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Governor Quinn announces state efforts to address seniors' health
during warm summer months
Urges Illinoisans to
take precautions, check on elderly
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[August 22, 2011]
SPRINGFIELD –
As temperatures rise, Governor Pat Quinn has announced services
available to protect people from excessive summer heat, and asked
people across Illinois to look out for those most vulnerable to the
high temperatures, including the elderly and children during the
upcoming summer months.
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“We must all be aware of the health risks that accompany rising
temperatures, as well as the resources that are available to assist
everyone in Illinois. The state is here to help people stay cool--
providing cooling centers in more than 120 locations.” said Governor
Quinn. “We must all do what we can to ensure people are safe and
healthy, especially by checking on elderly friends, neighbors, and
relatives.
To combat high temperatures, the state is providing services to help
ensure the health and safety of the public.
The Illinois Department of Human Services has established cooling
centers and more than 120 state facilities, to help those without
air conditioning escape the heat. The cooling centers are located at
Illinois Department of Human Services offices throughout the state,
as well as the seven Illinois Tollway Oases in the Chicago area.
They are open to the public during regular business hours. For more
information about Cooling Centers call (800) 843- 6154. For a list
of participating centers and oases, visit the website at .
www.keepcool.illinois.gov
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) encourages people
across Illinois to take steps to protect against heat-related health
problems. To stay cool, IDPH recommends increasing fluid intake,
avoiding caffeine, alcohol and sugar, decreasing activities, wearing
appropriate clothing and, remaining in an air conditioned
environment whenever possible. For more information on summer
activity safety and summer health risks, visit the website at
http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/books/summtoc.htm to find the
“Summer? No Sweat” Survival Guide.
The Illinois Department on Aging encourages relatives and friends to
make daily visits or calls to senior citizens living alone. When
temperatures and humidity are extremely high, seniors and people
with chronic health conditions must be watchful for dehydration and
other effects of extreme heat. Additionally, seniors should eat
lighter meals, take longer and more frequent rests, and drink plenty
of fluids.
For information about preparedness, visit the Ready Illinois website
at www.Ready.Illinois.gov
.
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