a dog is the best companion for long walks in the
countryside or around town as you explore your new home.

By Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. Author, Career Coach, Speaker
Lives in Small Town of Silver City, New Mexico, USA
Author of Making the Big Move
http://www.movinglady.com/book.html
*Fast Track to Career Freedom*
http://www.movinglady.com
cathy@movinglady.com  505-534-4294
 

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HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS;

 Approximately 20% of the folks ascending above 9,000 feet in less than one day will develop altitude sickness. Youngsters and the elderly are most susceptible. The lack of oxygen at high altitude can cause complex physiological reactions. Acute mountain sickness occurs most commonly. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, sleep disturbances and rapid forceful heartbeats. While symptoms usually start about six hours after arrival they can last as long as four days. People with acute mountain sickness should travel quickly to a lower altitude.

Less common but life threatening is high altitude pulmonary edema, a swelling caused by fluids accumulating in the tissue that usually develops 24 to 96 hours after rapid ascent above 9,000 feet. Symptoms include increasing shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness and extreme fatigue. Immediate descent and medical treatment is essential for people showing signs of high altitude pulmonary edema. Call 911 for emergency support.

Folks with a history of congestive heart failure or pulmonary edema at lower elevations should not travel to Colorado without discussing high altitude sickness with their physician.

Visitors should adapt to the Florissant altitude for a few days before traveling higher into the mountains. Resting, drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious foods are helpful strategies for acclimating.

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HOW TO REMOVE A TICK;

These steps recommended by the Center for Disease Control;  www.cdc.gov

1.  Use fine-tipped tweezers or shield your fingers with tissue or paper towel.

2.  Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick to avoid leaving the head attached to the skin.

3.  Do not squeeze, crush or puncture the body of the tick to avoid infection from the fluids.

4.  After removing the tick, disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water.

See your doctor if you develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches or abdominal pain.

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INSECT BITES OR STINGS;

Unless you have an allergic reaction, most insect bites or stings can be treated at home. Try these tips to relieve pain and itching;

- remove stinger

- apply cold cloth or ice pack to the area

- make a paste using baking soda and apply to bite

- try a nonprescription medication to help relieve pain & remember aspirin should not be given to children

- use over the counter products such as hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce itching

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Title Author ISBN

Florissant, CO Business Listing