Stay cool and safe during summer heatwave season

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By Fatima Shell-Sanchez, RN, Visiting Nurse Service of New York

Summer is here and it seems that New Yorkers from the Bronx to Brooklyn are eager to get outside and enjoy some fun in the sun—especially after a year of staying locked down at home. As the season heats up, it is important to review a few important health reminders to help keep everyone safe during summer heatwaves. 

If you are elderly, or have elderly loved ones living at home, these tips are even more important

Stay Cool – Rooms should be kept as cool as possible, using air-conditioner or fans and open windows to improve air circulation. If no air-conditioning is available, try going to places where it is, such as shopping malls, public libraries, movie theaters or cooling centers. 

Check https://maps.nyc.gov/cooling-center/ to find a cooling center near you. 

Cool baths or showers can also help, as can wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. If possible, avoid being outside from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., which is considered the hottest part of the day.

Stay Hydrated – Drinking water is an essential way to keep your body healthy and even more so when temperatures rise. No matter what your activity level, drinking plenty of water and eating foods containing water, such as fruits, vegetables, gelatin (Jell-O) and ice pops. Coffee and alcohol should be avoided, as they will deplete, rather than replenish, fluid in your body.

Use a Buddy System – Heat can bring on illness in some and possibly cause confusion or a loss of consciousness. If you are age 65 or older, ask a friend or relative to call you twice a day during a heatwave. If you know someone over 65 years old, check on him or her at least twice a day.

Stay Informed – Tune in to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during heatwaves for updates on health and safety.

Practice Car Safety – Never let anyone stay in a parked car without air-conditioning. Cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly, putting those inside at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death.

Summertime is a great time to review other healthy living tips about diet, medication management and falls prevention with elder loved ones as well. As always, it is important to consult your health provider before making significant changes.

Fatima Shell-Sanchez, RN, is a registered nurse with the not-for-profit Visiting Nurse Service of New York. Learn more about how home health care can support your well-being by visiting www.VNSNY.org or calling 1-800-675-0391.