Recognizing a Heat Related Illness
• Be sure to contact all physicians related to your loved one and check to see if they are on a fluid-restrictive diet.
• Prepare in advance at least one gallon of water per person, per day and refrigerate.
• Collect all essential medicines they may be taking along with all prescription information and keep them in a cool
location in the home.
• Keep a list of the names, addresses, phone numbers for all doctors and pharmacists.
• Stock up on some nonperishable, easily prepared snacks and fluids such as juices, fruits & water.
• Always check-in before, during and after the hottest points of the day.
• Organize a neighborhood“buddy system”using friends, family and neighbors to check on your loved one either in
person or by using the phone.
Tips For Beating the Heat
• Always avoid direct
sun and the heat.
• Always close
blinds, drapes &
windows to keep
the heat out of the
home.
• Only open
windows and
doors if it is cooler
outside than it is
inside.
• Minimize your
activities during
the hottest period
of the day (usually
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
• Eat small meals
and avoid fats,
proteins, sugars
and especially
alcohol.
• Wear loose fitting,
light weight
clothing.
• Stay in cooler areas
of the home using air conditioning, ceiling or
free standing fans.
• Electric lights create heat when turned on, so
do your best to avoid lighting during the day.
• Use cool damp towels on wrists and the back
of the neck.
• If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your
loved one alone, seek assistance.
No Air? Relief Could Be Closer
If air conditioning is not available in
the home, consider a trip to one of the
following facilities.
• Local libraries
• Senior centers
• Community centers
• Movie theaters
• Shopping malls
• Churches/temples/places of worship
• Supermarkets/grocery stores
Problem
Reason
Symptoms
Treatment
Cramps
(soreness)
Overworked muscles.
Fatigue. Low
electrolytes. Lack of
water (dehydration).
Muscle cramping of the
shoulders, calves and
thighs. Painful muscle
spasms.
Rest and hydration using
electrolyte solutions, such
as Gatorade, PowerAde, etc.
Stretching and massaging
affected muscles.
Heat Exhaustion
(sick)
Heavy sweating results
in loss of fluids and
electrolytes. Excessive
activity.
Sick feeling, weakness.
Lightheadedwhen/while
standing. Headache,
nausea and vomiting.
Skin is cool and“clammy”
to the touch.
Cease activities. Relocate
to a cooler area. Rest.
Replenish fluids and
electrolytes using “sips.”
Medical assistance may be
necessary.
Heat Stroke
(life threatening)
Body’s cooling system
is overloaded. Severe
dehydration. Excessive
activity.
Lethargic, disoriented
possibly combative.
In some cases
unconsciousness may
occur. Seizures are
common. Hot skin that
feels moist yet dry.
Call 911. Cool the individual
with whatever you have
available; Cool water, fan,
remove clothing, ice packs
at the groin and armpit
areas.
Recognizing a Heat Related Illness
Elderly people ages 65 and older are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons:
• Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
• They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
• They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that
inhibit perspiration.