Hot weather poses risks for older folks, especially those with health problems. The National Institute on Aging reports that hypothermia can include heat stroke, heat fatigue, dizziness after exercising, and heat exhaustion. Factors that may exacerbate the problem include:
Poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands
Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as illnesses that cause weakness or fever
High blood pressure
An inability to perspire because of diuretics, sedatives and other drugs
Being overweight or underweight
Drinking alcoholic beverages
Being dehydrated.
Older adults, especially those with these risk factors, should stay indoors when it’s extremely hot. Those without air conditioning or fans should visit senior centers, shopping malls, libraries, or other cooling centers.
For victims of heat stroke, the institute recommends these steps:
Get the person out of the sun and into a cool place
Offer water, fruit or vegetable juices; avoid alcohol and caffeine
Encourage the person to shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water
Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists, neck, armpits, and groin—places where blood flows near the surface
Urge the person to lie down and rest in a cool place
For more information on the hypothermia topic, call 1-800-222-2225 or visit
http:///www.niapublications.org/agepages//hyperther.asp
Comments