IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE Senior Winter Emergency Even with the limited public information Baton Rouge Senior Medical Community is responding to 3 to 5 senior help calls a day. These calls are ranging from heat and plumbing issues, medication needs, emergency shelter, to meals on wheels. Baton Rouge Medical Center has teamed up with Rays Pharmacy, Lippencott Plumbing and Heating, and Old Barn Out Back to help seniors during extreme conditions. We thank those media outlets that have helped get information to our seniors and again ask that this information be sent out. Seniors are most at risk on the weekends when normal services stop. We are asking the community to check in on their senior neighbor that may be too proud to ask for help or just dont know who to call. Seniors in need of services, please call 419-331-CARE for quick services 24 hours, 7 days a week. In these kinds of extreme temperatures we also ask seniors to adhere to the following: 1. Monitor Body Temperature Older adults, over 65 years of age make less body heat because of a slower metabolism. Check the temperature in your home often during severely cold weather. 2. Nutritional Intake Eating well-balanced meals will help you stay warmer. Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages  they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly. Instead drink warm, sweet beverages or broth to help maintain your body temperature. 3. Dress Warmly and Stay Dry Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, cover face and mouth and dress in several layers of loose fitting clothing. Stay indoors as much as possible during these extreme conditions. Hypothermia kills 600 people in the U.S. each year. Hypothermia is not limited to being outside. It can occur from exposure to cold inside as older adults also may have complicated medical conditions or take certain medications that affect their ability to gauge how cold they are. If you have an elderly relative or friend, watch for these signs of hypothermia: " Sleepiness " Confusion " Cold hands and feet " Pale Skin " Slurred or slow speech " Slow breathing " Clumsy or unsteady movements For additional information and senior emergency care contact: Baton Rouge Senior Medical Center Rebecca Larimore, RN - Director of Business Development (419) 331-CARE (2273) or (419) 204-7896 (cell)