Beat
the Heat:
Tips
to Battle Heat Stress among the Elderly
As temperatures rise,
the elderly have to battle the effects that heat can have on their bodies and
everyday activities. As a caretaker or the family member of an elderly loved
one, it is crucial that you become aware of the dangers that accompany heat
stress in an individual, the signs and symptoms, and the treatment or first aid
options you have as a caregiver. Being proactive in this area will help you
“beat the heat” when it matters the most.
Heat stress is the
general term used to describe the body’s inability to cool itself down; under
the umbrella of heat stress are illnesses caused by heat, which include heat
cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The elderly are more susceptible to
heat stress for several reasons—the ability to recognize changes in body
temperature decreases with age, they have underlying health issues that cause
their body to adapt to heat at a slower rate, and prescription medications may
make them prone to dehydration or unable to regulate body temperature properly.
These added risk factors make the summer season a more dangerous time for
seniors and their health.
Being able to recognize
common signs and symptoms of heat stress will allow you to approach the hottest
time of the year with caution and care for your family. Several of the typical
symptoms of heat stress include, but are not limited to:
· High
body temperature
· Rapid
or strong pulse
· Red,
hot, or dry skin
· Headaches
· Dizziness
or fainting
· Nausea
or vomiting
· Chest
pain
· Trouble
breathing
The severity and
fluctuation of symptoms may indicate the level of heat stress that the person
is experiencing, whether it be heat cramps, exhaustion, or stroke. The chart
below helps to clarify which symptoms align with which heat-induced illness,
and gives essential first aid tips for each illness.
Taking
action and providing appropriate first aid is necessary in situations where
signs and symptoms are present, but there are precautions that can be taken in
order to avoid heat stress to begin with. Use these tips during high
temperatures to help keep not only the elderly safe and healthy, but also
yourself and your family.
- Drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration, especially water and juice. Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks.
- Wear appropriate clothing that allows your body to “breathe”; choose light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and hats when necessary.
- Stay inside during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid going out for extended periods of time between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Take it easy and try to avoid strenuous activity, especially if it is outdoors.
- Watch the heat index, which will help you stay up-to-date on the current conditions.
- Seek out air-conditioned environments to regulate body temperature.
- Get plenty of rest and take a cool shower or bath to cool down.
- Know the warning signs of heat-related illness and be quick to act when they are present.
For more information, here is a resource on this
topic from the CDC:
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/older-adults-heat.asp
