It's Getting Hot Out There
Dear Caregivers,
“It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” as the old saying goes. But this summer threatens to add a blistering exclamation point to the phrase.
A recent, peer-reviewed study from the University of Florida finds that our state stands out as one of the country's the most vulnerable for long, intense heat waves this summer. The study suggests that we’re in for a potentially record-setting summer of heat stress in 2026.
One important factor in the study’s assessment is the impact of humidity. “When we include humidity, we see a much bigger and sharper increase in the severity of heat in the eastern U.S.,” says the University of Florida’s David Keellings, one of the authors of the study. When the heat is combined with humidity, and lasts for long periods of time, it can be dangerous for the elderly and other vulnerable populations in terms of the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Given these challenges, it’s best to think of an upcoming heat wave as like an approaching storm and be prepared. That means making sure you have access to water, cool spaces to settle in, and plan in case the power goes out, for instance.
Here is some more guidance on beating the heat:
The Importance of Water:
Lack of water, called dehydration, can be quite dangerous and can lead to decreased 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’s how you and your loved one can cope.
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.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“It ain't the heat, it's the humility."
— Yogi Berra
