'If you can't handle the heat'
12:00 AM, Wednesday, July 27 2005 | 293 views | 0 0 comments | 3 3 recommendations | email to a friend | print
When we think of summer, some of the first things that come to mind are going swimming, to the beach, relaxing, having fun outside on a hot and sunny day, etc.

It is a different story for our senior citizens. If they do not adjust to the heat or take the necessary steps to remain healthy, there could be serious health risks including death.

For those of us with loved ones who are elderly, we should do what is necessary to protect them. Checking on the elderly through daily phone calls and visits whenever possible are two simple ways to help save the lives of our senior citizens.

When you are with the elderly, some things to check for are heat fatigue, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

A checklist of items when visiting a senior include food surplus and medications. The more homes are well-stocked, the less senior citizens feel the need to go outside in the heat. It is also important to do what is necessary to keep the air cool.

Companionship for seniors is key. The more a person sits at home alone, it becomes more tempting to go outside into the heat. Some senior citizens are lucky enough to have their spouse and/or other family members living with them, but many people who are elderly live alone.

Going outside of the house is not a bad thing and should be encouraged. However, if senior citizens are going to go outside, they should take the proper precautions and not go out unnecessarily. Carrying bottles of cold water with them would be beneficial for senior citizens. Riding in air-conditioned buses and cars is also a good idea.

Senior citizens need to be educated on the dangers of going out into the heat too much. The more knowledge the elderly has, the more self-sufficient they can be without loved ones needing to step in.

The elderly will not be around forever, and we will not always be able to spend time with our parents and grandparents. We need to appreciate them while they are still here and cherish every moment we have with our loved ones.

Taking the necessary precautions to help prolong the lives of the elderly is a good way to show how much we appreciate them. Most senior citizens will probably not die because there is too much heat, but why should we chance losing them?

Now is the time of summer the elderly needs the most help. We are in late July and it has been more than 100 degrees outside. Let's be there for them, before it's too late.
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