Stay Safe During These Hot Times in the City
Well, here we are. After a winter that seemed not to end (at least here in Wisconsin), we are finally seeing some warm temperatures. And Mother Nature couldn’t just do a general warm day. No, she had to go from frigid winter temperatures right into the 80s and even 90s. Love or hate the super hot weather, it’s a critical time to stay safe by keeping hydrated, staying indoors, and keeping the house cool. This is especially important for those with humidity-sensitive conditions such as COPD.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that approximately 1300 people die from heat related causes every year. The majority of those victims are young children and the elderly.
Here are some quick tips and tricks to BEAT THE HEAT:
- Stay hydrated: This is one of the easiest things to do. If given the option, drink water. You might also opt for sports drinks, such as Gatorade, to help replenish lost nutrients and minerals in the body. Make sure to read the label. Some sports drinks are loaded with sugar.
- Avoid overly greasy or hot and heavy foods: This includes hot pasta dishes. Eat cold sandwiches, salads, and lighter pasta salads. These will add less heat to your body.
- Stay away from tight or dark clothing: Loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored articles allow your body some breathing room.
- Stay inside and avoid strenuous exercise: This is especially important during the hottest parts of the day. If you do need to be outside, take frequent water and rest breaks.
- Be aware of heat stroke and exhaustion symptoms: These include confusion, headaches, profuse sweating, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and fatigue.
- Use a technology such as GrandCare to keep yourself or a loved one safer, healthier and more comfortable: The GrandCare touchscreen can let you and family know when the outdoor humidity or temperature is too high. It can remind you when it’s time to drink water. It can indicate if the air conditioner is not working and if the in-home temperature reaches a potentially dangerous level. And, GrandCare can help you to continuously monitor vitals and send an alert if a red flag reading needs to be addressed.
This warm weather won’t last forever – at least not in the Badger State! But in these dog days of summer, please remember to take care of yourselves and your loved ones!
If you’d like to learn more about GrandCare Systems, contact us or request a demo.