Seniors…take care in the heat

I made a quick trip to Texas to see family this past weekend and I think I brought the Texas heat with me!

There is no doubt about it….summer is here. We need to be prepared for a long hot summer. It is only June and the temperatures are undoubtedly unbearable, putting our seniors at risk, along with children and those suffering from illnesses — that include but are not limited to —heart disease, high blood pressure, poor circulation or those who take certain medications.

It is advisable to check with your physician to see if you may be at a greater risk of suffering a heat-related illness due to your medications. Our seniors may not compensate for heat stress and may be less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature. So we all must be very conscientious of our situations and keep ourselves from danger of heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rash and sunburns.

What makes this summer any different? It is only June and we have already exceeded our average high. Temperatures that are 10 degrees or more above the average high for our area are considered extreme heat. Thenwhen  we factor in the humidity that we have been experiencing, it makes the discomfort level higher because of the hazy, damp air trapped near the ground, making breathing difficult for the average person and exasperating the situation for those with breathing illnesses or difficulties to begin with.

So what are we going to do to get through this scorching summer? What we do in any situation we are faced with: help one another get through it. Prevention is the key. We need to keep in mind those that are at greatest risk and need to know the actions to take to prevent heat-related illnesses or in worst case scenario, death. Air-conditioning is the number one factor that will protect us. But for many, this may not be available in their homes.

We are asking each of you to look out for one another. Check on your family, neighbors and friends. Make sure they are keeping cool enough and are out of danger. There are ways to get out of the heat. Spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned can help keep you cool.
Seniors are always welcome at the Center for Seniors. We are open from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If needed the hours for the center will be extended until 6 p.m., when there is a heat advisory in effect.

Even just a few hours in an air-conditioned place will help your body cope when you go back into the heat.

Transportation can be scheduled through OATS. The ride is for a suggested donation of $1.50, seniors are never required to pay for these services. To schedule a ride, please contact Holley and Walter at 455-0401 or Betty at 592-2428.

Area Agency on Aging provides meals for seniors at the center, as well as for those that are homebound. The homebound meals are delivered Monday through Friday by our wonderful volunteers. We take this opportunity to not only get a nutritious meal to them but to check on their well being.

The Neosho Police Department offers a reassurance program. This program offers reassurance of a safety monitoring system. It consists of an automated call system that calls each registered participant at 8 a.m. every morning, including weekends. If you need or have a loved one you feel may benefit from this program, please contact Melissa with the Neosho Police Department at 451-8012 for more details and/or to register for this free service.

Again, we cannot stress enough the importance of staying healthy in this heat. Sweating is the body’s natural way of keeping cool, it also removes salt and minerals from the body. It is necessary to replace these, your body needs them. Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body safely hydrated. If your doctor has limited your fluid intake due to medications, please advise on the amount you should consume during this hot weather. Wear cool, light colored, light weight clothes. Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn if you must be in the sun. Always pace yourself and stay inside during the peak hours of the heat. Seek medical attention if you feel you may be suffering from a heat-related illness.

The city of Neosho will do what it can to ensure the safety of its citizens. Take care of yourself and one another, and if you need a cool place to go….come by and visit us at the center.

Cheri Taylor is the manager of the Center for Seniors. She writes a weekly column for the Neosho Daily News.