Doctor talks keeping senior citizens safe amid extreme weather

JACKSON, Tenn. — Keeping seniors safe in extreme summer weather like wildfires, heat waves, flooding and power outages presents new challenges.

Exposure to extreme heat can damage the central nervous system, the brain, and other vital organs and the effects can set in with terrifying speed, resulting in heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heatstroke.

While seniors with asthma are having a tough time dealing with the increased air pollution from high temperatures and ongoing wildfires, breathing can sometimes feel like a chore.

Asthma and allergy expert Dr. Renee Matthews has recently become a caregiver for her asthmatic mother, and dealing with extreme weather has become a challenge within itself.

“A lot of older adults are more likely to have health conditions that are more sensitive to climate hazards like heat and air pollution,” said Dr. Matthews.

As a long-time asthmatic and allergy sufferer, Dr. Matthews uses her personal experience to inform and empower others.

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