The US Center For Disease Control (CDC) estimates that every year around 300 people in the US die from heat related ailments. In addition thousands of American citizens suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Summer draws people, including seniors, outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and outdoor activities with family and friends. Senior citizens are more susceptible to the effects of heat as their bodies return to normal slowly and their bodies cooling mechanism is not as efficient as younger people. Hence seniors should be well aware of the health problems related to summer heat and the preventive and safety steps that they should take to avoid these problems.
AgeWell Tips: Stay COOL, Stay Safe!
- Drink plenty of liquids -- eight or more 8-ounce glasses per day and or fruit juices to stay hydrated. Encourage older people to drink frequently throughout the day by having bottled water visibly available and people/systems in place prompting them to drink.
- Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. These are diuretics and can cause dehydration.
- Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics like cotton. These will breathe easier than synthetic fabrics such as polyester. Also dress in light colours that will reflect the sun and heat instead of darker colours that will attract them.
- When outdoors, protect your skin from damage by wearing hats, sunglasses and a sunscreen of 30 SPF or more.
- Stay indoors during extreme heat. Avoid the outdoors altogether during extremely hot days and/or during the hottest part of the day - the late afternoon. A room with air conditioning is best.
- If you do not have air conditioning in your home, try and find somewhere that does.
- If you need to get out of the house and don't drive a car, call a taxi, or a friend. Do not wait outside for the bus in extreme heat.
- If you are absolutely unable to leave the house and do not have air conditioning, take a cool bath or shower to lower your body temperature on extremely hot days.
- Temperatures inside the home should not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods of time.
- Know the signs of heat stroke and take immediate action if you feel them coming on. Signs include flushed face, high body temperature, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion.
