Tips provided by Boca Home Care Services to Help Seniors Beat the Heat and Avoid Dehydration or Heat Related Maladies. Many Older Folks End Up in the Emergency Room due to Dehydration – this is of course, Preventable.

June is here and so is the Summer Heat. It has already been in the 90s several times. We all must take precautions to avoid Heat Stroke, Dehydration or other Heat Related conditions. Seniors are at particular risk as they often are taking medications which can increase risk of a Heat Related Emergency.

When it is Hot we sweat more. Water and salt leaves our bodies through perspiration. This can cause muscle cramps, Headaches, Nausea, Weakness and Heat Stroke. Dizziness is a particularly dangerous effect of the heat as it puts a person at risk of falling down. Extreme symtoms similar conditions include confusion or seizures.

What Can You DO?

Stay Cool – Try to be in Air Conditioning, at home, in the car, at a Mall or movie, library etc. If you don’t have AC at home, at least get a fan and be near it.

Stay Hydrated – Drink more than usual to compensate for loss of fluids to sweating. Carry water or juice with you and drink it continuously whether you “feel” thirsty or not. Avoid any drinks with caffeine or alcohol as they will cause your body to become dehydrated quicker.

Avoid using Salt Tablets – unless you clear it with your Physician.

Slow Down – Heat adds to strain on your heart if you are also doing strenuous activities.  If you must do work, especially outdoors, do it before 10:00 a.m. and after 4:00 p.m.

Eat more often, smaller meals – They are easier to digest in the heat. Protein can increase the metabolic heat in your body. Go “Al Fresco” veggies and the like.

Dress Properly – wear a hat, sun glasses, lightweight clothing – cottons whic breathe, light colored clothes, white or pastels, long sleeves, carry a parasol.

Check with your Doctor – Review your medications with “Heat” in mind to know what may be more suseptable to higher temperatures.

Share these tips with others. TAKE THE HEAT SERIOUSLY – YOU LIVE IN SOUTH FLORIDA- SUB- TROPICAL SUN IS STRONG!

If you are feeling an increased heartbeat, dizzy, nauseous, have the ‘Runs”, headache, chest pain, trouble breathing, clammy hot skin, fatigue, exhaustion or mental changes– SEEK Medical Attention Immediately – these are WARNING SIGNS!