In Ohio, July doesn’t only mean fireworks. It also means fair time with the Trumbull County Fair, the local community street fairs and even the Ohio State Fair taking place. This week, the local news media will be covering all the many events at the Trumbull County Fair until it ends Sunday, July 13.

For anyone 62 years of age and older, the admission fee is $5, and parking is FREE.

The weather looks to be favorable for great days at the fair. Be sure to visit the Trumbull County commissioner’s booth under the grandstands to learn about all the services Senior Levy has to offer and to inquire about registration for senior countywide transportation.

The other great fair to visit is the Ohio State Fair with a special event July 29 — the Healthy Aging Expo. On that date, admission for adults over 60 will be free.

The Ohio Department on Aging anticipates another busy event this year at the expo’s new location on the Cardinal Patio.

The expo will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Fairgoers visiting the Ohio Department of Aging’s Healthy Aging Expo will have access to nearly 3,000 square feet of free health screenings, wellness demonstrations and lifestyle programs promoting independence provided by state and community partners. Screening services and programs include:

• Brain health;

• Strength and balance;

• Vision screening;

• Long-term care guidance;

• Assistive technologies;

• Investment protection;

• Medicare;

• Veterans’ Affairs enrollment;

• Nutrition education and more!

As a reminder, while attending these events, please bring water to hydrate.

Our Ohio summers are hot, and this is not a time to forget your water bottle. Older adults are at risk of dehydration because, as you age, the thirst reflex is naturally diminished.

Add this to the effects of medications such as water pills and diuretics that naturally deplete the body of fluids. Recommendations are to increase water intake above 8-10 eight-ounce glasses per day.

Drink more than 8-10 eight-ounce glasses of water.

This does not mean pop, coffee or, especially, alcohol. Water. Water. Water.

When you feel that headache building, more times than not it is a sign that you have not had enough water intake.

Water. Water. Water.

To stay cool during extremely hot days, the Ohio Department of Aging recommends:

• Drinking plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages (avoiding extremely cold liquids and beverages with high levels of sugar or caffeine);

• Wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing and resting frequently;

• Planning outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening;

• Taking cool baths or showers; and

• Seeking an air-conditioned environment, such as a store, restaurant, public library or a family member’s or neighbor’s home, if the indoor temperature in your home is higher than what is comfortable.

The best option in Trumbull County is to visit one of the nine senior centers supported by the Senior Levy funds throughout the county to stay cool and socialize.

Something is always scheduled at these senior centers with events that will help pass the cool time away. If you don’t know where your closest senior center is, call this office. We can even give you an update as to the schedule of events for the month.

For additional information, contact Trumbull County Senior Levy Administrator Diane Siskowic-Jurkovic at 330-675-7846 or sljurkov@co.trumbull.oh.us