Statistics show that the chance of suffering a heart attack greatly increases over the age of 55, for both men and women. Fortunately, there are some simple things one can do to limit, and even prevent, the chances of having a heart attack.

A heart attack happens when a part of the heart muscle dies or becomes damaged due to reduced or blocked blood supply. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), risk factors for having a heart attack include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and a family history of stroke, obesity or diabetes.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has published a simple guide for preventing heart attacks, called “The ABCs of Heart Attack Prevention.” The ABCs are: Avoid tobacco, Become more active, and Choose good nutrition.

The AHA recommends that one should quit smoking, be physically active every day, maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, eat a healthy diet, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, manage diabetes, and not drink excessive amounts of alcohol.

The CDC lists the five major symptoms of a heart attack as:

1. Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back
2. Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint
3. Chest pain or discomfort
4. Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulders
5. Shortness of breath

The University Hospitals Center for Healthy Aging reports that patients often attribute their pain or discomfort to something else, and don’t seek the medical attention they need. If blood flow to the heart is not restored within minutes, irreversible damage to the heart will occur, or the heart may stop beating altogether.

If you think that you, or a loved one, are experiencing a heart attack, it is important to call 911 immediately. If you’re not sure, call anyway. While waiting for emergency personnel to arrive, ask for help from anyone nearby who may be trained in CPR and in using a defibrillator.

The Cleveland Heights Senior Activity Center offers blood pressure checks and other health screenings on a regular basis. It also offer classes and programs to help keep one physically active, maintain a proper weight, and reduce stress. Call 216-691-7377 for more information.

The AHA can be reached at 800-242-8721, and the CDC can be reached at 800-232-4636.

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One of the perks of becoming a senior adult is that one becomes eligible for special discounts offered by many local businesses and organizations.

The Ohio Department of Aging administers the Golden Buckeye program, giving seniors access to discounts at more than 20,000 businesses throughout the state. Seniors age 60 or older, and any disabled adult over the age of 18, is eligible for this free program.

State residents who hold a current Ohio driver’s license or state ID card automatically receive a Golden Buckeye card the month of their 60th birthday. Other eligible residents may apply for the card at any CH-UH library or at the Cleveland Heights Senior Activity Center.

For more information on the Golden Buckeye Program, call 800-422-1976 or visit www.aging.ohio.gov/goldenbuckeye.

The following businesses offer a 10 percent discount for Golden Buckeye cardholders: Tommy’s restaurant at 1824 Coventry Road (216-321-7757), Boston Market at 2184 Warrensville Center Road (216-321-2219) and Wendy’s at 13246 Cedar Road (216-371-3402).

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History offers cardholders a $2 discount on admission (216-231-4600).

The Golden Buckeye card also provides access to prescription drug discounts through the “Ohio’s Best Rx” program. Call 866-923-7879, or visit www.ohiobestrx.org, for more information.

Other local businesses and organizations offering discounts for seniors include the Cedar Lee Theatre ($3 discount on shows after 3 p.m.; 216-321-5411), Bremec on the Heights (10 percent discount; 216-932-0039), Cleveland Heights Community Center ($20 discount on a 30-day pass, $121 discount on a one-year pass; 216-691-7373), Atma Center (10 percent discount on a class pass for 5, 15 or 30 classes; 216-371-9760), Cumberland pool ($10 discount on a season pass; 216-691-7265), and Purvis Park pool ($25 discount on a recreation pass; 216-382-4720).

Museums and performance halls offering discounts to seniors include the Cleveland Play House (discount varies by show; 216-241-6000), the Great Lakes Science Center ($1 discount on admission, additional savings for groups of 10 or more; 216-694-2000), the Cleveland Museum of Art special exhibitions (20 percent discount; 216-421-7350), and the Steamship William G. Mather Maritime Museum ($1 discount; 216-694-2000).

Membership in AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) also gives seniors access to discounts too numerous to list here. Get more information by visiting www.aarp.org or calling 888-687-2277.

Low-income seniors may be eligible for discounts on gas and electric utilities through the Home Energy Assistance Program administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency. Call 800-282-0880 or visit www.development.ohio.gov/is/is_heap.htm for information.

In addition, the Ohio Department of Taxation offers discounts on property taxes for low-income seniors. Contact the department at 800-282-1780.

Please note that the above list may not be exhaustive, and there may be other discounts available of which the writer is unaware.

Please also note that the amount and availability of these discounts may change. Call ahead to verify the discount, and ask what proof of eligibility is required.

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Warm temperatures are a welcome relief from the frigid weather we had last winter. Hot and humid weather, however, can bring challenges and dangers for seniors. Here are some tips to help keep you safe during the summer.

Keep cool. When body temperature rises, our body naturally sends more blood to circulate through our skin. This leaves less blood for our muscles, which in turn increases our heart rate. The body faces additional stress when humidity is high, because sweat cannot readily evaporate through the skin to cool us.

University Hospitals (UH) advises staying cool by wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, avoiding outdoor exertion between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and taking refuge near a fan or air conditioner when you feel hot. Experts also advise limiting your intake of high-protein foods, as these can increase metabolic heat. You should also consider exercising indoors, in an air-conditioned fitness center or shopping mall.

Stay hydrated. The likelihood of dehydration increases as the temperature rises. In addition, our sense of thirst decreases as we age, making thirst an unreliable gauge of the body’s need for water. It is therefore very important to drink water even though you may not feel thirsty.

According to the Mayo Clinic, urine color is a reliable indicator of hydration. Urine should be clear or light-colored. Dark yellow or amber urine indicates insufficient hydration. Other signs of dehydration include a dry or sticky mouth, sleepiness, decreased urination, dry skin, headaches and dizziness. UH advises against drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as these can interfere with hydration.

Protect yourself. To help avoid skin damage from summer’s intense UV rays, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen when you go outside. UH recommends using a sunscreen with UVA protection and an SPF of at least 30. Wear protective clothing that allows perspiration to evaporate, and also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare.

Practice food safety. As room temperature increases, the length of time that perishable foods can safely stay out of the refrigerator decreases. The Mayo Clinic advises that perishables may be left out at room temperature for no more than two hours. When the temperature rises above 90 degrees, the safe limit decreases to one hour. Bacteria that cause food poisoning do not change the taste or smell of food, so it is difficult to tell if something has become contaminated. Watch the clock or set a timer when you remove perishable items from the refrigerator. Remember to practice these safety tips when you grill outdoors or bring perishables to a picnic.

People with diabetes need to take extra precautions in hot weather. The Mayo Clinic reports that high blood sugar can contribute to dehydration. Moderate your glucose levels and avoid sugary beverages and sports drinks when you are hot. Be sure to test your blood sugar levels more often in hot weather.

Click here to read the full article in the Heights Observer.