Beat the heat with these summer safety tips

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses and injury. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature because we don’t sweat as much as we used to and sweating regulates our body heat. We also store fat differently, which can further complicate matters.

When temperatures rise outside, so does the body’s internal temperature, creating risk for heat-related health events. Following are tips for staying safe this season.

Hydrate

Drink eight or more glasses of water and/ or fruit juices every day. Increase your intake when doing physical activity or if the weather is particularly hot.

In extreme heat, say inside

Extreme heat causes the body to work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Limit time outdoors between the sun’s peak hours of 10am and 4pm.

Stay cool

If you don’t have air-conditioning, consider going somewhere that does, such as a movie theater, mall, a friend or family member’s home or your local senior center. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to find local cooling centers if needed during extended periods of extreme heat.

Dress for the occasion

The best clothing for hot days is loose fitting and lightweight in natural, breathable fabrics like cotton. Light colors are best as they reflect the sun and heat.

Protect skin and eyes

Wearing sunglasses can block harmful UV rays and protect your vision. Be good to your skin with a hat and sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.

Know possible side effects of meds

Some medications can cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Check your meds and talk with your doctor.

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses Too much time in the sun or heat can bring on dehydration, heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Signs to watch for include disorientation, dry skin, fatigue, headache, lethargy, nausea, flushed face, high body temperature, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion. Take immediate action if you feel any symptoms coming on.

Stay connected

Keep a list of emergency phone numbers in an easy-to-access area just in case.

For caregivers

• Those caring for a friend or loved one can help seniors beat the heat by:
• Visiting at least twice a day
• Watching for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
• Making sure they have access to air conditioning
• Helping them limit exposure to the sun 4Making sure they stay hydrated and maintain normal body temperature

Contributed by the Council on Aging