KAREN’S KORNER
Heat warnings are everywhere! (three digit degrees)
There are many seniors who are experiencing problems with the heat this summer. There are record highs and it will probably go on for some time. Summer in the South is always a time of high heat indexes and dangerous temperatures.
- High humidity. When the humidity is high, sweat won’t evaporate as quickly. This keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.
- Personal factors. Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use all can play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather.
Here are some suggestions for handling these extreme temperatures. Please heed the following information from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention:
· Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can.
· Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
· Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
· Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
· Pace yourself.
· Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
· Keep your curtains closed.
· Keep your home cool at night.
· Keep vigorous exercise to a minimum.
· Try breathing exercises.
· Check on a senior friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.