How to Protect Your Health in Arizona’s Extreme Heat

Senior woman smiles for camera during water break at gym

Arizona’s hottest days are here. With all the sunshine and summer relaxation comes some real risks. Stay safe by staying informed!

Heat-related illness

Record-breaking heat is our new reality, and it’s more important than ever to protect yourself. More than 2,000 Arizonans have already been to the emergency room this year for heat-related illness.

Safety tips for older adults

Heat affects older adults differently. As we age, it becomes harder for our bodies to regulate temperature, and certain medications and health conditions like diabetes or heart disease make it especially important to stay cool and hydrated.

Extra precautions to take:
  • Stay hydrated, even if you don’t feel thirsty: Dehydration can sneak up quickly and worsen certain conditions like diabetes.
  • Keep an eye on blood sugar: High temperatures can affect how your body uses insulin. Be sure to test regularly and adjust as needed.
  • Check your medications: Some prescriptions affect how your body handles heat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure.

Heat can also impact your medications, making them less effective or changing how they work in your body. Store your meds as directed (do not leave medicine in hot cars or mailboxes) and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

For AZ Blue members

Heat stroke is life-threatening. In a true emergency, we want you to get the fastest, closest care. Emergency care is covered as in-network, even if the hospital isn’t.

To learn the signs of heat stroke, visit: Take the Heat Seriously: Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore.

Help prevent heat-related illness

AZ Blue wants to help keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. All summer long, we’ve been packing heat relief kits, connecting Arizonans to water, and so much more! Explore volunteer opportunities and take action with us to provide heat relief to vulnerable Arizonans: azblue.com/azblueinaction. 

    Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona (AZ Blue) is contracted with Medicare to offer HMO Medicare Advantage plans. Enrollment in AZ Blue plans depends on contract renewal.

    You are eligible to enroll in a AZ Blue Medicare Supplement plan if you are age 65 or older, entitled to Medicare Part A, and enrolled in Medicare Part B, and you live in the plan service area. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premiums (and Part A, if applicable), if not otherwise paid for by Medicaid or another third party. During the first six months when you are age 65 and also enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B you cannot be denied a Medicare Supplement plan when you apply for one, regardless of health status.

    Health Choice Pathway HMO D-SNP is a Health Plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Health Choice Pathway HMO D-SNP depends on contract renewal. Health Choice Pathway Member Services can be reached at 1-800-656-8991, TTY: 711, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week.
    Member Services can be reached at 480-937-0409 (in Arizona) or at our toll-free phone number at 1-800-446-8331 (TTY users should call 711). Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday from April 1 to September 30; and 7 days a week from October 1 to March 31. Member Services also has free language interpreter services available for non-English speakers.

    OptumRx® is an independent company providing prescription mail order services.