EEK! Can I keep myself and the older people I love safe in hot weather?
Heat-related health problems increase with age! Did you know that?
Hyperthermia is caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body. Hyperthermia includes:
- Heat fatigue
- Heat syncope (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat)
- Heat cramps
- Heat exhaustion
- Heat stroke
Older people, particularly those with chronic medical conditions, have lifestyle factors that can often lead to hyperthermia including:
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Lack of mobility and access to transportation
- Living in housing without air conditioning
- Overdressing
- Not understanding how to respond to hot weather conditions
- Visiting overcrowded places
What medical issues can lead to an increase in hyperthermia in the elderly?
You or your parents also may have medical issues that increase the risk of hyperthermia:
- Dehydration.
- Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever.
- High blood pressure or other health conditions that require changes in diet.
- Use of multiple medications.
- Age-related changes to the skin such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands.
- Being substantially overweight or underweight.
- Reduced sweating, caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure drugs.
- Alcohol use.
What are the signs for heat stroke?
The Signs of Heat Stroke
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include a significant increase in body temperature (generally above 104 degrees Fahrenheit), changes in mental status (like confusion or combativeness), strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, feeling faint, staggering or coma.
How to aid someone suffering with hyperthermia (including heat stroke):
- Get the person out of the heat and into a shady, air-conditioned or other cool place. Urge them to lie down.
- If you suspect heat stroke, call 911.
- Encourage the individual to shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water if it is safe to do so.
- Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists, neck, armpits, and/or groin. These are places where blood passes close to the surface of the skin, and the cold cloths can help cool the blood.
- If the person can swallow safely, offer fluids such as water, fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Head over to the National Institute on Aging for more information on Hyperthermia.
No compensation was provided for this post. The Chief Blonde posted this for your reference.
Source: The National Institute on Aging.
Extreme heat is dangerous for everyone, but especially for the elder and people with other health problems. Learn the warning sign of a heat stoke and try and be prepared to avoid one.
interesting
Thanks for the info. I’m staying with my daddy while Mom is traveling in Maine. He is worst than a child & I’m having to watch him close due to the fact that he will not work in yard at appropriate times of the day. It’s a scorcher here in Louisiana!
Thanks for this comment. I will be 66 this summer and I get so cold in the winter here in the Midwest and hot in the summer. I am inside most of the summer if it’s too hot and with zero temps and snow in the winter I’m also inside. Get cabin fever bad.
Elderly people should not go out in extremely hot weather.
My youngest son had 2 bouts of heat stroke and almost ended up in the hospital at the age of 4 and again when he was around 8.
Thankfully, the time he was 8 the Scout leaders he was with noticed immediately and took the necessary steps to keep him safe.
It is hard to believe how much our bodies change as we age. I went into Menopause right after I had my one and only child at 34 and had hot flashes for 20 years. Thankfully it’s finally over. Thanks for your review about hypertension. I always learn a lot from your reviews.
These are great life saving tips! I used to live in Arizona and a lot of elderly people were hospitalized for heat stoke due to the high temperatures. Everyone should learn these tips for both of these!
it is scary to realize how easy it is to,suffer the effects of heat. I shall,have to remember all of these tips.
Haven’t had the high temps here in Colorado this year. Good info.
When I was younger I never drank water even when I lived in hot humid Florida. I’m lucky I never got too sick but now I drink water especially in the summertime.
This is very nice
This is good to know thanks
Thank you for this. I don’t do well in the heat and now I know what to look for.
Some great information that I did not know. Great stuff for all to read!
This blog very nice
I had no idea that a sign of heat stroke was lack of sweating. Kind of seems contradictory.
good info
This is very useful information. We are having some hot weather here now.
Thanks!
we all need to keep an eye out for the older people and the very young