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Summer heat and senior health

Summer is a time for outdoor enjoyment but as the temperature rises so does the risk of heat stroke and other health related complications due to heat.
Elderly people are more prone to heat stress than younger people and should take precautions to prevent heat related complications.

Author: Edward Ricci

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Summer Heat and Your Health By Edward Ricci Summer is a time for outdoor enjoyment but as the temperature rises so does the risk of heat stroke and other health related complications due to heat.

Elderly people (that is, people aged 65 years and older) are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons:
• Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
• They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that upsets normal body responses to heat.
• They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body-s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

During hot weather we all really need to take care of ourselves and to make frequent checks on elderly or disabled relatives, friends and neighbors when a heat wave strikes. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that excessive heat claims more lives in the United States each year than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. Between 1979-1998, the CDC estimates that 7,421 deaths resulted from exposure to excessive heat in the U.S. In 1995, a heat wave in Chicago resulted in the deaths of over 700 people.

People at Higher Risk of Heat-Related Illness

• Infants and young children
• Older Adults
• People with disabilities
• Chronic heart or lung problems
• Overweight persons
• Those who work outdoors or in hot settings
• Isolated persons who may not be able to call for help

Some medications, especially some drugs for heart or circulatory problems, movement disorders, allergies, depression and mental disorders can place you at higher risk

Advice during heat waves
• If a heat wave is forecast, plan your day to stay out of the heat
• Avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm)
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity or keep it for cooler, morning parts of the day
• Stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton
• If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you

Heat-related illness usually comes in stages. Painful muscle cramps, faintness, dizziness, weakness or profuse sweating are the first signs of serious problems. A person with these symptoms should stop all physical activity, lie down in a cool place and sip a cool drink. The next stage of heat stroke may include cool, moist, pale skin (the skin also may feel hot or be red right after physical activity), headache, dizziness and weakness or exhaustion.

Heat Stroke Symptoms
• Hot, dry, red skin—no sweating (the skin may still be moist)
• Vomiting
• High temperature
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Decreased alertness complete loss of consciousness
• Elevated or lowered blood pressure
• Moist pale skin
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Elevated or lowered blood pressure and nausea

During the final stage of heat stroke a person may vomit, lose alertness and run a high temperature as high as 105°F or higher. This stage is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. In order to recognize symptoms of heat relate illness visit the Center for Disease Control. http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/elderlyheat.asp If you suspect that you or someone else is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke seek medical help immediately.

Additional information: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov http://www.redcross.org http://www.nws.noaa.gov http://www.bt.cdc.gov

About Author

Edward Ricci is the founder of MedicTag LLC. MedicTag is a USB medic information and alert device that allows you to carry all your emergency medical information with you at all times.
http://www.medictag.com/

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com

Summer heat and senior health