As the summer rolls in and temperatures soar, it becomes important to address the challenges posed by hot weather. At IntuneHealth, we understand the unique considerations that older adults face during heat waves. In this blog, we provide you with practical solutions to stay cool and comfortable in hot weather.

Hydration Is Key

When you live in hot and sunny climates, hydration is essential. Hot weather can lead to dehydration due to fluid loss from excessive sweating. Therefore, drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, is necessary even if you don't feel thirsty. The consequences of dehydration include heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and electrolyte imbalances.

6 Indoor Cooling Techniques

When temperatures soar, it's time to retreat from the heat and move indoors. Transform your home into a cool oasis with these six heat-reducing tips:

1. Utilize fans: Fans can help to move air within the room. You can use ceiling fans and portable box or circular fans. Positioning fans near the window creates a cross breeze, which can support a cooler environment.
2. Utilize curtains: You can block out the sun's heat with the strategic use of your curtains. Blackout and insulation curtains can help stop the heat from entering your room, and reflective or light-colored curtains can reflect sunlight back outside.
3. Create a sleeping oasis: You can create a cool sleeping setup to support a good night's sleep in hot weather:

• Use cotton sheets
• Use a cooling pillow and mattress pad
• Choose light-colored, light-weight fabrics for your bedding

4. Utilize shade: In hot climates, temperatures in the shade can range from 5°F to 20°F cooler than temperatures in direct sunlight. Increase the shade in (and around) your home by planting trees to block sunlight, installing a pergola, and hanging exterior shades from your windows.
5. Electrical selections: Electronics and appliances can generate heat in your home. To reduce the amount of heat electronics emit in your home:

• Choose energy-efficient appliances
• Use LED lights
• Turn off or unplug your devices when not in use
• Utilize power-saving features on your electronics

6. Utilize air conditioning: Air conditioning can make a huge difference in your comfort and health in hot environments. Here are several tips for using ACs to your advantage:

• Create a DIY air conditioner by placing a sheet of ice in front of a fan.
• Install a portable air conditioner in a home window.
• If you have a central air conditioner, make sure the air can freely flow through all of the vents and utilize deflectors to direct cool air where you need it most.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, address the situation immediately. Move to a cooler environment, drink plenty of water to rehydrate, loosen clothing, take a cool bath or shower, or put ice and wet washcloths on your body. Seek medical assistance right away if you throw up or faint, your symptoms get worse, or symptoms do not disappear after one hour.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• Excessive sweating
• Cold, pale, or clammy skin
• Weakness and fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Fainting

Become An IntuneHealth Patient Today

IntuneHealth is a new approach to healthcare for adults on a Medicare Advantage plan! We specialize in caring for adults 65+ and offer proactive, preventive primary care to keep you healthy — including walk-in visits and same-day appointments for patients — so you can spend more time living your best life. 

We also offer events and programs to keep our patients healthy, active and connected, from yoga to cooking classes. Make sure to book your one-on-one tour of your local center, or call us today at 1 (844) 646-8863!