Seniors need to stay cool during hot weather

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 02, 2009

As Washington County experiences its first real heat wave this summer with temperatures expected to hover in the low 90's over the next few days, Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services would like to remind older adults and people with heat sensitive disabilities to take the following precautions in the hot weather:

• Keep air circulating with fans; take cool sponge baths.
• Go to an air-conditioned building if possible. Older adults can visit their local senior center, library, or mall.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-weight clothing. If going out, wear a hat.
• Drink lots of water and don't wait to get "thirsty".
• Avoid alcohol.
• Limit physical activity and direct exposure to the sun.
• Check with your health care provider about how the warm weather may affect your prescription drugs.
• Contact your health care provider if you experience prolonged heat-related symptoms, or if those symptoms significantly affect the ability to care for yourself.

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are the most common conditions directly associated with summer heat waves. However, hot weather can also place a dangerous strain on the heart, exacerbate respiratory impairments like asthma or emphysema and a range of other medical conditions, and also affect the ability to manage chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

Since air conditioning has been found to be the single most important factor in reducing heat related risks, seniors and people with disabilities are encouraged to visit air-conditioned buildings in their community if their homes do not have air conditioning. senior centers, Loaves and Fishes meal sites, community centers, libraries, shopping malls and movie theatres are good options. Even a few hours a day out of the heat can make a big difference.

This is also an opportunity for neighbors to check on their elderly or disabled friends and relatives during the hot weather. Since many people experiencing heat-related symptoms may be unaware that they are having a problem, it is critical to check on elderly and disabled folks living alone or who are socially isolated.

For more information about services for the elderly and disabled, call Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services at 503-640-3489.

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