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With these high temperatures the New York State Office for the Aging is urging older New Yorkers and their family members to use extra precautions in the high temperatures and humidity.
“Extreme heat and humidity can be serious, and can be particularly dangerous for older adults, who are also at highest risk for COVID-19,” said NYSOFA Acting Director Greg Olsen. “Older adults, especially those who are low-income, live alone, have chronic conditions or who take certain medications, are more susceptible to heat-related illness. In these summer months, particularly during a heat wave in this pandemic, neighbors and family members should check in with older individuals daily to make sure they are healthy and safe.”
Signs of heat-related illnesses can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, cramps, high body temperature, or a past pulse.
Tips have been provided to help stay hydrated and safe:
- Stay hydrated. Keep drinking water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Drink two to four glasses of cool fluids every hour.
- Avoid alcoholic drinks and too much caffeine and sugar.
- Take water with you wherever you go outside, since public water fountains are currently turned off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher and look for those that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels.
- Wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing to keep cool. You can also wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Stay indoors
Those who are age 65 and older are the most at risk for heat related illness. If you know or are neighbors with someone who is older, make sure to check in on them.
