When the thermometer rises, so does the need to assist those in need.
Operation Fan/Heat Relief – a summer fan distribution program that operates each year throughout North Carolina – is now under way. The Division of Aging and Adult Services in the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has managed the program since it began in 1986.
With the heat of the summer upon us – evident by last week’s triple-digit air temperatures as well as the heat index reaching 110 degrees in some areas – the time is right to help senior citizens.
“Chronic health problems in older people often require medication that can affect the body’s natural defenses against heat and humidity,” said Dennis Streets, Division of Aging and Adult Services Director. “These fans can be a lifesaver for some and help all recipients stay more comfortable and healthier in their home.”
In Halifax County fans are available at the Jo Story Senior Center and Littleton Senior Center.
Progress Energy or Dominion power bills must be presented and identification to show proof of age must also be presented.
The Jo Story center can be reached at 252-533-2849 while the Littleton Center can be reached at 252-586-6773.
In the Roanoke-Chowan area, senior citizens can contact the Office on Aging in their county of residence. Those contact numbers are as follows:
Bertie County: 252-794-5315
Gates County: 252-357-1380 (Health Dept.)
Hertford County: 252-358-7856
Northampton County: 252-534-1668
“For many years, Dominion North Carolina Power, Duke Energy, Progress Energy and the Valassis Giving Committee have donated generously to support this important program,” Streets said. “The program has been successful because of the concerted efforts of the 17 regional Area Agencies on Aging and the local aging and adult service provider agencies which purchase and make fans available to eligible people.”
Last year, donations totaled $98,500, and with these funds, 5,423 fans and 51 air conditioners were purchased. In certain counties air conditioners are made available for people with more serious health problems. There is no public money associated with this project.
People who are 60 or older or people with disabilities are eligible to receive one fan per year to help alleviate heat problems within their home.
More information can be found by calling local aging agencies or on the web at www.ncdhhs.gov/aging/heat.htm.
Hot Weather Tips for Seniors
Talk with your doctor and be aware of the medications you take and know for example that painkillers can reduce awareness of the heat and diuretics which promote fluid loss can lead to dehydration more often during hot weather. In addition to using electric fans, the following tips should be observed to reduce heat-related problems:
Cool off by taking baths or showers or placing ice bags or wet towels on the body.
Stay out of direct sunlight, put shades over the windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that permits sweat to evaporate.
Drink plenty of liquids such as water, fruit or vegetable juices and iced tea to replace the fluids lost by sweating. As a person ages, thirst declines. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages or fluids that have too much salt, since salt can complicate existing medical problems, such as high blood pressure.
Eat small meals and eat more often and avoid foods that are high in protein which increases metabolic (body) heat
Keep you medicines in a cool dry place
Check up on friends or neighbors who live alone
This can also be a good time to join your local senior center or take advantage of buildings made accessible to seniors during excessive heat. Your community’s public information office can be contacted for additional information.
Take the heat seriously, and do not ignore danger signs like nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, confusion, labored breathing, chest discomfort, and rapid or erratic pulse. They can all be signs of trouble. Get to a cool place, drink cool water slowly and seek medical help if conditions don’t improve.
