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The Ozarks region is under a heat advisory until this evening.While many people are head to the pool when it’s hot or stay cool in air conditioning, the elderly sometimes find themselves at the mercy of the hot temperatures. Older people are susceptible to heat-related illness, but it can be prevented.
Gail Clay is the director of nursing at The Neighborhoods at Quail Creek. She says older people should keep a couple of things in mind when trying to beat the heat…
"I think the most important thing is staying well hydrated. You hear that a lot, but you know, realizing that you do need to drink even when you’re not thirsty, just keeping well hydrated throughout the day and trying to stay out of the sunlight during the hottest parts of the afternoon,” says Clay.
Many elderly residents live on fixed incomes and have a hard time affording air conditioning. There are several options for those who are struggling financially. A free cooling center is open at the Salvation Army Headquarters at the intersection of Kansas and Chestnut Expressway. The downtown and Republic Road YMCAs and the American Red Cross on North W. Bypass also are serving as cooling centers. Some people visit a public library or the mall to stay cool.
Clay suggests that everyone get involved in helping out the elderly during the summer months. She says even the smallest of gestures can make all the difference…
“You know, maybe even just popping over with some popsicles or a nice fruit smoothie and sitting down and enjoying that with them would encourage them to keep their water intake up,” says Clay.
Signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, paleness, and sweating.
Oxford Healthcare is collecting fans to distribute to seniors.
To learn more: oxfordhealthcare.net.
For KSMU News, I’m Chasity Mayes.
