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Seniors More at Risk for Heat Related Illnesses
Tracey Cousineau, LSW-C, Outreach Manager
07/26/2007
Anyone can develop
heat-related problems if air ventilation is not adequate or if the
person is overexposed to direct sunlight. Seniors, however, are at
increased risk during extremely hot weather because they do not adjust
as well to sudden changes in temperature. Seniors whom have chronic
health conditions, take certain medications or live alone are at an even
higher risk.
Seniors are more
likely to have a chronic medical condition that upsets normal body
responses to heat. This is
important to remember because heat stroke or heat exhaustion occurs when
the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's
temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat, and it
is unable to cool down. Body temperatures can rise to 106 ° F or higher
within 10 to 15 minutes. This can occur either indoors or outdoors, with
or without exercise.
Several medications
commonly prescribed for older adults can affect them in the
heat, creating an increased risk of developing heat stroke or heat
exhaustion. These Medications may impair the body's ability to
regulate its temperature or inhibit perspiration and include diuretics
(water pills), many heart medicines, diabetes medicine (tablets and
insulin), psychoactive drugs (antidepressants and mood altering drugs),
antihistamines (hay fever and allergy medicine) and antihypertensive
(high blood pressure) drugs.
Please consult your physician before discontinuing any medication.
When the body
overheats, it can go into crisis. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may
include paleness, nausea, extreme fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness,
and vomiting, fainting and cool, clammy skin. Heat stroke has similar
symptoms but also includes strong, fast pulse, a very high temperature
of 106deg.-112deg.F, confused, strange, or angry behavior that may lead
to unconsciousness. Usually we sweat when we're hot, but when someone
has heat stroke, there is no sweat, and the skin is very dry and hot. As
stated above, heat-induced illness can result in confusion, dizziness
and loss of consciousness so it is important that friends and relatives
have daily contact with seniors who live alone.
The good news is that
heat related illnesses are preventable.
Here are a few tips:
·
Use a buddy system.
If you live alone are 65 years of
age or older or have a chronic health problem, have a friend, relative
or neighbor check on you at least twice a day, even if you have air
conditioning.
·
Limit outdoor
activities.
Try to plan activities before noon and in the evening. When physically
active, rest frequently in the shade.
·
Drink plenty of fluids.
Even if you remain indoors and limit your activity, your body
still needs to replace lost fluids, salt and minerals. During hot
weather, you will need eight or more glasses of water or fruit juices a
day. (Consult your doctor if you have been directed to limit the amount
of fluid you drink). During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink
two to four glasses of cool fluids each hour. Avoid alcohol, sugar and
caffeine because they contribute to dehydration. Also, avoid extremely
cold liquids because they can cause cramps.
·
Protect your body.
When spending time outdoors, avoid direct sunlight. Wear a hat and
lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that permit
evaporation of perspiration. Use a sunscreen with a sun protection
factor (SPF) greater than 15 to protect yourself against sunburn.
Electric fans are often ineffective once the temperature hits the 90’s
so try to spend at least two hours a day somewhere that has air
conditioning such as the library or a shopping center.
·
Never leave children,
seniors or pets in a parked car, not even for just a few minutes. The air
temperature inside a car rises rapidly during hot weather and can lead
to brain damage or death.
If symptoms of heat
exhaustion are present, find a cool place. Place the person in a
semi-sitting position and loosen their clothing. Encourage them to drink
cool, non- alcoholic, decaffeinated beverages and apply cold water to
their head and body while fanning them.
If symptoms persist or you suspect heat stroke seek medical
attention immediately. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent
disability if emergency treatment is not provided.