Beating Late Summer Heat

APFC Home Care Provides Tips on How to Survive the “Dog Days” of Summer

[Medford, NJ] – July 15, 2015 – According the National Weather Service, heat is one of the leading causes of weather-related death in the United States, causing hundreds of fatalities each year. Seniors are even more susceptible to the dangers of heat, as they are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. That’s why APFC Home Care is offering tips to help seniors stay safe during July and August, summer’s hottest months.

“Dehydration is one of the biggest dangers of summer heat,” says Brett Summerville, Managing Partner at APFC Home Care. “It accounts for numerous ER visits, especially among seniors, who are more vulnerable. As we age, our bodies aren’t able to regulate body temperature as easily.”

Here are some tips to help you and your senior loved ones stay safe:

• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to take in fluids. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. If plain water doesn’t interest you, increase your intake of fresh fruits and juices, or add some lemon or lime juice to your water to add some flavor.
• Keep your home safe and comfortable by running the air conditioning during the hottest parts of the day and by letting in cool air in the early morning and late evening hours.
• Take a cool shower or bath and get plenty of rest. If you must go outside, plan this for the early morning hours, when it’s coolest.

“If you experience heavy sweating, weakness, rapid pulse, nausea or fainting, this could be a sign of heat exhaustion” says Summerville. “If these symptoms appear, get to a cool place as quickly as possible and lie down. Apply wet cloths to the body and sip some water. If you notice someone with these symptoms who also has a fever, hot, red skin, or becomes unconscious, call 911 immediately, as this may be heat stroke.”