With the summertime temperatures hovering around the century mark, it is of utmost importance that we create a safe environment for our seniors. The number one guideline is fluid intake. Along with the recommended eight glasses of water per day, it’s a good idea to add fruits — especially citrus — to your diet to replace the electrolyte lost in sweating. Caffeine beverages should be avoided or limited due to their dehydration qualities. Limit outside activities to the early mornings and evenings. Stay in a cool, dry place.
If you must be outside try to stay in shaded areas or bring along your own shade with an umbrella or parasol and carry water with you. Remain in air-conditioned areas if you have respiratory illnesses. Contact any hospital or fire department for information on cooling stations near you.
Check in on your elderly and fragile neighbors. Their metabolism can be slower so the bodies natural cooling process may be hampered and the chances of heat stroke increased. Don’t miss the warning signs. Maybe your parent or neighbor isn’t walking as fast as usual. His or her legs seem weaker. Their coordination is off. They drop things — missing the mark.
Their eyes look sunken, skin color is pale, skin is hot and dry to touch. They may mention to you that they feel faint or light headed. Make sure to keep all doctor’s appointments; your physician will be most able to detect and detour any heat-related illnesses. For sudden onset of symptoms, contact your doctor right away or visit the nearest E.R. In other words stay cool, and have a happy healthy summer.
Kristin Pitts, owner of Limelight Healthcare, is a Healthcare Administrator and Professional Home Care Coordinator for L.A. County. She can be reached at 661-476-5859.