By Carol Church, Writer, Family Album
Reviewed by Linda B. Bobroff, Ph.D., RD, LD/N, Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida, Beth Shephard, Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent at UF/IFAS Extension-Brevard County, and Melinda Morgan-Stowell, Community Development Extension Agent at UF/IFAS Extension-Brevard County
As I hiked under the hot summer sun at a beautiful nature park one day last summer, I began to feel very hot, dizzy, shaky, and sick. My husband looked over at me and asked me in alarm if I was okay. Fortunately, I was able to cool off quickly and felt better soon. Afterwards, I recalled that a new medication I now take is labeled with a warning that it increases patients’ susceptibility to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
More Common in Older Adults
Summer is an enjoyable time for families, but it does bring unique risks, one of which is the possibility of heat-related illness. Heat-related illness can strike anyone, but it’s especially common among older adults. Most people who die from hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature) are over age 50.
Like me, many older adults take medications (such as diuretics, certain heart medications, sedatives, and tranquilizers) with side effects that may make them more vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Having heart or kidney problems, being very overweight or underweight, or having a skin problem associated with aging also can put older people at higher risk.
Reduce Your Risk
What can older adults do to reduce the chances that they will suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially during summer heat waves (also known as normal summer weather here in Florida)? One simple step is to drink plenty of cool fluids (drinks with alcohol do not help). If your home is not air-conditioned, make it as cool as possible, using shades and fans. If you can, spend the hottest part of the day in an air-conditioned space, such as a mall, the library, a senior center, or someone else’s house.
Don’t plan outings outside or trips to crowded outdoor places during the hottest part of the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Read prescription warnings, and talk to your doctor about your risk of heat-related illness related to your medications.
It is helpful for younger adults to check on older family members and neighbors more often when it is extremely hot. Those who can’t afford the cost of air conditioning may be able to get help through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Signs and Symptoms
What are the telltale signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke? Feeling faint, headachy, or generally unwell while in a hot environment can be cause for concern. Some people may experience painful “heat cramps” in their muscles, which are a sign that you are overheated and need to rest.
Heat exhaustion is less serious than heat stroke. You may sweat a lot, feel dizzy and nauseated, have a headache, or feel thirsty and “out of it.” If you don’t rest and cool off, this may progress to heat stroke–which can be fatal.
When heat stroke sets in, body temperature rises to 104 degrees or higher. The victim may stop sweating and turn bright red. The person may seem to be very confused and may even pass out. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and 911 must be called.
Treating Heat-Related Illness
While waiting for emergency personnel, move the person to air conditioning or shade, have them lie down, and cool them off with whatever you have on hand (like with cold, wet towels, a hose, or a fan). If the person is conscious, offer cold water or cold fruit or vegetable juice. You can use these cooling procedures for anyone experiencing discomfort from the heat, but they are critical for someone suffering from heat stroke.
Summer offers many fun activities, but it’s important to know our limits, especially as we age. Every year, older adults need emergency care for hyperthermia, and some will die. Don’t let it happen to you or someone you love. Stay safe and cool this summer, even when the temperature rises.
(Photo credit: 01.SunTrust.DCS.WDC.20jul06 by Elvert Barnes. CC BY 2.0. Cropped.)
Further Reading:
Beat the Heat–from UF-IFAS Solutions for Your Life
Healthy Living: Are You at Risk for Dehydration? –from UF-IFAS EDIS
Healthy Eating: Fluids–from UF-IFAS EDIS
Hydration in Hot Working Environments--from UF-IFAS EDIS
Hyperthermia: Too Hot for Your Health–from the National Institutes of Health
References:
National Institutes of Health. (2014). Hyperthermia: Too hot for your health. Retrieved from http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hyperthermia
Mayo Clinic. (2011). Heatstroke. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/basics/symptoms/con-20032814
0
