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The Pinecone
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August 2016
Keep Your
Weather in Memphis went from unseasonably cool to dangerously
hot. This summer has been exceptionally humid, too. A high heat
index is particularly troublesome for seniors. The Heat Index (HI)
is a number that tells people how warm it actually feels, regardless
of the real outside air. During high humidity, the body doesn’t sweat
as effectively or release heat through the evaporation of sweat. This
can be especially dangerous if seniors (or anyone else) are exercising
outdoors in a high heat index. Even a mild activity, such as walking
can cause problems.
“Seniors are much more vulnerable to the harmful effects of heat, as
their bodies do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature,”
shares Dr. Lubna Javed of HealthCare Partners Medical Group.
“Some chronic medical conditions and prescription medications can
impair the body’s ability to react efficiently to rising temperature.”
Know the Risks of Hyperthermia. During the summer; be
particularly cautious about abnormally high body temperatures -- a
condition known as hyperthermia. Heat stroke is an advanced form
of hyperthermia that can be life-threatening. Make sure to know the
warning signs and get medical attention immediately if you or anyone
you know is experiencing these symptoms:
• Body temperature greater than 103 degrees
• A change in behaviour, such as acting confused, agitated or grouchy
• Dry, flushed skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Headache
• Heavy breathing or a rapid pulse
• Not sweating, even if it’s hot out
• Fainting
• Muscle cramps and heavy sweating may occur with heat exhaustion
If symptoms occur, go to a cooler environment immediately and
lower the body temperature by using cool water (a pool, cool tub,
cool shower or washcloth wipe-down). For maximum cooling, keep
the water just below body temperature. Give the person chilled, but
not icy cold, water to drink. Heat exhaustion can be a life-threatening
emergency, so have someone call emergency medical personnel (or
911 if on-site help is not available) at the same time you begin to cool
the person down.
Avoid a Heat Emergency. Recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion
or heat stroke is one way to keep seniors safe in hot weather. Because
many seniors, especially those with Alzheimer’s or dementia,
don’t recognize changes in temperature immediately, stay alert for
symptoms, prompt for rehydration, and remind loved ones to remove
extra clothing layers outdoors and turn on the air conditioner when
they return home.
Stay Hydrated. Seniors are more susceptible to dehydration than
younger people because as we age we lose our ability to conserve
water and become less aware of our thirst. Drink plenty of cool
water throughout the day and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Pack extra
water for outings. But if taking water pills or other medication, check
with your doctor to find out exactly how much water you should be
drinking on warm days. Dr. William Greenough, of Johns Hopkins
Geriatric Center, says to make sure seniors are drinking sweat
replacement products (that contain salt and potassium) to replace
water they lose during the summer.
Eat cooling snacks like popsicles or slightly frozen grapes or
watermelon, and light, cold meals like chicken or pasta salad instead
of heavy, hot dishes like pot roast.
Place a cool washcloth on the back of the neck and a pan of cool water
close by to periodically re-cool the towel. Sit with feet in a pan of cool
(but not too cold) water.
Keep the house as cool as possible by keeping shades closed during
the hottest part of the day.
Stay in Touch. High temperatures can be life-threatening, so let
friends and family know if you’ll be spending an extended period of
time outdoors, even if you’re only gardening.
Wear the Right Stuff. Dress for the weather. When it’s warm out, some
people find natural fabrics (such as cotton) to be cooler than synthetic
fibers. Light-colored and loose-fitting clothes feel cooler and more
comfortable Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful UV
rays and preserve your vision Everyone, young and old, should wear
sunscreen when outdoors. Hats are also a great idea, especially for
those with light colored hair and those with only distant memories of
a full head of hair.
Exercise Smart. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as walking or
gardening, keep track of time. Don’t’ stay out for long periods and
make sure to drink even more water than usual when exercising.
Exercise outside earlier in the morning or later in the evening when
the sun is not at its peak. Find indoor activities like that exercise class
you were thinking of joining or learn to use the equipment in the Oasis
or take a refreshing dip in the pool.
The summertime is a time of fun and relaxation for most people. But
for seniors, the heat and sun can be dangerous if the proper precautions
aren’t taken. If you follow these tips, you can have an enjoyable and
fun-filled summer -- no matter how old you are.
Excerpts from Gillian Kruse a freelance writer in Houston.
COOL!