Stay cool!

During hot months, pay attention to the heat index. A heat index is the temperature the body feels when heat and humidity are combined. For example, a weather report may say the temperature outside is 85 degrees, but the heat index is 92. This means that it will feel like 92 degrees to the body when outdoors.

It is best for older adults to remain indoors on very hot days, as well as during the times of day when the heat is at its peak (usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Furthermore, older adults should make arrangements for someone (a relative, friend or neighbor) to check in on them periodically. This ensures they get the help they need should dehydration or heat stroke occur.

If you must go out into the heat, have everyone in the family drink at least 1 to 2 cups of water beforehand. You may also want to take a small cooler with ice and enough water for everyone with you. If the heat is hot enough to cause sweating and red faces, sports drinks mixed with water can help replace sodium and potassium lost through sweating.

Before everyone piles into a piping hot car, wait a few minutes. Have one person start the car and let the air conditioning system run for a few minutes. This can make the start of your journey a much more pleasant one.

Take some wash cloths with you. When they’re soaked in cold water, they can cool your body down when used on the face, neck and arms. Small children sometimes find relief in hot weather by placing a cool washcloth on top of their head while riding in the car.