Baltimore, MD (July 3, 2007) \u2013 Summer weather and outdoor activities generally go hand-in-hand. \u00a0However, it is important for older adults to recognize, prepare for, and take action to avoid severe health problems and conditions often associated with summer weather.<\/p>\n
It is \u00a0important for seniors to remember that they are at particular risk for hyperthermia, a heat-related illness brought on by long periods of exposure to intense heat and humidity, which causes an increase in a person\u2019s core body temperature (98.6\u00b0)(37\u00b0C). \u00a0The two most common forms of hyperthermia are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.<\/p>\n
Heat Exhaustion is a warning that the body is getting too hot. \u00a0The person may be thirsty, giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseous, sweating profusely and the skin is cold and clammy.<\/p>\n
Heat Stroke caused by excessive exposure to hot, humid temperatures kills an average of 1,700 persons in the United States each year. \u00a0About 80% of heat stroke deaths occur in persons age 50 and older, because age and other factors such as disease, dehydration and medications diminish the ability of the body to compensate for increased core temperatures. \u00a0A person with Heat Stroke has a body temperature above 104\u00b0F. \u00a0Symptoms may include confusion, combativeness, bizarre behavior, faintness, staggering, strong rapid pulse, dry flushed skin, lack of sweating and possible delirium or coma. \u00a0Immediate medical attention is essential when problems first begin.<\/p>\n
What can be done to prevent hyperthermia?<\/p>\n
Top Ten Tips on Keeping Seniors Safe in Summer Heat<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is to get the word out to warn older adults of the dangers associated with heat and to encourage them to take measures to protect themselves so they can have a safe and enjoyable summer. \u00a0During periods of extreme heat, I would also urge family members, caregivers and neighbors of older individuals to frequently check on them to make sure their homes are properly ventilated and cooled, and that they have adequate fluids and foods,\u201d said Gloria Lawlah, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0For further information on hot weather health and safety tips for seniors, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Judy Simon, Maryland Department of Aging, at 410-767-1090, or toll free; 1-800-243-3425.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Baltimore, MD (July 3, 2007) \u2013 Summer weather and outdoor activities generally go hand-in-hand. \u00a0However, it is important for older adults to recognize, prepare for, and take action to avoid severe health problems and conditions often associated with summer weather. Hyperthermia \u2013 A Hot Weather Hazard for Older People It is \u00a0important for seniors to 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":[21,134,239],"class_list":["post-161","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-aging","tag-heat","tag-senior-citizens"],"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