Heatstroke and Aging
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), extreme heat kills more Americans each year than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes and floods combined. Because of this heatstroke should be taken extremely seriously.
Many people embrace the summer months, but with high temperatures, especially in July and August hydration is more important than ever.
People age 65 and over are especially susceptible to heatstroke. This is a life-threatening condition where the body fails to cool itself to maintain a healthy temperature. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but sometimes sweating is not enough and the temperature keeps rising. Once the body temperature reaches 104 or 105 degrees it becomes much more difficult to bring it down.
Heatstroke requires emergency treatment so if you think that a person may be experiencing heat stroke call 911 immediately.
While you wait for help, get the person indoors, remove excess clothing, cool the person with whatever means available, you can help the person have a cold shower or apply cold towels or ice packs on the persons head, neck, armpits and groin. If the person is outdoors spray cold water from the garden hose on a sponge. You can also place icepacks or cold towels on the person’s body. Offer them cold water to drink.
Symptoms of Heatstroke
Nausea and vomiting
Hot and dry skin
Paleness
Rapid shallow breathing
Racing heart
Throbbing headache
Muscle cramps
Disorientation, confused or staggering
Fainting or unconsciousness
Seizures
Worsening of pre-existing medical conditions
Risk Factors For Heatstroke
Heat is more likely to affect older people who live in apartments or homes lacking air conditioning or good air flow. Other people at risk are:
Those who have chronic diseases such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, obesity or underweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental illness, sickle cell trait, alcoholism, sunburn,
Those who are dehydrated or not drinking enough water
Those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol
Those who over exert themselves with difficult task in hot weather
Those who are on salt restricted diets
Those who overdress in high temperatures
Medications
It’s important to know that certain medications damage the body’s ability to respond to external heat and cool off. Here are some medications that can lead to health issues if taken when there is excessive heat:
Antihistamines, diuretics, sedatives, stimulants, seizure medications.
Heart and blood pressure medications such as beta- blockers and vasoconstrictors.
Medication for phychiatric illnesses such as antidepressants and antipsychotics.
Illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine also are associated with increased risk of heat stroke.
Diuretics (fluid tablets) act on the kidneys and encourage fluid loss.
Prevention
Heatstroke is predictable and preventable, seniors should stay indoors in an air conditioned room during the warmest part of the day. The highest temperatures usually fall between 10am and 2pm. If you don’t have air conditioning draw your curtains or shades and sit in front of your fan. If you do not have a fan go down to your basement (only if this is a safe option for you), it’s usually about 10 degrees cooler.
Check your local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips and to learn about any cooling shelters in your area.
Wear lightweight and light colored cotton clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, sunglases and sunscreen if you are outdoors.
Sip water throughout the day even if you do not feel thirsty.
Try to avoid fluids containing caffeine or alcohol, because both substances can make you lose more fluid and worsen heat- related illnesses. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.
Be a Good Neighbor
Check on your elderly neighbor a couple of times throughout the day, this is especially important if they are in poor health or live alone. If they don’t have air-conditioning take them to your local council on aging, your home, shopping mall, library or someplace where there is air conditioning.
If you are worried about a loved ones well being with summer fast approaching, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would be happy to talk to you about care options that will give you peace of mind.