SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Department on Aging is reminding residents that winter's harsh weather poses a special threat to seniors.
Department director Charles Johnson says seniors should take extra precautions to keep warm this winter.
That includes making sure to set thermostats above 65 degrees. Johnson says while people may be tempted to dial down the temperature to save money, they're putting themselves at risk for hypothermia.
Seniors are also urged to get an annual flu shot and a vaccination for the swine flu.
And the department suggests hiring a service or getting a friend to shovel snow.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
Department director Charles Johnson says seniors should take extra precautions to keep warm this winter.
That includes making sure to set thermostats above 65 degrees. Johnson says while people may be tempted to dial down the temperature to save money, they're putting themselves at risk for hypothermia.
Seniors are also urged to get an annual flu shot and a vaccination for the swine flu.
And the department suggests hiring a service or getting a friend to shovel snow.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
