Beat the heat
Seniors should take precautions during hot weather

Burning. Blazing. Blistering. Call the hot summers in the Lone Star State what you want, but the rising temperatures can cause serious health problems for the elderly.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services urges older people to plan, protect and prepare to avoid dangerous conditions associated with the summer heat. Be aware of heat[related conditions:

· Heat stroke. It occurs when the body's temperature rises rapidly and is unable to cool down. Warning signs may include extremely high body temperature, no sweating, rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness or nausea. Failure to seek medical care can result in death or permanent disability.

· Heat exhaustion. It can occur after several days of exposure to high temperatures or failure to drink fluids. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, vomiting, nausea or fainting. Avoiding liquids can lead to dehydration. Don't forget to drink water before becoming thirsty.

It is vital to call for medical help if someone is experiencing a heat-related illness.

When summer temperatures begin to climb, it is best to remember personal tolerance levels and pay attention to changes in one's health. Chronic medical conditions, medications and age can all play a role in how heat impacts an older person.

Following are tips to keep cool and avoid heat-related illness.

-- Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty.

-- Have access to an electric fan or air-conditioning. A local Area Agency on Aging is an excellent source for information on fan distribution programs. Visit www.dads.state.tx.us/contact/aaa/cfm for a list of those agencies.

-- Be aware of changes in health that might be linked to heat-related illnesses. Heat can place an additional strain on the body.

Summertime does not mean one shouldn't enjoy the outdoors, however extra care should be taken when planning outdoor activities.

· Stay in shaded areas and wear lightweight clothing and a hat.

· Plan activities when temperatures have not reached peak highs.

· Heat doesn't mean one has to stop exercising. But consider a change of routine to early morning or late afternoon.

It is important to keep an eye on older relatives, friends and neighbors during the summer. Create a list of individuals willing to help an elderly neighbor by checking in on him or her several times a day.

Take advantage of public facilities such as libraries, museums, community centers or shopping malls that have air-conditioning.

To learn how to recognize symptoms of heat-related illness, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/ extremeheat/elderlyheat.asp.