Summer Safety Tips
When temperatures surge past 100 degrees, the blistering heat can cause numerous deaths. Older adults are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons. First, older adults are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that upsets normal body responses to heat, and they are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration. Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat, and it is unable to cool down. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include: an extremely high body temperature; red, hot and dry skin; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness and nausea.
You can follow these prevention tips to protect yourself from heat-related stress:
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated beverages. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him/her how much you should drink when the weather is hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps.
- Rest.
- Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
- If possible, seek and air-conditioned environment. If you don’t have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off.
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.
- Do not engage in strenuous activity.
If you have an older adult relative or neighbor, you can help them protect themselves from heat related stress by: visiting them at least twice a day, while watching for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke; taking them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems; and making sure they have access to an electric fan whenever possible.
The WRMPPF is a member of the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems and National Family Caregivers Association.
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