OLDER ADULTS CAN "BEAT THE HEAT" WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM THE OCEAN COUNTY OFFICE OF SENIOR SERVICES

WHEN THE MERCURY rises and the dog days of summer return, Ocean County's senior citizens can find relief with a phone call to the county Office of Senior Services.

"Our annual ‘Beat the Heat' booklet has been updated for 2017 and is available free of charge from the Ocean County Office of Senior Services," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari. "This publication provides our residents with a wealth of information to help them do just what the title says – beat the heat."

The booklet offers helpful hints on keeping cool during the summer's hottest days and provides listings of various outreach programs.

"With more than 166,000 seniors calling Ocean County home, it's important they are prepared for the summer heat," said Vicari, who serves as chairman of Senior Services "Our office is providing a useful guide that touches on a number of topics so our seniors can have a safe, happy and healthy summer season."

Seniors can also access many nutrition sites and outreach programs throughout Ocean County.

"Beat the Heat" lists locations and telephone numbers for many of these programs which can be found in Brick, Berkeley, Manchester, Long Beach, Stafford and Toms River townships. Transportation is available for those who need it.

There are also tips on how to keep your body hydrated, signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, ways to stay cool, precautions to take on hot days, warm weather food care tips and ways to avoid heat related illness, he said.

"The publication also includes information on caring for your pets in hot weather," Vicari said. "Many of our seniors have cats and dogs and it's important to make sure attention is paid to the needs of the animal to keep them safe and healthy during warm weather."

"The summer season is a great time of year to get outdoors and enjoy all that Ocean County has to offer," said Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little. "But we also have to realize it's important to know our limits when participating in warm weather activities."

To learn more about how to protect yourself from the heat this summer, the "Beat the Heat" booklet is available online at the Ocean County Seniors Services web page at www.co.ocean.nj.us or by calling Senior Services at (732) 929-2091.