Many New Jersey seniors are at risk during the summer’s heat and humidity. Seniors over the age of 65 in four North American cities revealed that while nearly 90 percent of the respondents were aware a heat warning had been issued, only about half of the people did anything about it. Many thought the warnings were targeting the NJ elderly, and not them.
To make sure that both you and your elder loved one are safe, here are some important tips:
- Keep a glass of water in every room for quick access. Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Dress in light-weight clothing. Remove all heavy materials, long sleeves and dark colors from closets.Â
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest times of the day. Sunburn makes heat dissipation more difficult.
- Take a nap during high heat times or find a good television program or movie to watch.
- Keep shades down and blinds pulled.Â
Most people know that extreme heat can make us sick. But we may think of heat-related illness as something that only affects people who are overdoing it like overheated marathon runners, professional athletes, or new recruits doing drills on military bases.
But most people who die from heat stroke in the U.S. about 400 every year, and possibly more don’t get it from overexerting themselves on a muggy day. In certain people during high temperatures, it’s all too easy to develop heat stroke while sitting perfectly still on the couch.
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down.
Read the full article: Hot Summer Days Can Make Sick People Sicker.
Call Expert Home Care NJÂ if your elder needs Home Health Care in New Jersey at 800-848-2336.
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