Summer in Philly is officially and brutally here with today’s National Weather Service declaration of an “Excessive Heat Warning”.  People of all ages – not just the elderly – need to take precautions to stay safe in the heat and prevent heat stress. Early heat waves are particularly dangerous, because people are taken by surprise and are not prepared to deal with the excessive temperatures.

KNOW SIGNS OF HEAT STRESS

Following are hot weather safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Sharon Congleton, RN, BSN, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging health promotion hot weather safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nurse supervisor.

Remember that people 65 and older are more prone to heat stress and do not adjust as well as younger people to sudden changes in temperature. They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat. They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature or inhibit perspiration.

Know when to ask for help. 

Symptoms of heat stress can include: loss of energy, loss of appetite, upset stomach, lightheadedness, prickly heat, heat cramps, heavy sweating, thirst, feeling faint, giddiness, confusion and/or nausea.  If you or someone you know experiences one or more of these symptoms, move to a cool location and rest.  Drink more fluids and remove any excess clothing.  Call 911, if symptoms include any of the following: lack of sweat; combative behavior; hot, dry, flushed skin; body temperature of 105 degrees or above; throbbing headache; rapid heartbeat or breathing; convulsions; staggering; loss of consciousness; and/or confusion.

Check on elderly and homebound neighbors.

 Make sure they have enough to drink and check the conditions inside the home; fans should not be used inside a home with windows closed; this circulates hot air and creates a convection oven effect.

Older adults are especially vulnerable to heat stress.

During the hot weather, it’s important to check on elderly and homebound neighbors. Make sure they have enough to drink; check on the conditions inside the home; and suggest an air-conditioned place where they can go if needed

TO AVOID HEAT STRESS AND DEHYDRATION:

Drink lots of water.  Even if you’re not thirsty, drink a glass of cold water every 15 to 20 minutes.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol which can cause your body to lose water; in hot weather, it is easy to become dehydrated, which is very dangerous to your health.

Stay cool.  Turn on the air conditioning – don’t try to save on energy bills during a heat wave. If you don’t have air conditioning, go somewhere that is air-conditioned, like a neighbor’s house, senior center, public library or shopping mall.  If you can’t get out of the house, stay on a lower floor, where it’s cooler and open the windows.  Use a fan only if the outside air is cooler than the inside air, and do not use a fan with the windows closed.  Also, keep curtains or blinds closed during daylight hours to block out the sun.

Home care counselors at A WAY TO STAY Home Care are available to talk with you about your needs.  A WAY TO STAY is a home care agency providing In-Home Care in Yardley