LAKE COUNTY — With the hottest months of summer approaching the likelihood of people suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke is increasing.
Among the most often affected by these heat related illnesses are senior citizens. However, the Lakeport Senior Activity Center has provided a way for seniors to beat the heat this summer.
The Lakeport Senior Activity Center invites all seniors in the community to take part in its 2012 “Eat, Stay, Play” program that was introduced this year, but will continue as a year-round event.
The doors of the center open at 7 a.m., at which time pastries and donuts are served. Lunch begins at 11:45 a.m. and continues until 12:30 p.m. Donations are accepted for all meals offered.
Various activities begin after lunch and include, but are not limited to, bridge club, line dancing, bingo, free movies, easy stretch exercise and art classes. The center has also introduced a new game room this summer, complete with a pool table and Wii console for seniors to enjoy.
The center encourages seniors to use the facility for their own group activities as well.
The center also has weekend events two Sundays out of the month. On the second Sunday, the center provides a community breakfast from 8 to 11:45 a.m. On the third Sunday, the center invites the community to attend a dance and potluck from 2 to 5 p.m.
Executive Director Jonathan Crooks said, “Staying hydrated and staying cool is important during the summer. Part of our mission is providing a place for seniors to come, stay cool and have fun.”
The Lakeport Senior Activity Center encourages the seniors of Lake County to use its facility to stay cool this summer.
The center is always kept cool as it is an emergency cool down facility. In the event of an emergency, the American Red Cross has access to the center to treat patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.
Heat stroke is a very serious condition and can lead to serious injury or even death. It is caused by the body becoming overheated and being unable to regulate body temperature. The warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke include dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, weakness, red skin, shallow breathing and a rapid but weak heart beat. If you, or someone you know, begins experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Heat stroke can be prevented. A July 2012 Nutritional Education handout distributed by the Lakeport Senior Activity Center details the importance of drinking at least eight 8-ounce cups of water daily as well as providing the recipe for a “Cool Summertime Smoothie.” The handout also advises seniors to stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., avoid strenuous activity and wear light-colored, lightweight clothing and a hat. It is also important to use frequent applications of sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
For more information about senior center activities and menus around the lake, visit lcseniors.com.
For more information regarding heat stroke and other summer related illnesses, visit american.redcross.org.
