We have had some record-breaking temperatures already this year – and they seem to come out of nowhere. So this is a clip-and-save column to keep handy for those hot days ahead. Be prepared and know how to beat the heat before it beats you.

Extremely cold weather gets quite a bit of press in the winter months as it is very hard on the elderly. People often do not realize that extreme heat can be just as dangerous.

Hyperthermia, not to be confused with hypothermia, is the term used to define heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

And one of the most important things for seniors to remember is that they can be at risk for hyperthermia.

Hot days can increase the risk of heat-related health problems, particularly for people of advanced age or those with heart, lung or kidney disease.

Heat exhaustion, which occurs when the body gets too hot, has symptoms such as:

. Thirst.

. Confusion.

. Weakness.

. Becoming uncoordinated.

. Nausea.

If you experience any of these symptoms or you are with an older person who does, these treatments can provide some relief: showering, bathing or sponging off with cool water, drinking fluids such as water and juice, and lying down to rest, preferably in a cool place. If you are outside in the sun, find shelter immediately.

While heat exhaustion can be addressed fairly easily with the above steps, heat stroke is another story. It can be deadly, so immediate medical attention is crucial.

The list of possible symptoms includes:

. Cool, moist, pale skin which may or may not be hot to the touch.

. A body temperature of 104 degrees.

. Confusion, combativeness or bizarre behavior.

. Headache, faintness, staggering.

. Strong rapid pulse.

. Dry flushed skin, lack of sweating.

. Vomiting.

If you or someone else is exhibiting any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

The key is to prevent and reduce the risks that extreme heat can cause for seniors. It’s important to talk to primary care providers about individual risk factors, which might include the use of certain medications, required fluid intake and assessment of home environments.

As we age, the body’s ability to release heat by sweating is blunted, making it particularly dangerous for seniors to stay in very warm environments for long periods of time.

And speaking of medications, there are some drugs that increase a person’s sensitivity to the sun, causing skin to burn faster than it normally would.

To beat the heat, try opening windows at night on opposite sides of the building to create cross-ventilation. During the day, keep windows, blinds and curtains closed. If you have a fan and a squirt bottle, you’ve got a good way to stay cool. Sit in front of the fan and lightly mist your legs and arms. As the water evaporates, your skin will cool down.

Be careful of overdressing. Older people may not feel the heat accurately and consequently put themselves at risk by wearing too much or inappropriate clothing. Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting garments made of natural fibers are best.

While drinking more liquids is vital to avoiding hyperthermia, check with your healthcare provider before changing your normal routine, especially if you have had limits put on your fluid intake or have been prescribed water pills.

Summer is short-lived in Maine, so enjoy it but be cautious. And remember, if it is hot, leave your dog at home. A car can turn deadly in just a few minutes, even with the windows down.

Carol Higgins Taylor is director of communications at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. E-mail Higgins Taylor at chtaylor@eaaa.org. For information on EAAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or log on EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.