Friday, July 18, 2003

'Cool Breeze' for the elderly

The elderly can keep cool this summer in the air-conditioned comfort of the nearest Fulton County's senior activity center, Mondays through Fridays.

While cooling down in one of these 20 "oases", seniors can participate in a variety of refreshing nutritional, educational and social activities that enrich their minds, bodies and spirits.

This reminder is part of "Operation Cool Breeze", an annual effort by the Fulton County Human Services Department's Office of Aging to help senior citizens avoid heat exhaustion, which is caused by excessive exposure to heat.

On days predicted to have sweltering temperatures of at least 90 degrees, the centers will host special activities.

Elderly persons are easily susceptible to heat exhaustion, which is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, mental confusion and excessive or no sweating. Many live in older homes without air conditioning and rely only on box fans, which do not maintain constant, comfortable temperatures.

For the nearest Fulton County senior center or facility, or to report an elderly person who needs help getting heat relief, call 404-730-6000.