July 9, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Keeping Cool When The Heat Is On: UCLA Geriatrician Offers Tips:

Summer is here – and with it comes warmer weather and more outdoor activities. Unfortunately, getting too hot can make you really sick.

Elderly people are at highest risk for heat-related illnesses. Chronic medical conditions and physical changes that occur with aging make it more difficult for their bodies to cool in very hot weather.

Some contributing factors may include obesity, dehydration, heart disease, side effects from prescription medications, poor circulation, mental illness, and alcohol use. Additionally, humid weather can further compound the problem as sweat does not evaporate as quickly, making it more difficult for the body to release heat.

Typical signs and symptoms that you or a loved one may be overheating include:

• nausea

• vomiting

• abdominal cramping

• confusion

• dizziness

• headache

• muscle cramping

• difficulty breathing

• red-hot skin; and

• loss of consciousness

Often times, older adults with several chronic medical conditions – or their loved ones or caregivers – may dismiss these symptoms by thinking they are part of the condition or an accompanying complication. Consequently, it is important to stay vigilant and be proactive to avoid overheating.

Staying in an air-conditioned environment is the number one preventive measure. Unfortunately, air-conditioning is not always available at home. When that’s the case, try to spend time in public facilities that are air-conditioned. Many communities open “cooling centers” during period of high or excessive heat.

Drink plenty of fluids, even when you are not thirsty. Elderly persons often have impaired thirst mechanisms to begin with, so it is vitally important to stay on top of your fluid intake. If you have issues with fluid retention, work closely with your physician to find the right balance between medication dosage and fluid intake. Water is the best form of liquid. Avoid alcohol or liquids that contain high amounts of sugar or caffeine as these fluids can make you even more dehydrated.

Also avoid direct sunlight and wear loose, lightweight clothing. If you must be outdoors, do so during off-peak hours, use sunscreen and wear light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats. Pace yourself and allow more time to do your usual activities.

Other recommendations include:

• Take cool showers or baths, if possible, to help cool off.

• Avoid using your stove and oven to cook, if possible, as their usage will make your home – and you – hotter.

• Ask a loved one or neighbor to check on you daily. If you are able, check in with them.

• Stay updated with weather forecasts from local news agencies to know when excessive heat warnings are in effect.

As always, if you or someone you know seems affected by the heat, seek medical care immediately.

Follow these steps to enjoy a cool and healthy summer!

Dr. Grace Chen is a board-certified geriatrician with the highly regarded UCLA Geriatrics Program in Santa Monica and Westwood. For more information, call 310.319.4371 or visit www.uclahealth.org.

in News
<>Related Posts

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Santa Monica Home Defies Convention: Architect Eric Owen Moss Debuts Shape-Shifting Design

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Pistachio-Colored Marvel Boasts Curving Walls, Sharp Angles, and Challenging Design A striking residence in Santa Monica is turning heads with...

Caitlyn Jenner’s Friend and Former Foundation CEO Dies in Malibu ATV Crash

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

ATV Plummeted 350 Feet After Rear-Ending Vehicle in Malibu Sophia Hutchins, former CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation and longtime...