Let’s not forget our elders in this heat.  Elderly people (that is, people aged 65 years and older) are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons:

• Elderly people do not adjust as well as young 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 its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

Here are some guidelines for keeping safe in hot weather:

1. Drink Plenty of Liquids
   Dehydration is the root of many heat related health problems. Drink plenty of water or juice, even if you’re not thirsty. But remember to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, as they can actually contribute to dehydration. (If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink when the weather is hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps.)
2. Wear Appropriate Clothes
   An old Swedish saying says, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” When it’s hot out, wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat.
3. Stay Indoors During Mid-day Hours
   During periods of extreme heat, the best time to run errands or be outdoors is before 10am or after 6pm, when the temperature tends to be cooler.
4. Take it Easy
   Avoid exercise and strenuous activity, particularly outdoors, when it’s very hot out.
5. Watch the Heat Index
   When there is a lot of moisture in their air (high humidity), the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating is impaired. The heat index factors humidity and temperature to approximate how the how the weather really feels. Check local weather for numbers.

6. Seek Air-conditioned Environments
   Seniors whose houses aren’t air-conditioned should consider finding an air-conditioned place to spend time during extreme heat.  The mall, library or movie theater are all popular options. Seniors without convenient access to any air-conditioned place might consider a cool bath or shower.

Know the Warning Signs of Heat-related Illness
Dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fainting and breathing problems are all warning signs that help should be sought immediately.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Warning signs vary but may include the following:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

Warning signs vary but may include the following:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting
• Skin: may be cool and moist
• Pulse rate: fast and weak
• Breathing: fast and shallow