Entry bubble Beat the Heat

By: Colleen | July 23, 2008 | Category: Health

hot sunThe oppressively hot and humid summers typical of our nation's Capital have reared their ugly head this week.

It is HOT HOT HOT!

What was the first indication of this? Me looking as if I just stepped out of the shower after walking from the Metro to Gov Gab headquarters. And no, it's not cute.

While temps in the 90's are mostly just the cause of some bad hair days and being uncomfortable, for some people they pose a serious health threat.

Senior citizens, small children, and people with chronic illnesses need to be especially careful when the mercury soars. They are most at risk for heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and sun overexposure. Check out this list of signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. To avoid these, do you best to stay cool and inside. Drink plenty of water to insure that you're properly hydrated. Wear loose clothing made out of materials like cotton that allow your skin to "breathe."

Friends and family of the elderly should try and visit them at least twice a day to check for signs of heat stroke and exhaustion. Take them to air conditioned locations if they have transportation problems. Make sure they have access to an electric fan. Sometimes local governments have programs to help out.

Enjoy the summer months, just be careful. It really makes me wonder how I survived those mid-August outdoor field hockey pre-season practices, but I suppose when you're 16 you can survive pretty much anything.

What are your tips to keep cool?

| View Comments [7] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: citizen   colleen   exhaustion   heat   humid   senior   stroke   sun   weather  

 

Entry bubble Resources for Seniors and Caregivers

By: Nancy | May 29, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

May is Older Americans Month. And while there are just a couple more days left in the month, as far as I'm concerned, people age 65 or better are worth honoring every day.

If you or someone you care about is in this age group, the information in USA.gov's Senior Citizens' Resources section can help make your life--and your loved one's--a little easier.

seniors picnickingAs time goes by, everybody thinks more about health. The Health for Seniors section is full of great resources to help in understanding Medicare's prescription drug coverage plan; dealing with changes in sleeping habits as you get older; and recognizing and managing depression. You can also use the drug interaction lookup page to find out how your medications, food and alcohol affect one another.

Money's important--especially when you’re on a fixed income. The Money and Taxes for Seniors section can help you with everything from creating or updating your will and estate plan to checking to see if, as a Social Security recipient, you're entitled to an economic stimulus payment this year.

Most people want to stay in their homes as long as possible as they age. See the Housing for Seniors section to find out how to make safety and other lifestyle modifications and to learn how to prevent falls around the house.

Seniors are common targets for scams. The Consumer Protection for Seniors section links to important resources like the Consumer Action Website to help you avoid getting swindled and learn how to fight for your rights as a consumer, and the Administration on Aging's Elder Rights and Resources page to help with legal assistance and advice.

Use the Education, Jobs and Volunteering for Seniors section to find out how using your years of experience and wisdom can help change your community or the world as you volunteer locally with Senior Corps, internationally with the Peace Corps or as you work for a company that values mature workers.

And if you're helping a senior family member or friend, use the Caregivers' Resources section to find out about respite and home health care agency options. Learn about providing long distance caregiving and getting support for yourself as you care for your loved one.

As a senior or a caregiver, what are some of the best resources you’ve found online to make your life easier?

| Post a Comment | View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: health   money   nancy   safety   senior   taxes