South Carolina is known for their Famously Hot summers but when it comes to the heat index and the elderly, it’s important to stay in the shade. Older adults are more likely to get exhausted and stressed from high temperatures. In addition to their bodies not adjusting well to the high heat, there are also chronic medical conditions and prescription medicine effects to consider.
If you or someone you know is 65 and over, take heed of the daily temperature and always take precautions for protection. The last thing anyone wants is to ride in an ambulance to the hospital. Check out these following tips for a safe and healthy summer!
If you or someone you know is 65 and over, take heed of the daily temperature and always take precautions for protection. The last thing anyone wants is to ride in an ambulance to the hospital. Check out these following tips for a safe and healthy summer!
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Drinking water is one rule that never tires or goes out of style. That’s because water is essential for keeping the body regulated and it keeps it from running on empty. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty or parched to drink water.
It’s important to keep in mind certain medications or water pills prescribed by doctors. If this is the case, always consult a physician for info on how much water to drink during the hot, summer months.
It’s important to keep in mind certain medications or water pills prescribed by doctors. If this is the case, always consult a physician for info on how much water to drink during the hot, summer months.
Stick close to Air Conditioning!
 | Always aim to stay inside where it’s air-conditioned. If the home or place of residence doesn’t have proper air conditioning, contact the local health department or move to a place that does have a functioning AC unit. Tell someone if you or someone you know doesn’t have proper cooling because staying cool is vital to your health. Also, a properly running AC unit is better than a fan in many cases as fans can only cool so much. |
Stay Rested
Engaging in strenuous activities during the hot summer months can only heighten temperatures and put seniors at a health risk. Rest as much as possible but this doesn’t mean one must be immobile. Movie theaters and air-conditioned stores are always alternatives to keep the elderly busy but still cool.
Select Cool Wardrobe Options
Dark colors and tight fitting clothes may not be the best option for elderly trying to keep their body temperatures cooled. Wear loose fitted clothes and white or light colors are bound to be more comfortable especially if venturing outside. If outside, try to stay in the shade as much as possible and wide-brimmed hats or ball caps are perfect summer essentials.
When headed outside, morning and evening are the best times to be outside since that is when the temperatures are cooler. Remember, there’s no reason to curl in like a hermit crab but taking necessary precautions can be life-saving.
When headed outside, morning and evening are the best times to be outside since that is when the temperatures are cooler. Remember, there’s no reason to curl in like a hermit crab but taking necessary precautions can be life-saving.
Stay Informed
Check the daily weather and stay tuned to alerts of high heats. Heat related illnesses include: heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn and heat rashes. You can find symptoms on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Remember: heat related illnesses are preventable as long as seniors follow some simple rules. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are commonly mistaken for. In a nutshell, people suffering from heat stroke have temperature above 103, loss of consciousness, fast pulse and hot, red or dry skin. Heath exhaustion is when there is a lot of sweat, cold or clammy skin, nausea or vomiting. There may also be dizziness or an overall weakness.
Always keep in touch with elderly family and friends and check in on them to ensure they are safe and healthy. Whether senior citizens live at home or in a community, health and safety is important to keep in check. Our Hands and Hearts Home Caregivers will also help make sure your loved one has a cool and comfortable summer! Give us a call for a consultation today!
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