PRECAUTIONS TO KNOW TO ENSURE A SAFE SUMMER -- Tips for keeping all safe during the hot weather --

Seniors, infants and people with disabilities are extremely susceptible to warm and muggy weather conditions and it only takes a few minutes to pose a threat to one’s health. According to The Centers for Disease Control between 2006-2010 over 8,000 Americans died from severe weather, and 31 percent of those were due to heat exposure.[1]

“During this time of year having the knowledge to recognize specific symptoms and the steps to take to prevent overheating can arm caregivers of elders, children and disabled individuals against heat stroke or exhaustion,” said Sandy Fromm, Administrator of Personal-Touch Home Health Services of New Jersey. “Staying safe during hot temperatures is more than keeping hydrated therefore having a reminder list of prevention tips and warning signs close by will ensure that all enjoy the summer months safely.”

Here are tips to follow during those dog days of summer:

· Wear light-weight clothing. (100% cotton breathes)

· Drink water (the eight glass-a-day rule is a good one) and avoid caffeine, soda and alcohol.

· Exercise early or late in the day. (walking is important, but avoid taking it mid- day)

· Never leave anyone (including your animals) in a car.

· Stay on the lower level of house during the hottest hours of the day, circulate air with a fan, and avoid using oven or stove. (slow cookers are a solution and don’t produce heat)

· Keep the heat hotline handy and know how to use it.

· Check in on seniors regularly, and make sure they have the heat hotline handy and know how to use it.

· Know heat exhaustion symptoms and action to take (shallow & fast breathing, clammy skin, dizziness, excessive sweating, nausea, headache, weak pulse). If you recognize these symptoms move person to cooler area, give fluids and cool down with a cold cloth; if improvement is not seen immediately call 911 for medical attention.

Fromm added, “Summer is a great season, but precautions need to be taken to keep those who are vulnerable safe so they can enjoy this season too.”
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Contact:
Vickie Bello, Sr. Marketing Rep., vbello@pthomecare.com, 201-532-9888

[1] http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr076.pdf

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