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July 16, 2002
Contact: Allison Kratt, College
of Nursing News Bureau, 509/324-7218, akratt@wsu.edu
Healthful Tips for Chillin' Out in the
Summer Heat
This
Wednesday, July 17, is expected to be the hottest
day of the week.
Use these tips to keep cool and
healthy.
Desensitized Cue for Thirst in
Elderly: Elderly people have a limited
cue for thirst and often do not realize they need
to be drinking more. If an elderly person does
feel thirsty, they are likely already severely
behind on fluid consumption. To avoid
dehydration, Intercollegiate College of
Nursing/WSU College of Nursing Assistant
Professor Dr. Cynthia Corbett recommends
constantly sipping fluids as opposed to drinking
large quantities at one time. The overall intake
goal should be eight eight-ounce glasses of water
or juice per day. Because elderly people are
often taking diuretics or "water pills" for
cardiac (heart) or circulatory problems, it is
particularly important to avoid caffeinated
drinks and high sodium foods. For assistance in
reaching Corbett, corbett@wsu.edu,
contact Allison Kratt, communications writer at
the College of Nursing, 509.324.7218, akratt@wsu.edu.
Storage of Medicines in the
Heat: Elderly people and others taking
medications need to be aware of the damaging
effects light and heat can have on prescription
drugs. Avoid putting medicine bottles in
windowsills, on top of appliances, or in other
locations that could expose the bottles to
extreme temperatures. Intercollegiate College of
Nursing/WSU College of Nursing Assistant
Professor Dr. Cynthia Corbett suggests storing
medicines in a cool dark place such as the inside
of a cabinet. Do not put medicines in the
refrigerator unless recommended by a pharmacist.
For assistance in reaching Corbett, corbett@wsu.edu,
contact Allison Kratt, communications writer at
the College of Nursing, 509.324.7218, akratt@wsu.edu.
Water Safety: Going to the lake
or local pool are great ways to cool off during
the hot summer months, but for an accident-free
day on the water, it is important to abide by all
local, state and national water safety laws.
Children should never swim alone. Dr. Margaret
Bruya, Intercollegiate College of Nursing/WSU
College of Nursing professor and People's Clinic
co-founder, also stresses the importance of
showering after swimming in freshwater. This is
to rid the body of any bacteria from duck or
geese excrement, which can cause skin irritation.
For assistance in reaching Bruya, bruyam@wsu.edu,
contact Allison Kratt, communications writer at
the College of Nursing, 509.324.7218, akratt@wsu.edu.
Soothing Sunburn: Sunburned skin
is delicate so be careful not to re-burn the same
area, particularly the ears and nose. Dr.
Margaret Bruya, Intercollegiate College of
Nursing/WSU College of Nursing professor and
People's Clinic co-founder instructs sunburn
sufferers not to puncture blisters and not to
apply any household items, such as butter, to the
burn. If the burn covers a large area of the
body, is second or third degree or is on a young
child seek professional medical attention. For
assistance in reaching Bruya, bruyam@wsu.edu,
contact Allison Kratt, communications writer at
the College of Nursing, 509.324.7218, akratt@wsu.edu.
Swimmer's Ear: An accumulation
of water in the ears can cause a fungus known as
swimmer's ear. To prevent swimmer's ear, pay
particular attention to drying the ears after
exposure to water, says Dr. Margaret Bruya,
Intercollegiate College of Nursing/WSU professor
and People's Clinic co-founder. Dropping a 10%
vinegar and water solution into the ears will
help the drying-out process. It is also important
for children with tubes in their ears to insert
earplugs when swimming. For assistance in
reaching Bruya, bruyam@wsu.edu,
contact Allison Kratt, communications writer at
the College of Nursing, 509.324.7218, akratt@wsu.edu.
Hot Weather Exercise: As the
temperature increases, exercisers need to take
precaution, especially when exercising outdoors.
Dr. Margaret Bruya, Intercollegiate College of
Nursing/WSU College of Nursing professor and
People's Clinic co-founder advises not to
exercise during the hottest part of the day,
drink lots of water and stop immediately if
feelings of light-headedness, dizziness or
fatigue occur. For assistance in reaching Bruya,
bruyam@wsu.edu,
contact Allison Kratt, communications writer at
the College of Nursing, 509.324.7218, akratt@wsu.edu.
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