The weather has turned decidedly wintery in several parts of the country. Heavy snowstorms can lead to being snowbound, unable to leave the house or downed power lines and lack of heat. In such conditions, the temperature inside your house can drop quickly. During times like these, older adults are at a high risk of hypothermia.

Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature goes too low and can occur when you stay in a cool place for too long. Even a drop in body temperature of a couple of degrees can lead to heart problems and even death.

What are the signs of hypothermia? According to the National Institute on Aging, you should look for the ‘umbles - stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles. Keep an eye out for these symptoms:

* Confusion or sleepiness
* Slowed, slurred speech, or shallow breathing
* Weak pulse or low blood pressure
* A change in behavior during cold weather or a change in appearance
* A lot of shivering or no shivering; stiffness in the arms or legs
* Chilly rooms or other signs that they have been in a cold place
* Poor control over body movements or slow reactions

If you think you or someone else could be suffering from hypothermia, call for emergency assistance or get medical attention right away.

Some medical conditions can make you more susceptible to hypothermia. For more information on your risk factors and how to avoid hypothermia, visit the NIA website.

It was on this date in 1932 that Radio City Music Hall had its grand opening. Originally it was meant to be a venue for a return to high class live entertainment but for many years showcased movies. With 5,933 seats it became the largest indoor theater in the world.

Just as famous as Radio City Music Hall are the precision steppers called The Rockettes. The Rockettes began an annual Christmas Spectacular in 1933 and it continues to this day.

The Rockettes and their famous kicks have been a mainstay of the Music Hall and a symbol of New York City and America to the world for over 75 years.

The requirements to be a Rockette are almost the same now as they were in 1932. A Rockette must be between 5′6 and 5′10 1/2 and be proficient in tap and jazz dance styles. Most importantly, she has to shine with that inner glow and smile, smile, smile.

Interestingly, I didn’t see any age or weight requirements or restrictions on the Radio City Music Hall Website. So, if you are interested in auditioning go to the Radio City website and click on Rockettes. Even if you don’t want to join the show, you still have time to see it as shows run through December 30th. Check the calendar by clicking The Christmas Spectacular.

An AP/AOL poll reveals that 86% of us believed in Santa as children and the average age for losing that belief is 8 years old. Still, Santa plays an important role in Christmas celebrations for about 51% of us.

But Santa has had some bad press lately.

David Allen Rodgers was arrested after the intoxicated 42 year old took off at the wheel of a holiday parade float in Anderson, S.C. Rodgers sped down Main street and led police on a 3 mile chase with 19 people aboard the float.

Also in SC, a Santa Claus on a motorcycle with a sidecar stopped at a convenience store and grabbed an 8-year-old girl, kidnapped her and took off. The girl’s father saw John Michael Barton speeding off with his daughter and gave chase. After a chase reaching speeds of 80 mph, Barton finally pulled over and released the girl.

Add to that the pranks, thefts and vandalisms that seem more a part of Halloween than Christmas - all over, teens steal baby Jesus dolls from nativity scenes and attack inflatable Santas and snowmen - it seems the spirit of Christmas is not what it used to be.

If you’re living on a fixed income, things like high heating fuel bills can be a frightening prospect. However, there are fuel assistance programs available and an easy way to find them in your area.

Not all assistance programs are created equal but many offer protection against shut-off if you can’t pay your heating bill in the colder winter months. There may even be an emergency assistance program that will deliver fuel to low-income residents.

To find out what programs are in place in your state, visit US Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.