Community Update (7/15/24)

Wellness

How to Beat the Heat

These past few weeks have dealt us a whopping blow of 90 to 107 degree heat. Whew!  People have favorite methods to deal with this heat — staying in air conditioning, having a cold drink, finding a swimming pool to dunk into, sitting in front of the fan. While all of these methods may seem to work for the short time, some of these methods may not be helpful at all, and may be harmful. The Washington Post (June 25, 2024) explored the heat issue and consulted many experts who suggested some tips on staying safe; this article will repeat information found in the Post article.

First, why does such high heat present a problem for humans? Overheated people can experience minor conditions like heat cramps ranging up to severe situations like heatstroke which can be fatal. “Heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the United States” (Post), and last week heat alerts were in effect for 60 million people in this country. Dehydration is a big problem, and especially for Seniors. So, how does this happen to us? Our bodies cool off by sweating and evaporation, but profuse sweating plus urination can lead to dehydration. What can we do about this? These tips may help.

• Drinking alcohol can be risky in the heat, so avoid this. Alcohol “opens up the arteries in the skin, which allows more direct contact of the blood with the outside temperature, hot or cold” and that warmed up blood circulates in the body, heating it up more. Also, alcohol is a diuretic, increasing urination. Since alcohol exacerbates fluid loss, it is harder to sweat, increasing the severity of the body’s condition.
• Eat hydrating foods. Most of our hydration comes from our food; when we are dehydrated our body sends a hunger signal. So, if you are hungry you may actually be dehydrated. Fatty and fried foods are more difficult to digest, so create more body heat. Better to reach for wetter foods: cucumbers, watermelon, cold vegetable soups. It is recommended to eat smaller meals more frequently.
• Make sure your fan is working for you. A preferred place to be is in air conditioning, but if outside or away from A/C, use a fan. The experts caution to not use a fan if the humidity is higher than 50 per cent and the temperature is up to 100 degrees, as a fan in this situation would make you hotter. Better to sit in a cooling bath, or visit a cooling center. And, an energy saving tip, if you use your fan AND A/C at a lower setting, you will save energy.
• Excess caffeine can make you feel worse. Rethink that second iced coffee or energy drink in extreme heat. High levels of caffeine stimulate movement which warms the body and can promote dehydration through increased urination. So “too much caffeine without water or electrolyte replacement, plus exertion outside, can increase the amount of heat generation”.
• Be mindful of how medications affect your response to heat. Your health provider will encourage you to continue taking your prescribed meds, but just be aware of side effects of some medication. For example, antihistamines like Benadryl and allergy pills cause some tightening of blood vessels near our skin, so limit dissipation of heat. Ask your health provider if you are on cardiac meds or stimulants, diuretics or weight loss medications, find out what you should do to counteract any side effects that effect body heat.

So stay cool, get an ANV ride to an air-conditioned community center, dust off the fan, and enjoy the summer!

Permanent Drug Take-Back Boxes

Arlington County has taken a pro-active measure in the fight against prescription drug abuse by installing four permanent drug take-back boxes. The public can now safely and securely dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 day a year. This disposal service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

The permanent drug take-back boxes are located at:

• Arlington County Fire Station #2 – 4805 Wilson Boulevard
• Arlington County Fire Station #5 – 1750 S. Hayes Street
• Arlington County Fire Station #9 – 1900 S. Walter Reed Drive
• Arlington County Police Department – 2000 block of 14th Street N.

Items accepted at the drug take-back boxes are prescriptions, vitamins, prescription ointments, pet medications, prescription patches and over-the-counter medications. Items not accepted are needles, inhalers, aerosol cans, thermometers, lotions or liquids and hydrogen peroxide. This is a joint public safety project between the Arlington County Police Department and the Arlington County Fire Department.