July 2016 Newsletter: Drink Up, Hot Topics and Celebrating with Fireworks
It's Hot out There! Stay Cool...and Hydrated this Summer.
If you're thirsty, then you may be too late! People aged 65 years or older are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. Here are some important tips:
Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during an extreme heat event.
Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
Avoid using the stove or oven to cook.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
Check the local news for health and safety updates.
Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has signs of heat stroke, such as muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting.
For more information on Heat and the Elderly, click here.
Look for Signs of Dehydration:
Dry mouth
Cracked lips
Urinate (pee) less: Urine is dark yellow/brown and may smell bad
Skin changes: dry/hot or cold/clammy, reddish or yellowish in color
Headache
Dizziness and feeling light-headed
Weakness, not interested in doing anything
Feeling sleepy and tired
Weight loss
Not Thirsty? Sneak it in! Try one of these yummy snacks that will help keep you hydrated:
Watermelon
Oranges
Cucumbers
Celery
Strawberries
Jello
Italian Ice or popsicles
July's Hot Topics!
Did You See?
Our very own RN Case Manager, Cathy Angier, was featured as the "
Person of the Week" in The Valley Courier last month for her work as a nurse in the community.
Cathy describes her role here:
"It's the ability to establish a relationship with someone long term, to be an advocate for that patient and to provide nursing care in an individual way. You are a liaison between the doctor and the patient.”
