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 think I’ll go put some cold wet cloths on me. Pretty hot today.
Thanks for the info this comes in handy
Ha, I think I am old enough that I should be aware of all of this! I am actually, and I hydrate like crazy. I have this cool Soma Sustainable Pitcher & Plant-Based Water Filter : amazon.com/gp/product/B00WFY7I2C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
I worry about my parents when they are outside in the sun with the grandchildren. I know they do not keep up with their water intake. Thanks for bringing light to this topic.
A lot of information all of us should know. Thanks!
I could have had this problem yesterday when the temp hit 99 degrees. Solved it by staying in.
This is definitely a problem with older people, especially in the summer time. I have a good friend who had a serious episode of this a couple years ago. She stayed in the hospital for a few days and it took her a while to get her strength back after getting home!!!
This is so important this time of year. We are under heat advisories and have to watch for this if you are outside. It’s important to check on others, too. When my husband was off, we had a set time we’d call and tell him to go in the house and have a snack. Keeps him energized and cooled off.
As a nurse, I love seeing articles like this one. The more the public is aware of warning signs the more people will be saved.
Thanks for all this information on heat strokes. They can happen more often for older people who may not be aware of the symptoms of them. I remember one time my dad had a heat stroke when we were at the beach. Luckily we knew what to do.
Great information. I don’t think older people realize how much more danger heat stroke is for them. Some of these things I did not know.
Heat stroke is definitely a very real and scary thing and not talked about enough! Great rundown on the signs and symptoms etc!
I have heard of heat stroke but never really understood what it was. This is great information to know. Last year I made cooling bandanas from instructions on the internet. My husband wore them golfing on hot days and they do last a long time. They can be refreshed by resoaking.
Great information. I have MS so when I get in the heat, I can have these symptoms instantly. I use the cooling bandanna that keeps you cool when it’s hot outside. I also suggest this for older adults also. We all use them including the dog when we are camping. You just put in cold water for 2 min and usually lasts 2 hours or more depending on the outside heat. I gave them to our parents for working in the garden. I only wish we had them when I was growing up having to do the farm chores. Just wanted to add in case anyone might be able to use them. They really do work. Outside construction workers use them during the summer months.
WOW Karen. Now that I understand them I will grab one for my husband. I can’t believe they last two hours. That’s incredible. The Chief Blonde
There is so much helpful info and facts on spotting the signs and how to prevent..Thanks for posting.
Very helpful and interesting post. TFS
Some really good advice here for all. These are very real!
i now this i have it posted on my fridge beacuse i have had been in and out
ive gotten heat posioning before! ugh it was horrible and on vacation
Oops, I meant heat index.
Not head index.
I have no idea what a head index is.
🙂
Thanks!