Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Keeping seniors cool in the heat

While we take time to enjoy the warmer weather, it's important to realize that this heat can deadly for those who are very young, sick, or old. Here is a press release issued by the AARP for helping seniors keep cool, but it provides good information for all ages when it comes to being smart during heat waves:

    NEW YORK, June 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Older people are especially
at risk from heat-related health problems such as heatstroke and heat
exhaustion. With the heat wave we are currently experiencing, now is not
the time to do chores, run errands or weed your garden.

"Heat can be miserable for all ages, but potentially life threatening
for older persons," according to Lois Aronstein, State Director, AARP New
York.

Here are 10 tips for dealing with a heat wave:

1. Relax and put off chores and any strenuous activity.

2. Stay indoors during the hottest times of the day.

3. Close your shades to keep out the sunshine.

4. If you do not have air conditioning, stay on the lower-level in your
home --heat rises.

5. Check with your local agency for cool places you can go such as
libraries and public buildings, or a mall with air conditioning.

6. Wear light-weight, loose fitting clothing and protect yourself from
the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses or using an umbrella.

7. Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty. This helps keep
your body cool.

8. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages.

9. If you have a chronic medical condition, talk with your doctor about
additional precautions you should take to prevent heat related illness.
Some conditions and medications may place you at higher risk.

10. Neighbors, friends or family should check in on older people in
their homes to make sure they are not suffering from the heat.

SOURCE AARP


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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I linked to you in my blog post on seniors and heat at Caring.com.
http://www.caring.com/blogs/caring-currents/summers-here-help-seniors-beat-the-dangers-of-heat Thanks for the info. Interesting blog covering all kinds of things -
Kate

Marijke Vroomen-Durning said...

Thanks Kate!