Tip - How to Recognize Heat Stroke

Tip - How to Recognize Heat Stroke

It's almost July! Time for fun in the sun, however, it may not be fun for everyone. Older adults are more susceptible to heat stroke.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Older adults are more prone to heat stroke because they are more likely to have a chronic medication condition that changes their body's response to heat and are more likely to be taking medications that impair the body's ability to regulate normal body temperature.

Heat stroke signs include:

• Sweating
• Paleness
• Cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea/vomiting
• Fainting
• Cool moist skin
• Fast or weak pulse and/or breath

So please take care of yourselves by drinking plenty of water, resting appropriately, remaining indoors during the heat of the day, and wearing lightweight clothing. As agents, we suggest carrying bottles of water with you for your more senior clients as well as being able to recognize the signs of heat stroke. If you are experiencing signs of heat stroke or see someone who is immediately get the person to a shady cool area and cool the person quickly by any means possible at your immediate disposal. 

Question: Why do I get so much mail when approaching age 65?

Good question. Medicare marketing rules do not allow insurance agents to make cold calls, go door to door, or to even approach you. So, the only way to get in touch with seniors turning 65 is by direct mail or advertising.

So, if you mail in a reply card from someone’s mailer, you might be bombarded with phone calls and mail. They may sell your information to agents call centers to set appointments.

Tips to avoid some of the overflow:

Request removal from the Direct Mail Association. Go to www.dmachoice.org to be removed.

Register for the “National Do Not Call List” to avoid unwanted phone calls. Go to www.donotcall.gov or call toll-free at 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236).

Also, Register for Texas "No Call Lists" at www.texasnocall.com or by calling 1-866-TXNOCAL(L) (1-866-896-6225). 

You will need to call or give written permission for me to contact you. Remember, I charge you no fees, we are paid by the carrier you sign up with. Because I am an Independent Insurance Agent I can offer you many of the top carriers in Texas. 

So, call today! 817-689-3536.

Sonia Ashford is an independent insurance agent in the Medicare field, and has delivered hundreds of speeches about turning 65, Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement insurance to consumers in Tarrant County. A respected agent within the Medicare insurance industry, she is the owner of Ashford Insurance Services. Visit Sonia's agency website http://ashfordinsuranceservices.com to learn more about how she can help you with your Medicare decisions.