July 2012
Health & wellness 11
www.BeaconSeniorNews.com
Stay cool this summer. Prevent heat exhaustion.
H
eat related deaths and illnesses are preventable, yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat is the number one weather-related killer in the U.S. and people over the age of 65 are more prone to heat exhaustion than younger people. The body is normally able to adequately cool itself through sweating, but when the weather is hot and humid, sweating may not be sufficient to cool the body effectively. This can result in increased body temperature and the onset of heat exhaustion and heat-related illnesses. Regardless of the weather, excessive exertion and a person’s age and physical condition can also contribute to the onset of these conditions.
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion Heat stroke is defined typically as hyperthermia exceeding 106 degrees Fahrenheit or 41 degrees Centigrade. There are two types of heatstroke: exertional and non exertional (by which classic heat stroke as it is also known). The CDC report that while exertional affects younger people, the elderly are the most likely to suffer from nonexertional because of their limited cardiovascular reserves, preexisting illnesses and use of medications that may affect their volume status or sweating ability. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop over a number of days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Elderly people, particularly those with high blood pressure, are the most likely to suffer since they are least able to control the environment they are in. Factors such as not being able to afford adequate air conditioning or not being able to move from a hot environment to a cooler one are common causes for the elderly. “Extreme heat can be dangerous to our health and we urge our residents to take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related illness and
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death,” Mesa County Health Department Director Jeff Kuhr said. “It is important to check on elderly friends, neighbors, and family members often and help them arrange for transportation to public places to cool down if their home is not airconditioned.”
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Symptoms There are a number of symptoms to watch for. These symptoms can often be confused with other conditions. Look for heavy sweating, tiredness, weakness, headache, nausea and fainting. In heat stroke, these symptoms can be accompanied by high temperatures, rapid pulse, and hot and dry skin instead of sweating.
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Prevention To avoid the onset of heat-related conditions, drink cool (not cold) water frequently and eat cool, water-rich foods such as salads. Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your water to replace electrolytes and minerals. You can also drink raspberry or peppermint tea to cool you down. Keep blinds and curtains closed at home to keep the sun out, shop in air-conditioned malls, try to complete all errands in one place rather than getting in and out of a hot vehicle, and wear breathable clothing of natural fibers, such as cotton and linen. Spray your body down with a cool spray bottle. Avoid hot and heavy meals before going out in the sun. Have a fun and safe summer by following these tips for keeping cool in the heat. ■
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Actions If a person appears to be suffering from symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, take the following actions to assist their recovery. 1. Get them a cool, nonalcoholic drink. 2. Move them to a cooler environment, elevating their feet to bring blood flow back to the brain. 3. Fan them. If possible, immerse them in cool water or cover them with cool, damp sheets.
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