“As the body ages it retains less and less water, which is why you need to replenish that,” said John Wiener public relations specialist for Senior Helpers.
The company began in 2002 and has compiled information that will benefit elderly residents.
“Seniors are the most at risk for heat related problems,” Weiner said.
The National Climactic Data Center reports the Northeast had its warmest March, April and May in history. A June heat wave brought records for both high temperatures and total days above 90 degrees for a third of the country, stretching from Missouri to New York to the Southeast.
Summer survival kits can be put together for less than $25. It’s a way to make sure elderly loved ones have what they need to stay safe and comfortable during hot summer days.
The summer survival kit includes:
n A reusable water bottle to maintain hydration.
n Copies of all prescriptions and health insurance card.
n Phone numbers of health care providers and information concerning chronic health problems.
n Sunscreen, at least SPF 30, to prevent serious burns.
n Multivitamins to keep the immune systems strong.
n A battery operated/hand-held fan in case of power outages and extreme heat.
“These items can be used on a daily basis for them,” Weiner said.
“Whether seniors are traveling themselves or staying on their own while the rest of the family is out of town, it’s absolutely vital that aging family members have the resources to be safe, happy and healthy,” says Peter Ross, CEO and co-founder of Senior Helpers. “Taking the time to prepare one of these kits to make sure loved ones have the essentials they need can make all the difference in preventing a serious situation.”
Heat is dangerous to the elderly population for the following reasons:
n The amount of water retained by the body decreases substantially with age.
n As a result, seniors are at far greater risk of heat-related health problems such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, severe sunburn and dehydration.
n More than 8,000 Americans have died as a result of heat-related afflictions during the past two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to Kimberly Harrington marketing and public relations director for Sandhills Regional Medical Center there have not been any elderly patients admitted with any heat related health issues this season.
“Most heat-related issues for seniors can be avoided through simple planning and precaution,” Ross says. “When it’s unbearably hot outside for you and your kids, it’s downright dangerous for seniors. Take a few minutes and make sure that mom, dad and any other senior family members have everything they need to be safe this summer.”
Hollie Nivens can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or by e-mailing at hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com
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