Older Adults Should Be More Cautious With the Increase In Temperature
Older peoples should be more cautious during the summer, as their body become vulnerable with the rise in temperature. This is because their bodies don’t cool down as quickly as younger people. This risk them from heat- related health problems such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
According to Dr. John B. Murphy, president of The American Geriatrics Society “Sometimes, older people may not feel hot when the temperature is dangerously high and are also less likely to feel thirsty, which means their bodies have lost too much water,” to prevent from this they need to take extra caution.
Some of the heat-related health problems to watch for are:
* Dehydration: Signs include weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion and passing out.
* Heat stroke: A body temperature of or above 103 degrees; red, hot and dry skin; a fast pulse; headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, confusion and passing out.
* Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting.
In a study it is found that most of the people who died due to health problems caused by heat are more than 50 years or older.
To help seniors stay safe this summer, Murphy suggested:
1. Stay in the air conditioning, whether home or out and about
2. Stay indoors during the hottest times of the day.
3. Close your shades to keep out of the sunshine.
4. If you do not have air conditioning, stay on the lower-level in your home –heat rises.
5. Fans do not adequately cool down the body during intense heat waves.
6. Wear light-weight, loose fitting clothing and protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses or using an umbrella.
7. Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty. This helps keep your body cool.
8. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
9. If you have a chronic medical condition, talk with your doctor about additional precautions you should take to prevent heat related illness. Some conditions and medications may place you at higher risk.
10. Neighbors, friends or family should check in on older people in their homes to make sure they are not suffering from the heat.
11.Avoid extended periods of sun exposure, walking long distances, lifting heavy objects or other strenuous activities.
12 Take cool showers, baths, or sponge baths.
13 Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and hats.
Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov
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