Welcome to HandyPro of Baton Rouge

Summer is in full swing and with that comes hot weather. This weather can be especially dangerous for older adults. In fact, according to the CDC, people aged 65 years or older are at greater risk for heat-related illness. Preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and keep you cool and safe this summer. Here are our top tips to keep cool:

1. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration will only worsen the effects of heat exhaustion. Be sure to drink plenty of cool, nonalcoholic beverages.

2. Wear Light Clothing

Choose lightweight, breathable clothing to stay cool. If it’s cooler in the morning, opt for light layers so you can remove them as it gets warmer throughout the day.

3. Stay Indoors During Mid-day Hours

If you’re a person who loves to do yardwork or gardening, stick to the early morning or evening hours when it is usually cooler to go outside. A general rule of thumb is to go outside before 10am or after 6pm. Remember to stay hydrated regardless of what time you go outside and take breaks so you don’t over-exert yourself.

4. Use Air Conditioning

Spend as much time as possible in air conditioned spaces. If you do not have air conditioning, try going to the mall, library, movie theater or a friend or family’s home who has air conditioning.

5. Limit Physical Activity

Hot weather can make normal exercising much more dangerous. Limit light exercise to short periods of time in cool places. Physical activity should be eliminated entirely in extreme heat.

6. Take Cool Showers

If you’ve spent time outdoors in the heat or don’t have air conditioning, take a cool shower to cool yourself down. You could also lay cool, moistened towels over your forehead or back of the neck.

7. Know the Warning Signs of Heat-related Illness

Dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, headaches and muscle cramps are all signs of heat exhaustion.  If you experience any of these symptoms seek help immediately.