Vol 15, No. 3       LINCARE is a National Supplier of Home
Summer '03           Oxygen and Respiratory Therapy Services

Surviving the Heat:

Tips for the Elderly

Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing made of natural fibers like cotton.

Slow down! Avoid strenuous activity, or perform strenuous tasks during the cooler parts of the day.

Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, do so in the early morning hours.

Use the air conditioner. If your home is not air conditioned, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Keep your windows open and use electric fans. Fans do not cool the air but they evaporate perspiration which helps cool your body. Visit the mall, movie theater or other air conditioned building for a part of each day if possible.

Drink lots of water. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. By the time you feel thirsty, your body has been in need of water for a long while. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine. They can make the effects of the heat worse instead of better. Alcohol actually dehydrates the body.

Eat small, light meals and eat often. A heavy meal diverts blood to the stomach to aid digestion when it is needed at the skin's surface to help cool the body. Also, avoid using the stove during hot weather. Cool foods like jello and popsicles help lower your body's internal temperature.

Take cool showers and baths. They help lower the temperature of your skin

Check with your doctor about medication. Some medications can make a person more vulnerable to the heat.

Stay in contact with friends or relatives, especially if you live alone. Check on friends and report regularly to others about your own well being.

"The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself"

~ Ben Franklin

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