Welcome back!
It’s that time of year once again. Summer is upon us, and judging by the mid to upper 80′s that we are experiencing at my house, it’s time to take a look at what we can do to help our elders through this mini-crisis.
It is a crisis for many seniors because of the risk of heat-related deaths and illnesses. Several years ago the CDC reported that more than 8,000 people in the United States died from heat exposure between 1979 and 2003. I’m sure by now that number has increased.
Other reports say that over 6,000 Americans are hospitalized each summer from excessive heat. The longer the heat wave lasts, the more dramatically that number increases. A disproportionate number ageed 75 or older were hospitalized when the heatwave lasted four or more days in a row.
Severe exposure to heat occurs when some one’s body temperature rises to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Symptoms may include:
- nausea and vomiting
- weakness
- headache
- muscle cramps
- rapid pulse
- difficulty breathing
- mental confusion
- seizure and coma
To prevent your loved on from the effects of extreme heat, you can follow these tips provided by the CDC:
- Stay indoors in an air-conditioned place.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Beware of drinking coffee or taking diuretics (water pills). Don’t just drink when you are thirsty, but at regular intervals throughout the day.
- Consider drinking a sports drink to replace salt and minerals lost while sweating. Check with your doctor first if you are on a low-salt diet.
- Wear as little clothing as possible while at home.
- Choose lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
- Stay indoors as much as possible. Only go out in the early morning or late evening.
- When outdoors, rest often in shady areas.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hate, sunglasses, and sunscreen while outdoors.
- Pace yourself. If your heart starts pounding or you are gasping for breath, stop immediately and rest.
Caregivers, frequently check on your loved one during heatwaves. They may not be aware of how the heat is effecting them. Try to encourage them to stay indoors and to drink plenty of water. Check the temperature in their home and do whatever you can to help them stay cool.
