As our country swelters in the summer heat, it’s worth knowing the serious impact it has on seniors. On average, about 68,000 people go to emergency rooms each summer with heat-related issues. University studies estimate that as many as 5,000 to 12,000 people die each year from heatstroke. Medical experts warn that older people are more prone to heat-related illnesses because of changes in their bodies and the effect of medications.
As people age, their sweat glands become less effective, making their hearts work harder to increase blood flow to the skin to push heat away. Seniors taking medications for chronic health conditions may find their medicines interfere with the body’s ability to cope with extreme heat.
Seniors should be aware of the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. These conditions may cause dizziness, confusion, fatigue, excessive sweating, nausea, and a rapid, weak pulse.
In the height of summer, you should plan ahead to be outside or if you have no air conditioning. Pay attention to weather forecasts for heat advisories regarding temperature and humidity. Be sure you drink past the point of being thirsty to stay hydrated.
Your Benefits Should Be Protected
Extra retirement income will help with energy bills. This is why Council of Seniors is working hard to get Congress to pass The SAVE Benefits Act. Due to low cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), $581 was kept out of seniors’ Social Security checks. This bill will ensure that money is returned.
Please sign our petition right away! Your help will make a big difference in returning this money to seniors.
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