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.
I agree!! take care of yourself.
so much to learn about this post…will be very helpful…thanks for sharing
So scary!
Great post, very informative and helpful. Thanks for all of the useful tips!
I was feeling like this the other day, I grabbed my bottled water and just drank it as fast as I could, and sat in the water at the pond, My hubby sat behind me to make sure I didn’t fall asleep in the water…
Such important tips, especially here in the heat of Florida. Sometimes I wonder if I’m getting heatstroke because I get really faint but I do sweat when this happens. According to this flow-chart, I wouldn’t sweat if this was happening. Thank-you for the information. 🙂
I will watch for these symptoms next time I am with the older members of my family
That is a great list of signs to lookout for in case of an emergency. Thank you!
this is very intresting
It’s always good to review the signs of heat stroke and to know what to do if you see someone showing these signs.
Heart problems or conditions are nothing to mess around with, many people I love suffer from heart disease and it is very scary! Eat right, take care of yourself and laugh, always laugh 🙂 Thank you for your fantastic post, very informative and educational!
That is really a scary situation for someone to be in. I hope this article will inform people what to look for.
1 year ago I had a heat stroke, in the middle of Six Flags, one of the scariest things ever.
My Father is elderly and he was not drinking enough water! He has dementia, and now I have to make sure to give him water every day, and keep up with his water intake. It is so important that the elderly drink water and stay out of the hot weather!
I think the article above should be read by all senior citizens!! Especially the ones who live alone! I knew a few of the tips, but not some of the areas to put a cold cloth on, like the wrists or groin areas. Thank you for this caring review!!
Thank you for the information. I’m sharing this with my mom since my stepdad is out in the host sun doing yardwork in the heat!
Unfortunately, many people don’t know the symptoms and then it’s too late. I am involved in animal rescue and have a number of rescue animals of my own. The same holds true for them. Actually, animals, children, seniors, and anyone with other health issues has to be especially cautious.
With the extreme heat this summer in many areas, it’s important to remember this information. Thanks for reminding us.
This is some great info. It has been extremely hot the last few months, and I know I feel as if I am about to faint when I have to take my dogs out. It is horrible out there.
Fortunately for me, my older loved ones have central air conditioning in their homes! Myself….I have a window air conditioner, and it works pretty well.