Earlier this year the Farmers’ Almanac predicted that the Summer of 2018 would be “warmer-than-normal temperatures for most of the nation.” (1) So far, here at NICOA’s headquarters in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that seems to be true. We have recently had temperatures reaching into the low 100’s, and know other parts of the country have experienced similar heat waves. So, we want to share some tips on how to stay safe this summer, especially in the heat.
Heat – Why It Is an Important Concern for Elders
Being safe in the hot weather is important for everyone, however, Elders need to take extra care. Elders “…don’t ‘feel the heat’ the way younger people do, and so might not be aware of the risks of high temperatures. Physiologically, as we age our bodies lose some natural ability to regulate temperature…Also because seniors perspire less, it’s harder for them to keep cool which also increases their risk of becoming overheated.” (2) Also, Elders “…are much more vulnerable to the harmful effects of heat, as their bodies do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature…Some chronic medical conditions and prescription medications can impair the body’s ability to react efficiently to rising temperature.” (3)
What You Can Do
- STAY COOL
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- Wear light loose fitting clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses
- Stay out of the sun and/or wear sunscreen
- Sunburns affect your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated
- Avoid cooking on the stove or in the oven
- It will make your house hotter
- Spend time in air-conditioned places
- If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, visit the shopping mall or library
- Eat lighter foods
- Heavy meals add heat to your body
- Dress appropriately for the weather
- STAY HYDRATED
- Drink plenty of water
- Even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or high amounts of sugar
- They cause you to lose more body fluid and can dehydrate you
- Replace salts and minerals
- Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced, drinking sports drinks can replace them
- Drink plenty of water
- STAY INFORMED
- Talk with your doctor and know Your medications
- Certain medications or health issues can affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat
- Know the warning signs of heat related illnesses
- Know who to call if you are having heat related illness
- Know when to cool down
- Check the local news for health and safety updates
- Including potential cooling station and shelter location updates
- Check on family and friends, and have them check on you (2,3,4,5,6,7)
- Talk with your doctor and know Your medications
Other Tips for Summer Safety
- Activity Related
- Put on insect repellent
- Exercise Smart
- Engage in less strenuous activities and get plenty of rest
- Exercise inside or during morning or evening hours when it is the coolest
- Wash your hands often
- Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets on the water
- Food Safety Related
- Wash your hands before and after handling foods
- Separate raw and cooked foods
- Keep meat, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods
- Keep meat, poultry, and seafood below 40°F in an insulated cooler
- Defrost meats properly
- Monitor food that is left out, throw out foods if they have sat out for more than 1-2 hours
- Don’t cross contaminate foods
- Don’t reuse marinades (4,5,7,8,9)
Sources
- Matthews, L. (2018, April 25). Farmers’ Almanac Predicts Summer 2018 Will Be Hot and Steamy. Retrieved July 9, 2018, from https://www.countryliving.com/life/a20060791/farmers-almanac-summer-2018/
- Comfort Keepers. (2014, April 3). Summer Safety for Seniors. Retrieved July 9, 2018, from http://www.comfortkeepers.com/home/info-center/aging-in-place/summer-safety-for-seniors
- Amada Senior Care. (2016, June 30). Beat the Heat: Summer Safety Tips for Seniors. Retrieved July 9, 2018, from http://amadaseniorcare.com/blog/2016/06/summer-safety-tips-for-seniors/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, June 19). Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness. Retrieved July 9, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, June 19). Heat and Older Adults. Retrieved July 9, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/older-adults-heat.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016, October 26). Extreme Heat. Retrieved July 9, 2018, from https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/showClimateChangeExtremeHeat.action
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015, December 23). Five Minutes or Less for Health Weekly Tip: Be Summer-Savvy. Retrieved July 9, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/family/minutes/tips/summersavvy/index.htm
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, January 29). Get Ready to Grill Safely. Retrieved July 9, 2018, from https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/bbq-iq.html
- Amidor, T. (2012, June 22). 10 Summer Food-Safety Tips. Retrieved July 9, 2018, from https://www.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2012/06/10-summer-food-safety-tips
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