Older adults & summer heat: Here's how to protect yourself

It’s not just the heat that’s the problem

With parts of the country blanketed by a dangerous heat wave, older people in particular can have a tough time dealing with heat and humidity. The temperature inside or outside does not have to reach 100°F (38°C) to put them at risk for a heat-related illness.

Headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea could be a sign of a heat-related illness. Go to the doctor or an emergency room to find out if you need treatment.

To keep heat-related illnesses from becoming a dangerous heat stroke, the National Institute on Aging suggests the following:

1. Get out of the sun and into a cool place—air-conditioning is best.

In places like the Pacific Northwest, where record-setting temperatures are causing all kinds of health- and power-related issues, it’s important to seek out cooling stations, air conditioned spaces or even shady areas with swimming options for cooling off.

Here’s more information on how you can find these locations in your area.

Here are more tips for remaining cool and safe when temperatures soar…

woman drinking water — dragana991 / istockphoto

2. Drink fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine. Water and fruit or vegetable juices are good choices.

3. Shower, bathe, or sponge off with cool water.

woman resting — dragana991 / istockphoto

4. Lie down and rest in a cool place.

older woman blood pressure — michaeljung / istockphoto

5. Visit your doctor or go to an emergency room if you don’t cool down quickly.

Learn more about hot weather safety for older adults from the National Institute on Aging.

This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

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Constance Brinkley-Badgett

Constance Brinkley-Badgett is MediaFeed’s executive editor. She has more than 20 years of experience in digital, broadcast and print journalism, as well as several years of agency experience in content marketing. She has served as a digital producer at NBC Nightly News, Senior Producer at CNBC, Managing Editor at ICF Next, and as a tax reporter at Bloomberg BNA.

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