It finally feels like June in NY after what I personally called June/November and now here comes the heat wave! If you live in New York, you can complain about the heat and humidity all summer long but it’s likely not going anywhere. However, if you or a loved one is an older adult and/or have respiratory issues and/or have dementia, it is important to be prepared and stay cool. Here are some tips:
- Check local weather updates (on your phone is easy). Before going outside, check the temperature, humidity level and air quality. If you see high pollen or pollutants, consider wearing a mask. Ask your doctor if this might help.
- Prevent Dehydration. Keep water and other liquid refreshments easily accessible. Use reminders to drink fluids, and stock up on foods that have high water content (this includes some fun stuff like ice cream, ice pops, soups and melons). Just keep in mind any dietary constrictions, especially for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) or end stage renal disease (ESRD).
- Plan Your Day. Try to stay inside and cool during full sun hours between about 10 am-2 pm.
- Keep the home cool with air conditioners and/or fans. Also try lowering shades, staying in part of the home that gets less sun, or going out to cool place such as a movie theater, senior center, friend’s or loved one’s home, etc.
- Check in friends and loved ones. A smile and hello can make a world of difference to us all.
Here are some things to look out for and not dismiss from the National Institute on Aging. The extreme temperatures we are experiencing can cause major health problems. Be alert for the symptoms of:
- Heat syncope: sudden dizziness that can happen when active in hot weather.
- Heat cramps: painful tightening or spasms of muscles in stomach, arms or legs.
- Heat edema: swelling in ankles and feet when hot.
- Heat rash: skin irritation from excessive sweating.
- Heat exhaustion: this is your body telling you it cannot keep cool. Symptoms can include feeling thirsty, fuzzy thinking, weakness, lack of coordination, nausea, rapid pulse, clammy skin.
- Heat Stroke: a medical emergency that occurs when the body’s temperature reaches above 104 degrees.
- Sunburn: skin damage due to extreme or long sun exposure.
Read the NIH full article on the home weather safety for older adults here.
Our pets and a heat wave
I have a feeling many of us may know better how to protect our pets than we do ourselves! But I know pets give us so much so we would be remiss if we didn’t have information to keep our pets safe through this heat as well.
Did you know what some signs of heat stroke are in our pets? Here are some that American Red Cross points out:
Heavy panting and unable to calm down
Brick red gum color
Fast pulse rate
Unable to get up
Check out the whole article form American Red Cross on keeping our pets safe https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/keep-pets-safe-in-hot-weather.html They lay out 10 great tips.