Tips for Dealing with the Heat

Fortunately, we live in an area where we only have to deal with the hot summer weather for a few weeks out of the year, but elderly individuals sometimes have a harder time dealing with the extreme heat than younger people.

As our bodies age, we lose our ability to effectively sweat, or release heat. Also, poor circulation, chronic medical conditions, and certain medications can reduce the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.

Symptoms for Heat Exhaustion, a milder form of heat-related illness could be:

Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting, cool/moist skin, fast and weak pulse rate, fast and shallow breathing.

Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness can be recognized by the following symptoms:

Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F), red, hot and dry skin, rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, and nausea.

To keep your loved one safe in the heat:

Keep them in air conditioning as much as possible

Keep them hydrated with plenty of water, clear juices, and sports drinks, but not caffeinated drinks or alcohol, which can dehydrate them

Cool them down with a cool shower, bath, sponge bath when they feel warm.

Stay out of the sun as much as possible, but it they insist on going outside:

Have them wear light colored loose clothing, along with a wide brimmed hat

Use sunscreen which has an SPF of 15 or higher

Stay safe with your loved one, so you can enjoy the rest of your summer!

Sources: EasyLivingfl.com, healthinaging.org, agingcare.com