The Michigan National Challenge Balloonfest was held June 28, 29, and 30 in Howell at the Howell High School. This year, for the 8th year in a row, INNOVATIONS sponsored Serena’s Song, a wheelchair accessible balloon. Serena's Song provides tethered hot air balloon rides to riders confined to wheelchairs.

This year, as in year's past, Serena's Song was a great success; many people turned out to take advantage of the free rides. The INNOVATIONS volunteers were rewarded with smiles and shouts of happiness as riders ascended into the air. Each rider received a color photo of him or herself in the balloon basket with Pilot Phil Gray.

We look forward to next year’s Balloonfest and the opportunity to give back to the community that so strongly supports us.

Each year in the United States, approximately 400 deaths are attributed to excessive natural heat, and yet these deaths are preventable. During 1979-1999, a total of 8,015 deaths in the United States were associated with excessive heat exposure, due to weather conditions, man-made origins (i.e., heat generated from vehicles, kitchens, boiler rooms, etc), and others. INNOVATIONS reminds you to be constantly aware of dehydration symptoms to avoid heat strokes. Such symptoms include a high body temperature, red, hot, dry skin and no sweating, rapid pulse, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. To prevent heat stroke from occurring on a warm, sunny day, stay indoors as much as possible, wear light-weight clothing, and drink liquids continuously throughout the day. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks as well as smoking cigarettes because they increase the chances of dehydration. We’ve had extensive heat this year and we want to make sure that all our nurses have a great summer while remembering to be careful and remain healthy and safe.

INNOVATIONS is always just a phone call (or email) away.