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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.