by Eileen O’Callaghan, Senior Program Coordinator

by Eileen O’Callaghan, Senior Program Coordinator
Being cool in the heat!
 
 

 
 

This current heat wave in Boston is getting us all hot under the collar. Hot weather is dangerous, but seniors are particularly prone to its threat. Elderly heat stroke and heat exhaustion are a real problem. In fact, a recent University of Chicago Medical Center study found that 40% of heat-related fatalities in the U.S. were among people over 65.
 
There are several reasons for elderly heat vulnerability. People's ability to notice changes in their body temperature decreases with age. Many seniors also have underlying health conditions that make them less able to adapt to heat. Furthermore, many medicines that seniors take can contribute to dehydration. Fortunately, a few simple precautions are all that's needed to keep safe.
 
Here are some guidelines for keeping safe in hot weather:

1. Drink plenty of liquids - Dehydration is the root of many heat related health problems. Drink plenty of water or juice, even if you're not thirsty. But remember to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, as they can actually contribute to dehydration. So this is not an excuse to guzzle pints!

2. Wear appropriate clothes - An old Swedish saying says, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." When it's hot out, wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat.

3. Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day - During periods of extreme heat, the best time to go out and about is before 10am or after 6pm, when the temperature tends to be cooler.

4. Take it easy - Avoid exercise and strenuous activity, particularly outdoors, when it's very hot out.

5. Keep an eye on the heat index - When there's a lot of moisture in their air (high humidity), the body's ability to cool itself through sweating is impaired. The heat index factors humidity and temperature to approximate how the how the weather really feels. The current heat index can be found on all popular weather websites, and is also usually announced on local TV and radio weather reports during periods of warm weather.

6. Seek an air conditioned environment - Seniors whose houses aren't conditioned should consider seeking an air conditioned space during extreme heat. The mall, library, or movie theater are all popular options. During heat waves many cities also set up "cooling centers", air conditioned public places, for seniors and other vulnerable populations. Seniors without convenient access to any air conditioned place might consider a cool bath or shower.

7. Know the warning signs of heat-related illness - Dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fainting and breathing problems are all warning signs that help should be sought immediately.

8. If you are concerned about a heat- related illness contact your primary care doctor immediately!
 
For article in full see aplaceformom.com or email me at [email protected] or call 617 265 5300 x 13
 
 

 

Having the craic at the IPC lunch at the ICCNE

 
 

Despite the heat a strong crowd of 160 attended our monthly mass and luncheon at the ICCNE in Canton. The crowd enjoyed ‘one man band’ Fintan Stanley as he kept the dance floor full all afternoon. Michael Reaney of ‘Westbury Farms’ kept all our stomachs happy with a great meal. Our army of volunteers ensured everyone had a great afternoon and were on hand to dole out water to ensure everyone stayed hydrated. Huge thanks as usual to all our volunteers! Many thanks also to the ICCNE for the use of their room and for being great hosts. We look forward to seeing everyone back again on September 19th!Email me at [email protected] or call 617 265 5300 x 13

Having the craic at the IPC lunch at the ICCNE

Kara Kiff and her grand-daughter Caitlin having a ball at Canton


Some of the Cara Club ladies enjoying themselves at Canton


Having the craic at the IPC lunch at the ICCNE
by Eileen O’Callaghan, Senior Program Coordinator

Some of the Cara Club ladies enjoying themselves at Canton

Kara Kiff and her granddaughter Caitlin having a ball at Canton
Despite the heat a strong crown of 160 attended our monthly mass and luncheon at the ICCNE in Canton. The crowd enjoyed ‘one man band’ Fintan Stanley as he kept the dance floor full all afternoon. Michael Reaney of ‘Westbury Farms’ kept all our stomachs happy with a great meal. Our army of volunteers ensured everyone had a great afternoon and were on hand to dole out water to ensure everyone stayed hydrated. Huge thanks as usual to all our volunteers! Many thanks also to the ICCNE for the use of their room and for being great hosts. We look forward to seeing everyone back again on September 19th!
Email me at [email protected] or call 617 265 5300 x 13
- See more at: http://irishemigrant.com/ie/go.asp?p=story&storyID=16312#sthash.Na9Fb34X.dpuf
Despite the heat a strong crown of 160 attended our monthly mass and luncheon at the ICCNE in Canton. The crowd enjoyed ‘one man band’ Fintan Stanley as he kept the dance floor full all afternoon. Michael Reaney of ‘Westbury Farms’ kept all our stomachs happy with a great meal. Our army of volunteers ensured everyone had a great afternoon and were on hand to dole out water to ensure everyone stayed hydrated. Huge thanks as usual to all our volunteers! Many thanks also to the ICCNE for the use of their room and for being great hosts. We look forward to seeing everyone back again on September 19th!
Email me at [email protected] or call 617 265 5300 x 13
- See more at: http://irishemigrant.com/ie/go.asp?p=story&storyID=16312#sthash.Na9Fb34X.dpuf