Summer is here! It is finally time to say goodbye to cool days
and head outdoors to enjoy activities in the fresh air and sunshine.
While the summer brings with it warm and pleasant weather, it can
also introduce high temperatures and humidity that stress the body’s
ability to cool itself, leading to dangerous and in some cases deadly
illnesses.
“As people grow older, their bodies are less responsive to
long-term heat exposure. As a result, they can experience the painful
and sometimes fatal consequences of heat stress,” says Paul
Dell’Aquila, MD, Vice President of Medical Affairs for the
Saint Barnabas Health Care System Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers
and Assisted Living Residences which support eight nursing and rehabilitation
centers and two assisted living residences in New Jersey. “This
is why it is essential that older adults understand heat-related
illnesses, their early warning signs and how to prevent them from
occurring.”
There are three major forms of heat illness: heat cramps, heat
exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat cramps are muscle spasms which usually
affect the arms, legs or stomach. They occur when fluid and salt
lost by heavy sweating are not replenished. Although heat cramps
can be very painful, they usually do not result in permanent damage.
Drinking plenty of fluids can prevent this uncomfortable condition.
Heat exhaustion is more serious than heat cramps.
It occurs when sweating causes the body to lose water and salt
(electrolytes), resulting in a reduction of blood volume. The
symptoms of heat exhaustion often include headache, heavy sweating,
intense thirst, dizziness, fatigue, loss of coordination and appetite,
nausea, cool moist skin and weak and rapid pulse. According to
Dr. Dell’Aquila, victims of heat exhaustion should make
an appointment to be examined by a healthcare professional and
should avoid strenuous activity for at least one day.
The most dangerous heat illness is heat stroke.
Sweating is the body’s most effective means of heat removal.
As heat stroke begins, sweating stops and body temperature can
rise to critical levels. Heat stroke is more likely to occur in
older adults and can cause death if it is not immediately treated
by a healthcare professional.
The early symptoms of heatstroke may include high body temperature;
distinct absence of sweating; hot, red or flushed dry skin; rapid
pulse; difficulty breathing; dizziness; headache; nausea; vomiting;
and/or high blood pressure. Advanced symptoms may include seizures
or convulsions or loss of consciousness. If you suspect someone
is suffering from heat stroke, it is essential to immediately seek
medical attention.
Heat illnesses can be serious and in some cases deadly but there
are ways to protect yourself. To avoid heat-related illnesses, Dr.
Dell’Aquila offers these tips for older adults:
Don’t wait until you are
thirsty to drink, by then there is a good chance you are already
on your way to being dehydrated. Electrolyte drinks are good for
replacing both water and minerals lost through sweating. Also, avoid
alcoholic and caffinated beverages when spending a day in the sun.
A sunburn will inhibit your skin’s
ability to sweat.
Your local news station will alert you on
days when hot weather has the potential to pose a danger to older
adults.
Cool water lowers body heat
25 times faster than cool air.
Loose-fitting clothing allows sweat
to evaporate.
Do not ignore the danger signs of heat-related
illnesses. If you feel uncomfortable, take a break. If symptoms
persist, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
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