Filed by btucker in Feature, Health, Local News.
June 29, 2011

Oklahomans are struggling to keep cool this summer. Oklahoma’s AARP Associate State Director Craig Davis says everyone needs to be thinking heat safety.

“Well I think it’s a concern for everybody, especially older Oklahomans with the heat,” Davis said. ” So what we’re asking people to do is to check on their neighbors and their family members and make sure that they’re alright in the heat.”

Extreme heat is dangerous to everyone, but elderly people and infants are more susceptible to heat illnesses. The most common issues are medication interference, mobility difficulties, and adapting to the heat.

“Extreme heat kills more Americans each year than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, and floods combined and that’s according to the CDC,” Davis said. ” So what we’re asking for people to do is to go to the website, and download the kit on how they can help someone stay cool.”

AARP has tips on heat illnesses at their website http://healthtools.aarp.org/learning-center/heat-emergencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has a guide to prevent extreme heat illnesses at their website http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp