It's Getting Hot Out There!
Dear Caregivers,
Our nation just went through the hottest month ever recorded. The heatwave across the country—excluding Alaska and Hawaii—surpassed July temperature records going back all the way to 1895, when we first started keeping track.
Part of the reason for the rise is climate change: The past ten years have been hotter than any decade on record. But the already-higher heat conditions were given a bump by the presence of one of the strongest El Ninos in history, which is warming the Pacific Ocean to historic levels as well.
Of course, we here in Florida know a lot about it being hot out—that’s in part why many people move here. Still, along with the benefits of milder winters comes the heat of the summer, and if July’s nationwide temperatures are any indication, it is only going to get warmer over the years.
As a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, you need to be prepared to deal with the heat of the summer. That means making sure everyone drinks plenty of water, that you have cool spaces to go to if necessary, and that you adapt your routines to fit the weather.
I love living in Florida, even with the heat. But you need to know how to handle it!
Here’s more guidance on beating the heat this summer:
The Importance of Water:
Lack of water, called dehydration, can be quite dangerous and can lead to decrease blood volume, which lowers the amount of blood sent to the major organs of the body, especially the kidneys. Therefore it is especially important for an older adult to keep up his or her fluid intake. Here’s how to do it.
Beating the Heat:
As summer temperatures climb into the 90s, older people are in danger of conditions caused by extreme heat, such as dehydration and hyperthermia, which can lead to heat exhaustion and its most serious form, heat stroke. Here are some tips for staying cool.
Staying Safe in the Sunshine:
When you live in a place as beautiful as Florida, being outdoors is appealing. It is the Sunshine state after all. But as usual, too much of a good thing can be bad for us. And the sun is no exception. The risk of developing skin cancer is directly related to sun exposure over the years. Here’s how to protect yourself and your loved one.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it."
— Russell Baker
