It is important for seniors to remember that they are at particular risk for hyperthermia, a\u00a0heat-related illness brought on by long periods of exposure to intense heat and humidity,\u00a0which causes an increase in a person\u2019s core body temperature (98.6\u00b0)(37\u00b0C). The two\u00a0most common forms of hyperthermia are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.<\/p>\n
Heat Exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot. The person may be\u00a0thirsty, giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseous, sweating profusely and the skin is cold and\u00a0clammy.<\/p>\n
Heat Stroke caused by excessive exposure to hot, humid temperatures kills an\u00a0average of 1,700 persons in the United States each year. About 80% of heat stroke\u00a0deaths occur in persons age 50 and older, because age and other factors such as<\/p>\n
disease, dehydration and medications diminish the ability of the body to compensate for\u00a0increased core temperatures. A person with Heat Stroke has a body temperature above\u00a0104\u00b0F. Symptoms may include confusion, combativeness, bizarre behavior, faintness,<\/p>\n
staggering, strong rapid pulse, dry flushed skin, lack of sweating and possible delirium or\u00a0coma. Immediate medical attention is essential when problems first begin.<\/p>\n
What can be done to prevent hyperthermia?<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Drink plenty of liquids, even if not thirsty.\u00a0Seniors should drink at\u00a0least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day. Eating a variety\u00a0of fruits with high water content such as watermelon, pineapple, grapes,\u00a0strawberries, peaches, apples and pears will also help to supply needed\u00a0body fluids to prevent dehydration.<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Dress in light-weight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Avoid the mid-day heat and do not engage in vigorous activity\u00a0during the hottest time of the day\u2014between noon and 4:00 p.m. When<\/p>\n
participating in outdoor sports and activities, be sure to protect the skin\u00a0by using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher (exposure to sunlight is\u00a0a major cause of skin-related health problems). Wear a hat or use an\u00a0umbrella for shade.<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 If possible, use air conditioners liberally or try to visit air-conditioned\u00a0places such as senior centers, shopping malls, libraries and theatres.<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Get accustomed to the heat by slowly exposing yourself to it briefly at\u00a0first and increasing the time little-by-little.<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Avoid hot, heavy meals.\u00a0Do a minimum of cooking and use an oven<\/p>\n
only when absolutely necessary. Remember to practice safe food handling<\/p>\n
during the warmer temperatures. Perishable foods should never be left<\/p>\n
out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Top Ten Tips on Keeping Seniors Safe in Summer Heat<\/p>\n
\u25cf Drink plenty of liquids — eight or more 8-ounce glasses per day and or\u00a0fruit juices — every day to stay hydrated.<\/p>\n
\u25cf Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.<\/p>\n
\u25cf Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics like\u00a0cotton and dress in light colors that will reflect the sun and heat instead of\u00a0darker colors that will attract them.<\/p>\n
\u25cf When outdoors, protect your skin from damage by wearing hats,\u00a0sunglasses and a sunscreen of 30 SPF or more.<\/p>\n
\u25cf Stay indoors during extreme heat. Make sure you check in with family or\u00a0friends everyday if you live by yourself<\/p>\n
\u25cf If you do not have air conditioning in your apartment, go somewhere that\u00a0does. A movie theater, the mall, a friend or relative’s home or a community\u00a0senior center are all good options.<\/p>\n
\u25cf If you need to get out of the house and don’t drive a car, call a taxi,\u00a0a friend or a transportation service. Do NOT wait outside for the bus in<\/p>\n
extreme heat.<\/p>\n
\u25cf If you are absolutely unable to leave the house and do not have air\u00a0conditioning, take a cool bath or shower to lower your body temperature on\u00a0extremely hot days.<\/p>\n
\u25cf Temperatures inside the home should not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit\u00a0for prolonged periods of time.<\/p>\n
\u25cf Know the signs of heat stroke (e.g flushed face, high body temperature,\u00a0headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion) and take<\/p>\n
immediate action if you feel them coming on<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to get the word out to warn older adults of the dangers associated with heatand to encourage them to take measures to protect themselves so they can have a safe and\u00a0enjoyable summer. During periods of extreme heat, I would also urge family members,\u00a0caregivers and neighbors of older individuals to frequently check on them to make sure\u00a0their homes are properly ventilated and cooled, and that they have adequate fluids and\u00a0foods,\u201d said Gloria Lawlah, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging.<\/p>\n
For further information on hot weather health and safety tips for seniors, contact your local Area<\/p>\n
Agency on Aging or Judy Simon, Maryland Department of Aging, at 410-767-1090, or toll free; 1-800-243-<\/p>\n
3425.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It is important for seniors to remember that they are at particular risk for hyperthermia, a\u00a0heat-related illness brought on by long periods of exposure to intense heat and humidity,\u00a0which causes an increase in a person\u2019s core body temperature (98.6\u00b0)(37\u00b0C). The two\u00a0most common forms of hyperthermia are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat Exhaustion is a Read the Rest…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[72,134,265],"class_list":["post-153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-dept-of-aging","tag-heat","tag-tips"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t