STAY COOL! SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR SENIORS must be treated immediately. If you think someone is experiencing heat stroke call 911. Move the person to the shade or a cooler area, Summer is traditionally a remove excess clothing, and time for outdoor activities, use whatever means are picnics, vacations, and fun. available to cool them off ( Unfortunately, Summer cold compress, tub of cool also brings with it extreme water, garden hose, etc.). temperatures which can lead Untreated heat stroke may to dehydration, foodborne result in damage to the brain, illness, and other health heart, muscles, and kidneys. risks. Seniors are particularly TIPS FOR SENIORS vulnerable to extreme heat • Keep hydrated. Drink due to a decrease in our plenty of water even bodies’ ability to regulate if you are not thirsty. temperature as we age. Eight cups a day of Being aware of risk factors water or fruit juice and taking simple steps to is recommended. mitigate them can prevent Minimize caffeine and summer fun from becoming a alcohol as both are summer disaster. dehydrating. Fresh fruits KNOW THE SIGNS OF and vegetables will help HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS keep you hydrated. Heat exhaustion and potentially heat stroke results • Protect yourself in the sun. Wear sunscreen when people can’t properly with at least a 15 cool themselves. Older adult’s SPF rating. Reapply bodies return to normal throughout the day as temperatures more slowly sunscreen deteriorates and their cooling mechanisms over time. Wear a hat are not as efficient. Heat and sunglasses to offer exhaustion is characterized further protection from by profuse sweating, and a the sun. Seek out the rapid pulse. Nausea, muscle shade. cramping, excessive thirst, • Wear light-colored and loss of consciousness clothing. Lighter colors may accompany these will reflect the sun and symptoms. Heat Stroke is a help keep you cool. life-threatening condition that Natural fabrics like cotton results when the body can no are generally a better longer control its temperature. choice over synthetic Symptoms include a high fiber. body temperature (104 F +), confusion, agitation, • Be an Early Bird or slurred speech, an alteration Night Owl. Limit in sweating (your skin will outdoor activities to early feel hot and dry), nausea morning or evening after and vomiting, flushed skin, the sun goes down. The racing heart rate, rapid sun is strongest between breathing, and headache. 10 and 4. Make no mistake, heat stroke • Watch for Heat Stroke. is a medical emergency and Submitted by Patricia Avery, Caregiver Resource Center Program Coordinator
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Extension Connection
July 2022
Know the signs of heat stroke and seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms without delay. • Review your medications. Some medications are known to increase sensitivity to Ultraviolet rays. Review your meds with your doctor or pharmacist to determine if your meds on this list. • Protect your eyes. When outside wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays. Prolonged exposure can result in eye irritation and damage. • Have a list of emergency contacts handy. Know who to call if you have a problem. • Stay indoors during times of extreme heat. If you do not have air conditioning in your home, go somewhere that does: a mall, a movie theater, your library, senior center, or a friend or relative’s home. The Home Energy Assistance Program provides help with cooking systems for those who financially qualify. Contact your local Office for Aging at (845) 807-0241 for more information. • Eat some ice cream. July is National Ice Cream Month! Treat yourself to an ice cream, popsicle, or frozen yogurt to help you cool off this summer. • Have fun! Enjoy this special time with family and friends while you stay safe.
