According to the National Institute of Health’s National Institute on Aging, there are a variety of risks that come along with rising summer temperatures and sustained heat waves. At All Seasons Home Care, we want to keep you informed on the latest news and findings related to the sustained heat waves our area is experiencing this Summer.
Millions Out West Face Dangerous Heat ─ Follow these Safety Steps
40 million people out West will experience dangerous heat near the end of July 2024. In the past month, heat watches and warnings have been issued for California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
The National Weather Service has issued these warnings based on weather trends and locations. In all of these areas, they have warned that nighttime lows will not provide much cooling relief. In addition, the number of people exposed to heat each year is steadily growing, so it is important to learn and adopt heat safety precautions for yourself and your loved ones.
Heat related illnesses can be prevented. Read more about heat safety precautions by clicking this link.
Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults
Heat for a sustained period of time is not healthy or safe for anyone, but older individuals can experience its side effects far more quickly and severely. Warmer temperatures make it even more difficult for older individuals to regulate their own body heat, something that gets increasingly difficult as we age.
Heat related illnesses can include heat syncope (or dizziness), heat cramps, heat edema (swelling), heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. In addition, extended periods of sun exposure can result in sunburn or skin blisters.
Learn more about heat’s effects on older generations, warning signs for heat-related illness, and tips for staying safe in hot weather by clicking this link.
As Days Heat Up, More Seniors Skip Doc Appointments
A new study finds that increasing numbers of people are missing doctor’s appointments due to extreme weather, including extreme and sustained heat. According to the study, the rate of missed primary care appointments increases 0.64% for every 1-degree increase in temperatures at 90 degrees or hotter. The study found similar rates for extremely cold temperatures.
As weather grows more erratic, physicians are concerned that seniors who miss their appointments will also lack the crucial medical care that comes with them. Additionally, health care professionals are concerned about how this increasing trend will affect their overall operations and individual healthcare costs. Many believe that telemedicine systems can be used to counter this concerning trend, and get people the care they need.
To read more about this topic, click here.
At-Home Care Services with All Seasons Home Care
If you need any assistance with your own at home care, or the at home care services of a loved one, please reach out to us at All Seasons Homecare in Pleasant Hill, California with any questions or requests. Our staff and at-home caregivers are excited to serve our clients and their families. To chat with a member of our team about at-home personal care services, please visit our website or contact us today by calling (925) 363-4900.