Heat and Chronic Conditions

Why are people with chronic medical conditions more vulnerable to heat?

• They may be less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature.
• They may be taking medications that can make the effect of heat worse.
• Conditions like heart disease, mental illness, poor blood circulation, and obesity are risk factors for heat-related illness. Individuals who are overweight or obese tend to retain more body heat.

Stay cool and stay hydrated.

• Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.
• Keep in mind that heavy sweating can remove salt and minerals from your body. Talk to your doctor about how to safely replace salt and minerals lost through sweating.
• Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
• Check the local news for health and safety updates regularly.

Caretaker Checklist

Keep a close eye on those in your care by visiting them at least twice a day, and ask yourself these questions:

Learn how to spot heat-related illness.

• Seek medical care immediately if you or someone you know experiences symptoms of heat-related illness.

• Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
• Extreme Heat | Ready.gov
• Extreme Heat Safety | Heat Exhaustion Safety | Red Cross
• Heat Safety Tips and Resources (weather.gov)