How many times have you walked into the home of an older person and immediately headed to the thermostat to turn the heat down – and you’re in the midst of a heatwave. “Aren’t you warm”, you say to your loved one who may be wearing a sweater…
The reason older people do not feel the heat is that they are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature, according to the CDC. Here are some tips for all adults, especially older adults and young children as well during the heat of the Summer.
Stay in air-conditioning as much as possible. Contact your local health department for cooling centers. In New York State, call 311 during a heat emergency to find the location of a cooling center or pool near you.
Fans are not a good source for primary cooling.
Drink plenty of water… more than usual – do not wait to be thirsty to drink.
Do not use your oven or stove to cook – it emits additional heat.
Wear loose-fitting, light clothing.
Take cool showers to cool down.
Seek medical help immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing heat related illness like muscle cramps; headaches; nausea or vomiting.
Check on your elderly friends, relatives and neighbors.
