The dog days of summer are here! With the higher temperatures and humidity, we have been hearing lots of suggestions about how to keep cool. Unfortunately, we are also hearing of individuals who experience heat-related complications. Getting too hot can be dangerous and heat warnings need to be taken seriously by everyone, not just the elderly.

Here are some tips and suggestions. Some you may have heard before, some are new but all should make this heat wave more bearable;
• Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of liquids, preferably water. Avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine. If you do not like water, add lemon or another flavoring to make it more appealing.
• Eat light meals. Plan ahead so you have healthy food on hand and don’t resort to snacking on empty calories. Think of peanut butter, hard boiled eggs, chicken/tuna salad, yogurt, salads, jello and cottage cheese. Fruits such as watermelon and grapes are not only healthy but have a high water content. Frozen grapes are also a great sweet treat! Popsicles and ices also add fluids to cool you off.
• Avoid spicy foods which can raise your body temperature.
• Keep a spray bottle in the fridge and spritz yourself throughout the day.
• If you don’t have an air conditioner, place a bowl filled with ice cubes in front of a fan. The cool air makes a good substitute for air conditioning.
• Place cool towels around your neck and on your wrists to cool your body.
• Put off doing outside chores until the weather is more favorable.

Please take precautions during this time. Soon the hot, humid days will pass and cooler temperatures will take their place. If you experience any sign of heat exhaustion, seek medical attention.