Tips to Help Seniors Beat The Heat

1. Wear your PERS device – If you start to feel dehydrated, dizzy or faint, especially due to hot weather, your PERS device can get you the assistance you need quickly.
2. Stay hydrated – You should be drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. Stay away from caffeinated drinks like coffee or soda during the hot summer months.
3. Stay cool – No, we aren’t talking about wearing fashionable clothing (although we’ll get to dressing correctly for summer later). We’re talking about staying indoors in well-air-conditioned places when the temperatures rise.
4. Be aware of medication side effects – Certain medications may put you at additional risk when it gets hot out. Be aware of what medications can exaggerate the risks of increased sun exposure and dehydration.
5. Dress appropriately – Protect your skin with light-colored and loose-fitting cotton clothing to stay cool and comfortable. Hats are also great to protect your head and neck from increased sun exposure.
6. Wear sunscreen – Seniors have an increased risk of sun burns and skin cancer due to increased sun exposure. Sun screen helps protect you from those conditions.
7. Wear sunglasses – Sun exposure can increase the risk of vision problems. Sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
8. Know the signs of heat stroke – Heatstroke can be fatal, especially to aging adults. If you feel any of the following symptoms, get to a cool place a quickly as possible lay down:
   
   

• • Fainting
  • Rapid Pulse
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hot but not sweating
  • Dry, flushed skin
  • Confusion
  • Heavy breathing
  • Body temp higher than 104 degrees
    
    

We encourage you to use and share this information with your PERS customers. Let’s help them beat the heat this summer.