An unusually hot start to the summer is prompting us to issue a warning that normally appears later in the season: Pay attention to senior family and friends who might suffer from exposure during heat waves.
While the warnings are normal for this time of year, it makes sense to offer a fresh recap of tips to handle the high temps. 
As KUAR in Little Rock, Arkansas, advises, elderly citizens who are normally active outside need to keep a few things in mind to protect themselves from the heat.
- Drink plenty of liquids, especially water
- Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or soda
- Work or exercise outside either early in the morning or late in the afternoon
- Visit places with air-conditioning, if you don’t have it in your home
- Don’t be outside for long periods of time, especially in the middle of the day
- Use sunscreen and wear a hat to prevent sunburn
- Know that that the medications you use, coupled with over exposure to the Sun, could have a harmful affect on your body.
Perhaps its the last one that needs special attention, as more and more these days seniors are treated with medications for various conditions, some associated with aging, some not, and in any event, possibly affecting the way the body reacts to prolonged sunlight and heat.
As NY nurse Phillip Russertt points out, "the main issue is that the elderly are not thinking about [the risks]...They don't get warm like we do; they tend to drink fewer fluids on a regular basis. They feel like they're fine but that doesn't mean they are not at risk."
If memory impairment conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer's are present, it's even more important to be on the lookout for errors in judgment that could lead to serious health consequences.
Across the southern US, groups are organizing fan donations to chip in and help seniors at risk, recognizing that some seniors in lower income brackets will avoid running the air conditioner throughout the day due to the electricity expenses.
Whether engaged in independent living, or in the context of a senior community the tips and warnings about handling the heat this time of year are important and worth reviewing, for seniors, and their friends and families.
(Image courtesy of MSVG on Flickr)
