The Heat is On

The temperatures will be extremely high today and throughout the rest of the week, and the Heat Index value is expected to reach 100+ which can be deadly for elderly and vulnerable adults.

The older a person is, the less they will sweat, which is the body’s way of cooling down. This can be compounded with medication side effects, illnesses, and other chronic conditions. The same goes for people who have medical issues.

An older adult may not want to turn on their air conditioner because of financial concerns. Other times, the senior doesn’t want to “bother” anyone, including family or medical personnel, so they will suffer in silence. I always tell them the bigger bother will be hospitalization or, worse yet, informing their family of sad news.

If you have an elderly relative or neighbor, it’s crucial to take a few minutes to check on them. Even if you do not know your neighbors and know they are elderly or disabled, what better time to introduce yourself and see how they are doing? Let them know you care about their well-being and encourage them to stay cool and, if they are not feeling well, call for assistance. 

For more information about Heat and Health, click here.

The Community Center serves as a Cooling Center during these times and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Saturday from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM.

Karen S. Adcock, Director of Recreation and Senior Services