
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 26, 1995                   TAG: 9507260033
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: TONYA WOODS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

AGENCY FANS RELIEF TO HEAT-STRICKEN

No need to even say it again: Everyone knows it's hot. The question is, how to stay cool, especially if you're over 60.

The LOA Area Agency on Aging is trying to help older residents find relief from the heat. By providing fans for those in need, the agency hopes to help the 50 people on its waiting list stay cool.

"We've had a lot of requests for fans," said Kevin McCollough, public relations director at the agency. "We just ask that if anyone brings in used fans, they are in good working condition."

The agency began collecting fans June 1; since then, 100 fans have been distributed to elderly people. About 50 fans or small window air conditioners still are needed. Cash donations to purchase fans also are being accepted.

"Hot weather and humidity increases the risk of heat stress in the elderly," McCollough said. "Prescription drugs can sometimes reduce [people's] ability to handle humidity and increase their chances of heat stroke and heart failure."

Some tips for staying cool include: spending spare time in air-conditioned areas, such as shopping malls or public libraries; drinking lots of liquids; wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothes; avoiding alcohol and hot meals; taking cool showers; and, especially for the elderly, limiting outdoor activity to early mornings or late evenings.

Those who want to donate fans or air conditioners can take them to LOA at 706 Campbell Ave. S.W. in Roanoke between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Cash donations can be mailed to: LOA, P.O. Box 14205, Roanoke 24038-4205. Donors should indicate the contribution is for "Fan Care."

by CNB