Ohio Department of Aging Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 21, 2009

Department Reminds Older Adults to Keep it Cool During Dog Days
Extreme Heat Calls for Extra Care as We Age

COLUMBUS - These are the "dog days of summer," and, as usual, they have ushered in high temperatures and humidity throughout Ohio. The state Department of Aging encourages all Ohioans to remember that our ability to handle excessive heat tends to decline as we get older, and that special care must be taken to prevent heat-related illness.

"Excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States from 1979-2003, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," said Barbara E. Riley, director of the department. "The most common heat-related illnesses are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke."

People age 65 years and older are more prone to heat stress than younger people because older adults typically do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature, are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that upsets normal body responses to heat and are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

Interestingly, many of the same steps used to treat heat-related illnesses can also prevent it. When the heat and humidity are on the rise, all Ohioans, regardless of age or activity should:

• Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages, avoiding extremely cold liquids and fluids that contain large amounts of sugar or caffeine.
• Wear lightweight clothing, avoid strenuous activity and rest frequently.
• Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
• Remain indoors during the hottest part of the day and seek an air-conditioned environment - if you don't have access to air conditioning at home, visit an air-conditioned public place, such as a store or public library.

If someone you know is at increased risk of heat-related illness - either due to age or medical condition, please visit them during excessive heat and humidity and watch them for symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Make sure the temperature inside their home is not too high to be comfortable. Buy or loan them a fan. Take them to air-conditioned locations if they don't have access to transportation.

The Department of Aging has produced a tip sheet about excessive heat and older adults to help older residents and the people who care for them during the heat of summer.

About ODA

The Ohio Department of Aging provides leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers. Working with 12 area agencies on aging and other community partners, the department offers home- and community-based Medicaid waiver programs such as PASSPORT, the long-term care ombudsman program, the Golden Buckeye Card and more. Visit www.aging.ohio.gov.