What should seniors do to avoid heat stroke in hot weather?

Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, reports the National Weather Service.

Based on the 10-year average from 2000 to 2009, excessive heat claims an average of 162 lives a year. By contrast, hurricanes killed 117; floods, 65; tornadoes, 62; and lightning, 48.

In the heat wave of 1980, more than 1,250 people died. About 700 deaths were attributed to heat in the Chicago area heat wave of 1995. In August 2003, a record heat wave in Europe claimed an estimated 50,000 lives.

Seniors and adults with disabilities, and their caregivers and families, need to take extra precautions during the hot summer months to avoid heat-related problems.

For some seniors and disabled adults, high temperatures can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, and even death.

Two common problems caused by exposure to excessive heat are heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Here are tips from the California Department of Aging for keeping cool:

• Eat lightly and drink plenty of fluids. Non-caffeine and non-alcoholic beverages help prevent dehydration.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.

• Keep a container of cool water nearby and use wet washcloth at the wrists, face, and back of neck or, for a quick cool down, wrap ice cubes in a washcloth or use blue cooler packs.

• Use small battery-operated, hand-held fans, and misters for a cooling break.

• Schedule outside activities before noon or in the evening.

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat when in the sun.

• Stay in the coolest part of the house, usually on the lowest floor, as much as possible.

• Check shady spots outdoors that may be cooler than the house, especially if there's a breeze.

• Spend a few hours at the library, in a movie, or at a mall or restaurant that’s air conditioned to stay cool, enjoy a social outing, and conserve energy.

Below are tips for cooling the home:

• Use portable and ceiling fans in frequently used rooms to substitute for or assist the air conditioner.

• Leave windows open at night if it’s safe in your neighborhood. Open windows on two sides to create cross ventilation.

• Place a piece of cardboard covered with aluminum foil in sunny windows to reflect sunlight and heat away from the house.

• Close shades or draperies on sunny windows.

• Vacuum, clean, or replace air filters regularly for maximum cooling efficiency.

• Install outdoor awnings or sunscreens if affordable.

When it’s hot, be sure to listen to the news or look on the Internet for the National Weather Service’s heat-related warnings. You or someone in your family may need to go to a cooling station if the heat is excessive.

Copyright 2010, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist