Senior Aides With The Perfect Home Care Warn About the Dangers of Heat
Senior Care in Purchase, N.Y.
Due to the heat, July and August can be a particularly difficult time for the elderly, particularly those with chronic illnesses and those who take certain medications.
So several of our senior aides offer some tips on the dangers of the heat, particularly heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“Drinks lots of cool water, even when you’re not thirsty,” says Eleise Daniels, one of the Perfect Home Care’s most senior aides. She says you can dilute water with a 50/50 mix of natural fruit juices if you’d like a change. She warns to avoid alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, sports and energy drinks, coffee, cola, and caffeinated drinks. Caffeine, in particular, is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration.
“Stay out of the blazing sun or heat whenever possible,” says Cynthia Morgan, another top aide with The Perfect Home Care. “If you must go outside, stay in the shade as much as possible and try to go out early in the morning or later in the evening, when it’s cooler.”
Tia Carney, a third aide, points out that it is important to wear a hat and loose fitting, comfortable clothes with materials like cotton, linen and silk. Avoid synthetic fabrics, as they retain heat and may make you more uncomfortable.
Take advantage of air conditioning or cool places like shopping malls, libraries and movie theatres,” Tia says. She says that if you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes down, and blinds closed on the sunny side of the house, but keep windows slightly open to allow for ventilation.
Eleise, Cynthia and Tia offer the following additional tips:
–Keep electric lights off or turned down low, and turn off all unnecessary electrical appliances, such as computers and TVs, which generate a lot of heat.
–Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
–Be aware that certain medications make it harder for your body to control its temperature and may make it easier for your skin to burn. This includes both common prescription and over the counter drugs.
–Use a fan in the house near the window to bring in the cooler air from the outside. Do not use a fan in a closed room without windows or doors open to the outside.
If you or an aging loved one are looking for senior care in Purchase, NY, call the friendly staff at The Perfect Home Care at (855) 855-5728. Call today!
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