Women’s Independent Press

Summer heat waves can be especially dangerous for seniors because they are most prone to heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt contained in sweat. Below are some tips to protect yourself and the elderly folks in your life.

Drink Plenty of Fluid. Increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in hot weather, drink 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour. Consult with your doctor if you have been prescribed a fluid-restricted diet or diuretics. During hot weather, you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates.

Replace Salt and Minerals. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body, which are necessary for your body and must be replaced. The best way to replace salt and minerals is to drink fruit juice or a sports beverage during exercise or any work in the heat. If your senior is on a low salt diet, ask his/her doctor before making significant diet changes.

Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen. Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will keep the head cool. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. Select SPF 15 or higher reduce the risk of sunburn.

Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Pace Yourself - If you are unaccustomed to working or exercising in hot weather, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, stop all activity, get into a cool or shady area, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or feel faint.

Stay Cool Indoors. The most efficient way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have an air conditioner or evaporative cooling unit, consider a visit to a shopping mall or public library for a few hours. Do not rely on electric fans as your primary cooling device during a heat wave. When the temperature is in the high 90s or higher, a fan will not prevent heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath is a more effective way to cool off.

Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully. If you must be out in the heat, plan your activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening. While outdoors, rest frequently in a shady area.
Use a Buddy System - When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your coworkers and have someone do the same for you. Check on seniors twice a day during a heat wave.

Adjust to the Environment. Be aware that any sudden change in temperature, such as an early summer heat wave, will be stressful to your body. You will have a greater tolerance for the heat if you limit your physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat.

Use Common Sense. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals; they add heat to your body. Do not leave infants, children, seniors or pets in a parked car. Limit sun exposure during the midday hours and in places of potential severe exposure, such as beaches.

Warning Signs of Heat Stroke
An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally); unconsciousness; dizziness, nausea, and confusion; red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; and throbbing headache. Warning signs of heat exhaustion vary but may include: heavy sweating; muscle cramps; weakness; headache; nausea or vomiting; and paleness, tiredness, dizziness.

What to Do When You Suspect Heat Stroke?
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Call for immediate medical assistance and begin cooling the senior:
• Get the senior to a shady area.
• Cool the senior rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the senior in a tub of cool water; place in a cool shower; spray with cool water from a garden hose; sponge with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
• Do not give the senior alcohol to drink.
• Monitor body temperature. Continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101°F.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible. If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.

These self-help measures are not a substitute for medical care but may help you recognize and respond promptly to warning signs of trouble. Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.

For fifteen years, the Home Instead Senior Care® franchise network has been devoted to providing seniors with the highest quality care in their own homes, and to arming families with the information they need to make the best decisions about caring for aging loved ones. Family caregivers can visit www.homeinstead.com/567 for more information and resources. Until next time, if you, or any organization of which you are a part, is interested in learning more, please contact our office. We would be happy to speak to your group free of charge about this subject, our services, or even employment opportunities.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Champagne, Human Resource Coordinator
Home Instead Senior Care
1102 S Braddock Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Phone: (412) 731-0733
Rebecca.Champagne@HomeInstead.com
*Source: State of Rhode Island, Department of Elderly Affairs