Elderly at risk for heat-related illness
By
Suzanne Hopkins-
Heat-related illness a risk for older adults
Summer is just around the corner, and Ohio’s hot summer weather and high humidity can pose a health risk for seniors. Some risk factors may include chronic illness such as heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes or lung disease; poor physical conditioning; high environmental temperature and humidity, especially for sustained periods of time; poor ventilation and cooling; poor fluid intake; alcohol use; inability to access, even for temporary periods of the day, an air-conditioned location.
It is important to recognize types of heat-related illness, and the proper treatment of each: Heat cramps are caused by not taking in enough oral fluids to replace fluids and electrolytes lost from sweating. Heat cramps are not life-threatening but may progress to heat exhaustion. Symptoms include sweating and muscle cramps, usually of the legs. Treat with non-caffeinated fluids, rest, and move to a cool environment.
Heat exhaustion is caused by not enough fluids in the system, high environmental temperatures, and body temperature over 102 degrees F. Warning signs and symptoms include nausea, extreme weakness, vomiting and lightheadedness, fainting, skin cool and clammy, heavy sweating and pale or red skin, rapid heartbeat, or low blood pressure. Treat by removing to cool environment; giving non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages; loosen or remove clothing; cool the body with wet towels and fanning, or cool shower or bath; lie down with feet elevated; seek medical attention.
Heat stroke is a serious illness and is life-threatening. It is caused by failure of the body’s heat regulating system when the environment is hot and humidity is high. Individuals may be dehydrated. Heat stroke may or may not be related to physical activity. Warning signs and symptoms include red-hot flushed dry skin, usually with a lack of sweating; high body temperature (usually 105-106 degrees F); headache; rapid pulse; disorientation/confusion or strange behavior; hallucinations; seizures; unconsciousness.
Seek emergency medical treatment immediately; remove the individual to a cool environment; position individual lying down with feet elevated and cool the body with wet towels, cold packs and fanning; offer cool water to drink.
Stay safe by taking preventive measures. Increase intake of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages. Wear loose fitting clothing and reduce physical activity. Improve ventilation, use fans or air conditioners if possible.
If your home is not air conditioned, try to spend at least part of the day in an air conditioned environment, such as a movie theater, shopping mall, or your local senior center.
Additional helpful information can be found at the National Institute of Health website: www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/hyperthermia.htm.[[In-co… Ad]]
Summer is just around the corner, and Ohio’s hot summer weather and high humidity can pose a health risk for seniors. Some risk factors may include chronic illness such as heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes or lung disease; poor physical conditioning; high environmental temperature and humidity, especially for sustained periods of time; poor ventilation and cooling; poor fluid intake; alcohol use; inability to access, even for temporary periods of the day, an air-conditioned location.
It is important to recognize types of heat-related illness, and the proper treatment of each: Heat cramps are caused by not taking in enough oral fluids to replace fluids and electrolytes lost from sweating. Heat cramps are not life-threatening but may progress to heat exhaustion. Symptoms include sweating and muscle cramps, usually of the legs. Treat with non-caffeinated fluids, rest, and move to a cool environment.
Heat exhaustion is caused by not enough fluids in the system, high environmental temperatures, and body temperature over 102 degrees F. Warning signs and symptoms include nausea, extreme weakness, vomiting and lightheadedness, fainting, skin cool and clammy, heavy sweating and pale or red skin, rapid heartbeat, or low blood pressure. Treat by removing to cool environment; giving non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages; loosen or remove clothing; cool the body with wet towels and fanning, or cool shower or bath; lie down with feet elevated; seek medical attention.
Heat stroke is a serious illness and is life-threatening. It is caused by failure of the body’s heat regulating system when the environment is hot and humidity is high. Individuals may be dehydrated. Heat stroke may or may not be related to physical activity. Warning signs and symptoms include red-hot flushed dry skin, usually with a lack of sweating; high body temperature (usually 105-106 degrees F); headache; rapid pulse; disorientation/confusion or strange behavior; hallucinations; seizures; unconsciousness.
Seek emergency medical treatment immediately; remove the individual to a cool environment; position individual lying down with feet elevated and cool the body with wet towels, cold packs and fanning; offer cool water to drink.
Stay safe by taking preventive measures. Increase intake of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages. Wear loose fitting clothing and reduce physical activity. Improve ventilation, use fans or air conditioners if possible.
If your home is not air conditioned, try to spend at least part of the day in an air conditioned environment, such as a movie theater, shopping mall, or your local senior center.
Additional helpful information can be found at the National Institute of Health website: www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/hyperthermia.htm.[[In-co… Ad]]