Summer is here, and we've already seen our share of 80 and 90 degree days in our region. As rising temperatures, heat illness and deaths related to extreme heat increase, so does our concern for the safety of our community.
Children are not the most at-risk population for heat deaths. According to the Climate Central website, more than 80% of victims are over the age of 60. Duke University research found 12,000 Americans die from heat-related causes every year, making it the top weather-related killer, more so than hurricanes and tornadoes.
Doctors say the best defense against heat deaths in seniors is prevention. Family, friends and neighbors can help by checking on those in our aging community who are alone in the high heat.
Summers are getting warmer and have been for decades now. Anyone being hit by the rising temperatures can fall victim to a heat related illness. There are several reasons for our aging community to be put at a greater risk of serious complications and even death in the event of a heat wave. However, these consequences are avoidable with common sense and some precautionary measures that we can take to ensure everyone's safety:
Dressing with light colored and thin, airy clothes.
Staying out of the sun and heat as much as possible.
Not exercising or going for long walks in hot weather.
Drinking plenty of fluids. Water alone is not sufficient. Oral rehydrating solutions add salts (electrolytes) to the water and can be purchased from most stores and pharmacies.
Resting in the shade, using a fan or air conditioner in well-ventilated rooms.
Using water and other means of cooling the body should there be an absence of sweating despite the body temperature rising.
Being aware of the early symptoms of heat related illnesses like cramps, exhaustion, nausea, headaches and other symptoms that may come about suddenly and seeking treatment immediately.
The staff at the Ark-Tex Area Agency on Aging located in Texarkana, Texas, is finding a way to help our 60+ age community beat the heat this summer by giving away fans to those who are most in need.
The annual fan giveaway is in memory of our late staff member Vinie Reed, who organized this event each year to help provide comfort and relief to people trying to stay cool during the hottest time of the year.
Each year the Area Agency on Aging asks for donations to help our less fortunate aging community battle the summer heat. We accept donations of new fans or monetary contributions that will help purchase new fans. If you would like to donate, or just find out more information about our fan drive and other services we provide to the community, please contact the Ark-Tex Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-372-4464.