Concerning Christianity

Record temperatures are sweeping across the country this week and Chapel Hill has not missed out on the summer heat. Today, we expect to reach 101 degrees with an expected heat index of 110. Whew! Cole Porter once wrote: It’s too darn hot! But for many in our community the heat is not just uncomfortable, it is dangerous. Seniors are a group of people who are perhaps most vulnerable to heat of this caliber and many times are without someone to look after them. At Home Instead Senior Care, we have spent the last several days contacting our clients and their families to encourage them to take precautions over the next several days of sweltering temperatures. Staying indoors is the easiest possible solution but for many seniors that may not be enough. Many times the medication that a senior takes impairs their body’s ability to regulate temperature. Normally able to compensate for extreme heat, people on these medications find themselves at increasing risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Additionally, seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia may not realize that they are hot. As with any mental impairment, the brain loses its ability to process the signals it is receiving. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include: nausea, dizziness, headaches, profuse sweating, muscle cramps, and thirst. In my experience with heat exhaustion, the most dangerous and clear symptom to look out for is pale, cool skin. If a person is outside in 100 degree heat and suddenly goes cool and pale trouble usually follows.

My recommendations?

• Water, Water, Water, Water, a little Gatorade, and then some more Water. Hydration is critical. Keep a glass of water in each room as a reminder to drink more than you think you need.
•  Avoid activities that might raise the temperature in your house such as dishes and laundry.
• Take a nap during the heat of the day from 3-5.
• If your air conditioning is struggling to keep up go to the mall or a movie.
• Reach out to the elderly people in your life. Family, friend, neighbor, stranger; reach out to those who will be hardest hit by this heat.

Annie the orphan once happily sung that “the sun’ll come out tomorrow.” BJ Thomas sung that “raindrops keep falling on my head.” Here’s hoping that Annie is wrong and that BJ is right.