Don’t know where all of you live but where I live, this has been one of the craziest years for weather. Spring sprung on us in February and then winter stretched out her cold claws in March and April which have been followed by the heat of summer arriving early with no real Spring to speak of.

A month ago, we were still coping with snow, frost and trying to stay warm and now we are trying to find ways to stay cooler. I have a weather station in my backyard that reads the real temperature, pressure, humidity and dew point. On the day of this writing, the normal average temperature is 73°F and I recorded a high of 95°F.

Some long-range weather forecasts are predicting a hotter than normal summer and if they are right, seniors need to take extra precautions this year to prevent succumbing to the excessive heat.

Why?

According to the CDC:

• Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
• They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
• They are more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat.

To this, I would like to add that some of the medications seniors take affect the skin and may cause rashes or other negative reactions to exposure to direct sunlight. Seniors also have thinner skin which means they can burn quicker in the hot sun or lose moisture quicker which can lead to heat stress and/or heat stroke.

So, what precautions should seniors take with this scorching summer heat trying to seer their skin?

Again, according to the CDC:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
• Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it’s really hot outside.
• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
  • If your doctor limits the amount of fluids you drink or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.
• Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.

Living most of my life in the desert, let add a few of my own recommendations:

• Confine your outdoor activities to early morning or later in the evening.
• Refrain as much as possible from drinking coffee, tea and alcoholic beverages as they tend to make one more dehydrated.
• When outside, wear a hat, preferably one that allows your scalp to breathe. Just as the head is the greatest source of loss of body heat in the winter, the head is also highly susceptible to extreme heat which can affect the brain.
• Never go anywhere without water. Put some water in your car. Hot water is better than no water. You may need that water if your car breaks down or you have an accident somewhere. In the heat, water is the most important thing to have with you.

As the summer barrels in upon on us. Remember that you’re not as young as you used to be and if you want to see cooler weather again, take heed of these precautions.