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10 warm weather safety tips for older adults

by Elizabeth on May 21st, 2008

Summer is almost here for many of us, and it’s a good time to remember that children and older adults in particular are susceptible to heat illnesses.

Heat related illnesses include heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and you can find out more about heat illness from the Center for Disease Control.

Some warm weather safety tips for elders and everyone include:

1. Drink plenty of water. It’s important to watch fluid intake, especially since some older adults have a diminished thirst signal.

2. Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothes made of natural fiber such as cotton.

3. Eat regularly, but watch salt intake (as directed by your doctor) as salt can be dehydrating.

4. Avoid alcohol which can be dehydrating, as well.

5. Stay indoors during peak temperature times, usually the middle of the day.

6. Cool the home with fans or air conditioning and remember electrical safety especially for elders living alone. Some studies have shown that a cool bath or shower is more effective for cooling down than a fan, though.

7. If someone’s home temperature is an issue, consider regular visits to the mall, the library or the movies during peak heat times.

8. Pay special attention to those with respiratory illnesses and other chronic illnesses (check with your doctor) as they may be aggravated by or cause an impaired response to warm weather.

9. Remember that some medications can interfere with sweating mechanisms as well as cause reactions in sunlight. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if your medications put you at increased risk for heat illness.

10. Maintain regular contact with an elder who lives alone and have a plan for someone nearby to check on them physically to make sure the house is adequately cooled and other safety measures are being followed.

Enjoy the warm days ahead, but pay special attention to the safety of our most vulnerable family members.

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