Take Precautions in the Summer Heat!

Recently we have had many "Heat Advisories" due to high heat and humidity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that older adults (aged 65 and over) are more vulnerable to heat stress than younger adults because:

• Elderly people are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that interferes with the body's response to heat.
• They may be taking prescriptions which limit perspiration or limit the body's ability to regulate heat.
• They do not adjust well to sudden changes in temperature.

High heat can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For more information about heat exhaustion and heat stroke, please click here.

What can you do to prevent heat-related illness?

• stay indoors during the hot part of the day.
• stay hydrated by drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
• do not do strenuous activities.
  
• stay in air conditioning as much as possible (consider visiting a public library or mall if you do not have air conditioning).

You can help elderly relatives and neighbors by checking on them at least twice a day, by taking them to air conditioned places if they do not have air conditioning, and by making sure that they have an electric fan.