Heat Stress and the Elderly

Rocks Natural Idaho Spring Water Donates to Meals On Wheels

With temperatures hovering in the high-90s, the Meals On Wheels program is teaming up with Rocks Natural Idaho Spring Water to help the elderly stay cool and hydrated on these hot summer days. On Tuesday July 29th Meals On Wheels clients will get bottled water and an information sheets on how to avoid dehydration in addition to their regular meals.

“The hot weather is hard on all of us, but it’s especially tough on seniors,” said Senior Nutrition Program Manager Angela Spain, “We want to remind seniors about the dangers of heat stress and the importance of staying hydrated. We’re excited to have Rocks Natural Idaho Spring Water helping us deliver that message in a refreshing way.”

The elderly are more susceptible to heat stress than younger people for a number of reasons:

Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature
They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that upsets normal body responses to heat
They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration

The things the elderly can do to prevent heat stress is good advice for everyone:

Drink cool, nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated beverages – water is best.
Rest
Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment. (If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off.
Wear lightweight and light colored clothing
If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.

By following these simple measures seniors can avoid the dangers of heat-related illness, things like dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat-related illness can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated.

One of the services the Meals On Wheels drivers provide seniors is a daily well-being check. If they see that a senior is having trouble keeping cool or is experiencing some other problem, they can quickly arrange to get help.

The Meals On Wheels program serves about 600 homebound elderly every weekday by delivering hot, nutritious meals. Seniors also have the option of receiving frozen meals for weekends. For more information contact the Meals On Wheels program at (208) 327-7460 or visit the CDHD website

For more information on Rocks Natural Idaho Spring Water, check out their website.