8 tips to help seniors (and others) beat the heat

In Tom Skilling I trust, and the WGN meteorologist predicts that we will begin this week with temperatures topping out in the 70’s. While I hope we will be able to enjoy the outdoors in this unseasonably mild weather, Chicagoans know that we have not seen the last of sweltering days for this summer!

Heat-related illness can be very serious and can lead to complications to one’s health, such as difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. Older adults, along with those who are very young or who have medical conditions, are particularly vulnerable to the harsh effects of high heat. Providers and caregivers of all types should consider the risks to family members, residents, and clients in their care and take steps to reduce the risks and provide education to protect their health, well-being and safety. Signs of heat-related illness can include profuse sweating, headache, vomiting, and dizziness.

I am proud to represent H.O.M.E. on the Well-Being Task Force of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (CDFSS). The Well-Being Task Force was formed in the wake of the lethal 1995 heat wave in Chicago, which tragically caused 739 heat-related deaths. The Task Force consists of faith-based organizations, non-profit service providers, utilities and government entities that identify and provide follow-up for seniors in crisis as well as seniors isolated from society and quality support systems. Task Force members do thousands of well-being checks on Chicago seniors during heat emergencies.

All of us, regardless of age and health status, can benefit from CDFSS’ tips to “Beat the Heat” during extreme summer weather.

Here are 8 tips for keeping cool this summer:

1. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and natural juices; avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea and sodas.

2. Avoid going outside in extreme heat. Often the afternoon hours between 2:00 and 5:00 pm are the hottest times of day in Chicago.

3. Keep cool inside. If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed but windows slightly open.

4. Stay shaded, even indoors. Keep electric lights off or turned down.

5. Avoid extra heat. Minimize use of your oven and stove, which create more heat inside houses. Eating salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and sandwiches rather than heavy foods can also help you feel cooler.

6. Dress for the weather. Wear loose, light, cotton clothing. Clothing that breathes helps to circulate air.

7. Cool off. Take cool baths and showers. Enjoy iced water or frozen juices to cool off from the inside out.

8. Be safe! Don’t leave anyone (even a pet) in a parked car, even for a few minutes. The heat in enclosed spaces like cars reach higher, dangerous temperatures very quickly and can result in an emergency situation in a matter of minutes.

During the summer months, CDFSS provides air-conditioned Cooling Centers in the department’s Community Service Centers. Visit the City’s website for more information on Cooling Centers and other tips. Chicagoans can call 311 to locate the nearest Cooling Center or to request a well-being check for a friend, neighbor or loved one.

We wish everyone a happy and safe summer!

Did you find this useful? Are you a caregiver, family member, or senior who is looking for resources and tips? Be sure to follow Senior Moments from H.O.M.E.! We share our tips and thoughts every Monday right here. Simply enter your email address at the right and get tips, stories, and information in your email inbox every week.

PS – We loved seeing all the faces at the Glenwood Sunday Market yesterday! We’ll be there again in August and September, too, for more summer fun. We hope to see you there.