It’s Hot Out There!
Dear Caregivers,
Summer hasn’t even begun yet, and parts of the world are engulfed in sweltering, even dangerous, heat. In many cities in India, for example, the heat reached above 115 degrees Fahrenheit. India’s capital, New Delhi, recorded a record high of 127F (though officials questioned the accuracy of the reading.)
High heat is coming to North America as well. In Mexico, a current heat wave has killed dozens of people. And now forecasters are warning that this “heat dome,” which is an atmospheric phenomenon where conditions keep the heat close to the ground and not dissipating, is moving northward into the southern states of the U.S..
So far it looks like Florida won’t heat up much more than usual during this current heat wave, but it’s a good reminder of the need to make preparations and make sure you and your loved one are safe during our hot summer months.
Here is some key advice on staying safe as the sun bears down on us this summer:
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.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“The thing with heat is, no matter how cold you are, no matter how much you need warmth, it always, eventually, becomes too much.”
— Victoria Aveyard
