Beat the Heat!

Weather in the Treasure Valley will certainly get hot this summer! High temperatures can affect anybody, however, those most at risk include:

• People aged 65 years or older
• People who have a medical condition such as diabetes, kidney disease or mental condition
• People taking medications that may affect the way the body reacts to heat such as allergy medications, blood pressure and heart medicines, seizures medications, water pills
• People who have difficulty communicating, moving around or are bedridden or in wheelchairs
• Older people living alone

Here are several ways to beat the heat:

• Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Have a supply of cool drinks and water in the refrigerator.
• Set up fans in the living areas and bedrooms. Some people may need assistance from family or caregivers to do this.
• Check that air conditioning units work efficiently. Ensure they’re not still on heat mode after winter and that the thermostat has been reset.
• Make sure you have enough food, drink and medicines for a few days if very hot weather is forecast.
• All refrigerated medicines should be kept in the fridge at all times, and other medication may need to be moved to cooler places in the house.
• Block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds.
• Open the windows when there is a cool breeze.
• Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.

Please help others by:

• Keeping in touch with sick or frail friends and family. Call them at least once a day as you may be their lifeline.
• Offering to help by doing shopping or other errands so they can avoid the heat. Take them somewhere cool for the day or have them stay the night if they are unable to stay cool in their home.