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“Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is increasingly recognized as a major cause of respiratory illness in older adults, particularly those with chronic medical conditions or frailty. RSV poses a significant health burden, frequently causing hospitalizations, prolonged recovery, and, in some cases, serious complications.1″
“Clinical preventive services (CPS) play an integral role in protecting and promoting individual health and the health of communities. Such services can help people recognize health problems early, when treatment often is most effective. CPS can also help prevent certain diseases altogether. However, despite the benefits, very few people in the United States receive all recommended preventive services and many access few. As public health professionals, we have a responsibility to not just deliver the message about the critical role that CPS play in supporting good health, but also work to expand CPS access in whatever ways we can.”
Just last week a 10-year-old boy died as a result of heat illness. It can impact any family, any person. PLEASE be aware and be prepared.
Another Historic Heat Wave
Predictions are that Phoenix, indeed all of Arizona, will again break records with high temperatures this summer.
645 people suffered heat related deaths in Maricopa County last year. In the mid-2010s, Maricopa reported 60-180 heat deaths per year. 2020 had a 70% increase over 2019. The number could increase this year with the higher numbers of homeless people. Homeless, elderly and chronically ill people are most likely to die or be hospitalized because of heat. But NO ONE IS IMMUNE TO HEAT ILLNESS.
What Is Heat Illness?
Heat-related illnesses are progressive, ranging from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions.
Sources:
Maricopa County Dept of Public Health – 2023 Heat Related Deaths Report
Best Practices for Preventing Heat-Related Emergencies
By American Safety & Health Institute
Who Is At Greater Risk of Heat Illness?
How to Prevent a Heat Related Emergency
For those exposed to hot temperatures, preventing heat-related emergencies can be achieved with three very simple actions early on: water, rest and shade.
Drinking plenty of fluids and resting from the heat in shady areas are some of the best ways to prevent heat illness.
Other protective measures include wearing sunscreen and appropriate clothing (choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colors) and staying in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. Public spaces, such as a shopping mall, public library or movie theater, are great places to escape to if you don’t have air conditioning at home.
It’s best to schedule the heaviest workload and other outdoor activities when it’s the coolest, such as the early morning and evening. If possible, rotate tasks among workers to help minimize overexertion and heat exposure.
Click here to read the full article
Click here to view the Valley’s Heat Relief Network (cooling centers, respite centers, hydration stations, donation sites)
Additional Resources
Proposed Rule from OSHA to protect Outdoor and Indoor Workers from Extreme Heat
Under the proposed rule, employers in certain jobs would have to establish a heat safety coordinator for the workplace and develop procedures for responding to symptoms of heat illness. The rule is currently in the 120 day public comment period.
Should you have any questions, call Deanna Young, founder of Staying Alive LLC. Deanna provides CPR and First Aid training. She will gladly answer your questions! Look at her classes on her website to be trained as a Guardian Angel.
Deanna Young
Phone: 480-205-0350
For more than two years straight, Moore was sick, homeless and close-to-death drunk — on mouthwash, cologne, anything with alcohol, he says. He landed in the hospital 70 times between the fall of 2014 and the summer of 2017.
“I lived in the emergency room,” the 56-year-old remembers. “They knew my name.” Things got so bad, Moore would wait for the ER nurses to turn their backs so he could grab their hand sanitizer and drink it in the hospital bathroom.
When it comes to living a long and healthy life, finding and treating health conditions at an early stage is key. Alongside a healthy lifestyle and regular checkups, screening tests offer people the best chance to thrive at any age.
Here are the screening tests for older adults that are recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and other leading healthcare organizations.
