Seniors should make sure to get a minimum two to three glasses of water or clear fluids per day, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can increase fluid loss," advised Dr. Sharon Brangman, division chief of geriatrics at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y., and a board member of the American Geriatrics Society. Those on fluid restrictions should consult their doctor, she added.
"The most significant problem reported were people that sat inside a closed room with no air conditioning with a fan blowing on them. This increases dehydration, and when the room is hot, actually increases thermal stress," Sheridan explained. "People should never sit directly in front of a fan in hot weather, since it causes sweat to evaporate from skin too quickly, which accelerates dehydration. Also, always open a window for ventilation whenever you're running a fan."
"Seniors, in particular, should take extra care in extreme heat, since aging slows the body's natural thirst- and temperature-control mechanisms. It may take a higher level of dehydration to trigger thirst, which means that someone could be very dehydrated before realizing it," Brangman said. Or they may not feel hot until their body is already overheated.
Extreme heat exposure can also exacerbate certain health conditions, such as congestive heart failure, lung disease and diabetes, Brangman added. And certain drugs, such as antihistamines and diuretics, can exacerbate heat overexposure because they can contribute to faster dehydration and slower cooling.
Although seniors need to take special precautions, heat alerts apply to all ages. So, when temperatures hit 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, Brangman offers this advice:
- Turn on the air conditioner or go where it's air-conditioned, such as a shopping mall or community center. A fan isn't enough in extreme heat.
- Drink plenty of fluids, even if you're not thirsty.
- Take cool showers, baths or sponge baths.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear a hat.
- Avoid staying in the sun for long.
- Reduce your physical activity.
Also, watch for dangerous signs of heat overexposure, such as:
- Dehydration: Extreme water loss reduces the body's ability to cool down and can lead to weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion and passing out.
- Heat cramps: Muscle cramps, usually in the stomach or the legs, are the result of over-exercising in the heat and losing too much water and salt from heavy sweating.
- Heat exhaustion: Marked by either heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting; body temperature may be normal.
- Heat stroke: A life-threatening emergency (also known as sun stroke) that involves 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.
More information
For more information on summer heat safety, visit the U.S. National Weather Service. |
