Elders and Heat: Ten Steps To Stay Safe

Carol Bradley Bursack is Answering questions Caregiver Author, blogger and eldercare columnist For over twenty years author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley... Send Message Subscribe: Carol Bradley Bursack

Monday, June 25, 2007
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I clearly remember entering my mother-in-law’s apartment the last summer before she went into a nursing home. The curtains would always be drawn until I came at noon to fix her lunch and straighten up. The windows were tightly closed. She was too paranoid to even reach out into her hallway to...

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a helpful product to keep cooler
Maureen Curran
Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 06:42 PM
Many drug stores in southern California sell a kind of tie or slim scarf that goes around the neck and ties in the front, which helps keep you cool.

They are made of longish, slim fabric with small "beads" inside. When you soak it in plain tap water (tried refrigerated, but not necessary as it got too cold) for a bit, and wring out the excess water, then tie around the neck. They are surprisingly effective and regenerate easily. And they are much cheaper than the metallic gadgets for around your neck that I've seen.

re: a helpful product to keep cooler
Carol Bradley Bursack
Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at 07:34 AM

Hi Maureen,

What a fabulous idea! I am going to look for this for myself. I don't handle heat well - never have. I also have some issues with my neck that benefit from ice packs. This could be a new find for in-between treatment.

For elders, this little bit of coolness could literally be a lifesaver. Thanks so much for your input.

Carol