heat exhaustion Archives

Cruel Summer: What Seniors Need to Know About Heat-Related Illnesses

Well, we’re definitely in the thick of summer. While I’m a dedicated autumn/winter lover who dreads the heat, I will admit that there are good things about this time of year, especially this year, since the warmer weather means we can finally get out and about with friends and family at BBQs, picnics, and the beach. You might also be excited to get out there, but remember, whatever your feelings are about the soaring temperatures, excessive heat can be dangerous, especially for older adults. As you age, your body doesn’t react to the heat in the same way, and you’re more at risk of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. That means it’s important to know how to protect yourself when the mercury rises!

Why the Heat Hits Seniors Harder

Excessive heat is no doubt uncomfortable, but it can also be deadly, especially for older adults. In fact, from 1999-2009, almost 40% of all heat-related deaths in the U.S. – nearly 3,000 – were adults over 65. But why is hot weather so much harder on seniors? There are a few reasons for this:

older womans hand with a finger pointing at her hand — *Skin becomes thinner with age, making it lose fat and insulation to regulate body temperature.*

Adults over 65 actually don’t sweat as much as younger adults do! Sweating is our body’s natural AC, cooling you off both at the surface of your skin and internally, so when this cooling mechanism becomes less efficient, you become more prone to overheating.
Sensitivity to both heat and cold decrease as you age, but the decreased sensitivity to heat is more intense.
Changes in the skin, which becomes thinner with age, and the loss of the layer of fat below your skin, which helps provide insulation in younger people, can also contribute to changes in the way your body regulates its temperature.

When you add these natural changes in your body to a variety of health and lifestyle factors, you end up with a recipe for heat-related illnesses. The factors that increase the likelihood of falling victim to heat exhaustion and heat stroke include:

Dehydration – For some reason, many older adults feel less thirsty than their younger counterparts, and might skip out on getting enough fluid throughout the day. It’s important to note, though, that when you feel thirsty (which usually means you’re just 2% dehydrated) your ability to regulate heat begins to decline, so be sure to sip something cool or eat high-water content fruits and veggies throughout the day!

Chronic illnesses – This includes heart and kidney diseases, and especially any conditions that affect blood circulation.

Prescription medications – Check with your doctor to see if your medications might reduce sweating or have a diuretic effect.

Salt-restricted diets

Overdressing – Again, you might be less sensitive to the heat as you age, but you still need to dress for the weather!

Lack of airflow or access to air conditioning

Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses

Because older adults are so much more likely to experience heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, it’s vital that you know the signs and symptoms of them, as well as what to do if you experience these symptoms.

swollen ankles — *Swollen ankles are a sign of heat exhaustion.*

Heat exhaustion – As you begin to overheat, heat exhaustion can set in. Early symptoms include:

- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Cramps in your abdomen, arms or legs
- Swelling in your ankles
- Muscle spasms

As heat exhaustion progresses, symptoms could worsen and include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Feeling faint/fainting

If you experience any of these symptoms:

Get to a cool place
Loosen tight clothing
Put on cool, damp clothing
Drink water
Get medical help if you are nauseous, vomiting, or have fainted

Heat stroke – Heat exhaustion can progress to a more serious condition known as heat stroke, which is caused when your internal body temperature rises much faster than it’s lowered naturally. Heat exhaustion can become heat stroke alarmingly quickly, sometimes within 15 minutes, so know the signs! Call 911 if you or someone you’re with experiences the following symptoms:

- High body temperature (usually around 104)
- The absence of sweating
- Confusion
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness
- Changes in behavior
- Strong, rapid pulse OR slow, weak pulse
- Dry skin or flushed skin
- Coma

Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses!

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of overheating and ending up in a heat-related emergency! When the temperatures out there start to sizzle or the heat and humidity combined start to make you feel like you’re in a steam room, remember to:

Dress appropriately in clothing that is lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored, and made of natural fibers like cotton.
Take cool showers or baths to refresh yourself.
Schedule outdoor physical activities or exercise during early morning hours or late evening hours when temperatures are relatively cooler. On very hot days, only exercise indoors in the AC.
Limit the time you spend exerting yourself if the weather is particularly humid, as you’ll be even less able to cool your body by sweating in these conditions.
Check the weather report, and stay in if it’s going to be especially hot and humid.
If you are staying in, find ways to cool off your environment: turn on the AC, or use fans and open windows that are across from each other to create a cross-breeze. Close curtains and blinds to keep out excess sunlight. If you don’t have AC and are in the middle of an intense heatwave, you should get yourself to an air-conditioned environment if at all possible – you can contact your local health department to find out locations of air-conditioned shelters if you have nowhere else to go.
Don’t turn on your stove or oven to cook – a super hot day is the perfect time to treat yourself to take-out!
Drink plenty of hydrating fluids, like water and juices, while avoiding those that can dehydrate you, like alcohol and caffeinated drinks. You can also eat fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, peaches and cucumbers.

We’ve still got a lot of summer ahead of us, so enjoy it! Just remember that too much of a good thing – even summer (well, if that’s the kind of thing that you’re into) – can be dangerous if you don’t know the risks and take steps to protect yourself. So stay safe – and cool – out there!

Avoid These Common Summer Health Hazards!

Summer is here and everyone is beginning to loosen up and get ready for summer fun. But just because summer is here doesn’t mean you can be totally carefree! We don’t want to be a buzzkill, but, while there is tons of enjoyment to be had in the summer, there are also plenty of health risks out there that you need to be prepared for, especially as the milder days of June give way to the more scorching months ahead. But never fear! Knowledge is power, and being aware of the risks out there – and how to avoid or deal with them – will mean that you’re ready to have some serious and healthy fun this summer.

Sunburn and Sun Damage

Maybe you already know some of the risks of sunburn: it’s painful and itchy, can cause sun damage that ages your skin with wrinkles, fine lines and sun spots, and can lead to more serious issues like melanoma and other skin cancers. The last risk is real and very worrying: your risk for melanoma doubles if you’ve had just five sunburns in your life.

Unfortunately, we don’t seem to be changing our behavior when it comes to sun exposure: in fact, the percentage of adults nationwide who got at least one sunburn during the previous year has risen from 31.8% to 33.7% in the last few decades. The solution is simple, even if it means a few extra minutes of getting ready before heading outside: make putting on sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA rays (preferably a healthier, reef-safe choice) a daily habit, whatever the weather. And if you’re going to be outside for a longer period of time, remember to reapply often (as least every 2 hours depending on what you’re doing). In addition, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and/or clothes that cover as much as possible and limiting your time in the blistering midday sun.What to do if you do end up with a nasty sunburn?

Drink plenty of water
Soak the burn in cool water, or apply a cool, damp cloth
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
Treat it with an anti-itch cream or spray
Apply aloe vera gel or cream, or an antibiotic cream for more severe burns

Eye Damage

Your skin isn’t the only part of your body that can take a hit during the sunny summer months: your eyes can easily become damaged by the bright sunlight. Be sure to wear sunglasses that specifically protect against UV rays, otherwise you could actually be doing more harm than good. Sunglasses that don’t block UV rays open up your pupils by making things darker, which actually lets in more UV rays, not less. Hey, take this as an excuse to pick up some stylish shades – just be sure your sunglasses filter out 100% of UV light!

Dehydration

Feeling thirsty? Don’t ignore that feeling in the scorching summer months; in fact, don’t wait until you’re feeling parched to start rehydrating, because it could be too late! Dehydration can be a real problem in the summer, especially if you’re enjoying some summer cocktails, engaging in outdoor sports, or even just lounging outside for prolonged periods in the hot sun. Signs of dehydration to look out for include:

picture of dry lips — *Dry mouth or lips are a sign of dehydration.*

Feeling thirsty
Dry mouth, lips, and/or eyes
Dark yellow, strong-smelling pee
Feeling tired
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Muscle cramps
As dehydration becomes more severe, your eyes might stop making tears, you might stop sweating, and you might feel nauseous and vomit

The solution is to simply drink more water or other fluids, preferable those without any sugar in them. If you plan on lounging or sweating outside, aim to drink 16 ounces of water every hour, and try to keep strenuous activity to a minimum between the hours of 12pm and 3pm, when the sun is the strongest.

Rashes

All of that lush greenery around during summer is beautiful, but some of it can spell major trouble for your skin. Plants like poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can cause terrible, itchy rashes, so if you’re the outdoorsy type and are planning on doing things like camping or hiking, make sure you know what all of these plants look like. Knowledge is your first defense; your next defense should be to shower thoroughly after yard work, hiking, camping, or doing other outdoor activities. Finally, always keep a bottle of calamine lotion on hand to combat any itchy rashes that pop up!

Rashes caused by plant life aren’t the only summer skin woe: all that summer sweat could land you with a case of heat rash, or prickly heat. This red, bumpy rash is caused by blocked sweat ducts, and can become dry, itchy, irritated and downright uncomfortable. To prevent heat rash:

Wear loose clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton
Avoid exercising in excessively hot, humid conditions
Take time out to relax in some air conditioning, or in front of a fan
Shower often to prevent sweat glands from becoming clogged

Food Poisoning

Ants aren’t the only thing that can ruin a lovely summer picnic – food that’s been improperly handled could lead to a nasty bout of food poisoning. Each year, 1 in 6 Americans (48 million people) contract food poisoning, with the illness peaking in the summer months. According to Ryan Stanton, MD, an emergency room physician in Kentucky, “Anything that has mayonnaise, dairy, or eggs in it and any meat products can develop some pretty nasty bacteria after only a couple of hours unrefrigerated,” says Stanton. “Every summer we’ll have five or six people coming in from the same reunion or family picnic with food poisoning symptoms.”

To keep the tummy troubles away:

Chill out – If you’re bringing along anything that needs to be refrigerated, pack it at the last minute, and once you head out, keep it in a cooler with plenty of ice.

Pack it properly – Not only should perishable foods be packed with ice, but they should also be packed in order of when you’re going to eat them – use the “last in, first out” rule! In addition, if you’re bringing along any meats, make sure to wrap them securely so that the juices don’t contaminate other foods.

Take the temperature – If you’re grilling at your picnic, make sure you bring along a meat thermometer to check that those foods that look perfectly grilled are actually cooked all the way through. Remember, steaks should be cooked to a minimum of 145 degrees F, ground beef to 160 and poultry to 165.

And if you do eat the dreaded spoiled deviled egg? As long as your symptoms are mild and you feel better after a day or two, you can treat your food poisoning at home with a bland diet, plenty of fluids, and rest. If symptoms are more severe, or last for several days (or more than 24 hours for kids), see your doctor.

Insect Bites

The warm, lazy days of summer don’t just bring out hordes of people – they also bring out all the insects. Coming in contact with them can be annoying, painful, or downright dangerous. For example, for some people, bee stings hurt, and for others (3 in every 100 people), they can cause serious allergic reactions. Other insects, such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks can carry diseases like West Nile virus, Dengue fever, and Lyme disease. In fact, according to the CDC, disease cases from ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas more than tripled in the U.S. from 2004 to 2016. To prevent stings and bites:

Apply insect repellent before heading out
Cover up as much as possible
Avoid heavy perfumes and scents, which attract stinging insects
Wear light colored clothing, as dark-colored and floral-patterned clothing attracts stinging insects. In addition, wearing light colored clothing makes it easier to see ticks before they latch on.
Tuck in clothing to make it more difficult for insects like ticks to bite
Check thoroughly for ticks after spending time outdoors – the longer the tick is attached, the greater the risk of disease.

Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion

the back of someone sitting down with a blue shirt on soaked in sweat — *Heavy sweating is a warning sign of heat exhaustion.*

Did you know that, according to the CDC, extreme heat sends an average of 65,000 Americans to emergency rooms every year? Heat exhaustion and heatstroke (the more severe and dangerous of the two) can occur when your body is unable to cool itself down after prolonged exposure to the heat, such as when you’re working or exercising outdoors. As with dehydration prevention, to avoid heat exhaustion, you should always take breaks in the shade or AC and limit outdoor exercise at the hottest times of the day. It’s also important to know the signs:

A body temperature of 103 degrees F or higher
Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
A fast pulse
Headache, dizziness, or confusion
Loss of consciousness
Heavy sweating
Cold, pale, clammy skin
Nausea or vomiting
Muscle cramps

Now that it’s finally summer, we hope you’ll get out there and enjoy yourselves! Barbecues, roaring campfires, days by the pool – however you do it, make the most of it, but do it safely!

Enjoying The Sun? Know The Signs Of Dehydration & Heat Exhaustion

It is that time of year again, the sun is out, the birds are singing, and the days are longer. With the sun and summer months, also comes the heat. If you are not hydrated throughout the day, especially if you are outside, the higher your chances of heat stroke. This is especially serious for older adults.

Heat stroke happens when the body overheats to 104 °F or higher. It can be hazardous for older adults, and if not treated, it can permanently damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and possibly lead to death. Older adults do not adjust

Blue sky with couple of white clouds and bright sun. — *The sun is out and it is getting hot. Be aware of dehydration and heat exhaustion! Seniors are at a higher risk*

as well as young people to sudden temperature changes. Other factors such as health conditions, and medications are reasons why the elderly are more vulnerable.

Why Seniors Are At A Higher Risk

As we age, our bodies lose strength with adjusting to temperature. Because seniors sweat less than younger adults, their body temperature remains higher. Add the summer heat to their already warm bodies, and it becomes a deadly combination. This is why seniors suffer from heat stroke more often than younger people. Other contributing high-risk factors are dehydration, prescription medications, and chronic illnesses such as heart and kidney disease, and blood circulation conditions.

Warning Signs

Early warning signs are excessive sweating, tiredness, weakness, muscle cramps, rapid breathing, flushed skin, confusion, slurred speech, irritability, and headaches. These are all direct signs that your body is dehydrated and needs water. If you ignore immediate treatment, then the results may be nausea, fainting, and vomiting.

Prevention Is Key

In order to prevent heat exhaustion or a stroke occurrence, hydration is key Here are a few tips to stay cool this

Clear glass being filled with water by a pitcher. — *In order to prevent heat exhaustion or stroke, you must stay hydrated! Drink more water than you normally would throughout the day.*

summer:

- Drink plenty of water. Instead of drinking water all at once, drink a cup at every meal, and take sips throughout the day. Drink more water than normal.

- Stay indoors during the mid-day. Between the hours of 12pm-4pm is the hottest time period

- Wear cooler clothing. Wearing loose, lightweight clothing will reduce excess body heat.

- Take cool showers or baths to help your body maintain temperature.

- Relax. Do not do any strenuous activity, especially outside when it’s hot.

- Stay in air-conditioned areas. If your home does not have air conditioning, then go to the library, grocery store, a friend’s house or other places that are when outside temperatures climb Make sure to get an air conditioner in your house during summer when the heat waves occur. Fans are just not good enough when it is smoldering outside. They trick the body into thinking it is cooler than it actually is.

Know the warning signs so you can take action.

What If You Are Experiencing Heat Exhaustion/Stroke?

If you are experiencing some warning signs or just feel off, then remove restrictive clothing immediately. Rest in a cool, shady area, or get to an air-conditioned room. Drink water and take a cool shower or bath. Monitor your body heat with a thermometer and increase your water intake. If you are alone, call your neighbor, family, or 911 for help.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be life-threatening, especially as you age. Heat stroke deaths are on the rise from the dangerously hot summers that have been occurring in recent years. Once your body temperature rises above 104, changes in brain function occur, with the possibility of permanent damage. Between 2015 and 2016, extreme heat deaths more than doubled from 45 to 94. Last year in 2018, 54 people died during a heat wave in Quebec, many of them over 65. Know the signs, stay cool and hydrated. Summer only comes once a year, so enjoy it as much as you can, responsibly!

Tag: heat exhaustion