It’s time to take out your sun hats and sunglasses — summer has arrived! Along with that, of course, also come the rising temperatures!

Although summer may be the season of most fun, we must still remember the importance of protecting ourselves from the sun. For the elderly, this is highly important. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), senior citizens are more sensitive to the heat and are therefore more easily prone to acquire exhaustion, dehydration, or a heat stroke. Why is that? Here are the reasons:

• Unlike young people, elderly people do not adjust as well to sudden changes in temperature.
• Elderly people are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
• Since elderly people are more likely to take prescription medicines, their body’s ability to perspire or regulate its temperature may be impaired as an effect.

What is a heat stroke?

Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot control its temperature, which rises rapidly and is unable to cool down. Additionally, the body becomes unable to sweat. Within 15 minutes, body temperatures can rise up to 106°F or 41°C. If left untreated or prolonged, heat stroke – a serious heat-related illness – can cause death or permanent disability.

Heat stroke signs and symptoms include:

• Body temperature of 103°F and above
• Hot, red and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid pulse rate
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea

How can I protect myself and my loved ones from heat-related stress?

➔     Drink 6-8 (8 ounce) glasses of cool water or nonalcoholic beverages daily. (Avoid and understand that drinking extremely cold liquids can cause cramps. Also, if your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink when the weather is hot.)
➔     Wear lightweight clothing.
➔     Be in an air-conditioned or cool environment. (If unavailable at home — take advantage of free, public accommodations that always have air-conditioning such as the shopping mall, public swimming pool, grocery store, or public library)
➔     Remain indoors during the heat of day, if possible. (Temperatures generally peak between 3:00pm to 4:30pm each afternoon*)
➔     Take a cool shower or bath.
➔     Rest. Do not participate in strenuous activities or exercise.

If someone has heat stress, what do I do?

1. Bring the person to a shady area.
2. Do anything to rapidly cool the person. (examples/ fan the person vigorously, wrap the person in a cool, wet towel/sheet, sponge the person with cool water, spray the person with cool water from a garden hose, immerse the person in a tub of cool water, or place the person in a cool shower).
3. Supervise their body temperature and continue cooling efforts until body temperature drops to 101°-102°F (38°-39°C).
4. Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
5. Do not allow or give them alcohol to drink.

With this, we at Professional Healthcare Services, Inc. hope you feel more knowledgeable, prepared, and aware of heat-related stress. Have a fun and safe summer!

Sources: http://www.easylivingfl.com/elderly-summer-precautions-senior-care-tips/
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/elderlyheat.asp
http://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/tips/heatillnesses.html
*http://nbc5weather.wordpress.com/2008/07/28/what-is-the-hottest-time-of-the-day/