How Seniors Can Prevent Heat Stroke

With summer here, and temperatures rising, (especially here in Arizona), it’s a good time to talk about preventing heat stroke. Although anyone can get heat stroke, it’s especially dangerous for seniors, who are more susceptible to the effects of too much heat. For seniors, people over the age of 50 yrs., whose bodies don’t adjust well to excess heat, heat stroke or heat stress are medical emergencies, and can be life threatening. In fact, some of the medications seniors take, such as high blood pressure meds, make it difficult for the body to recognize and respond to the heat.

Your risk of heat stroke increases not only because you are elderly, but also if you take medicines that are dehydrating, if you have some chronic health conditions such as diabetes, drink alcohol excessively, or live in a hot dry climate without air conditioning.

Heat Stroke and its symptoms:

When your body’s temperature control system fails to do its job due to dehydration and high temperatures, and the body’s core temperature rises to 104° Fahrenheit, it’s the perfect scenario for heat stroke to begin. Unless treated immediately, it can cause damage to the kidneys, heart, brain and muscles. And in severe cases can cause lasting injuries, and even death.

Watch for these symptoms:

• Headache
• Fainting or unconsciousness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Body temperature of 140° Fahrenheit or higher
• Shallow breathing
• Confusion, disorientation, irritation
• Seizure
• Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
• Dizziness

Tips for Preventing Heat Stroke in Seniors:

• Know the signs of heat stroke.
• One of the most important tips…Stay hydrated, which means drinking plenty of water. it does not mean drinking alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, because those types of drinks help cause dehydration.
• Stay inside during the hottest part of the day, preferably in an air conditioned home or apartment. If your house is too hot and you don’t have air conditioning, go somewhere that does…
  • a friend’s or family member’s house
  • a mall
  • the library
  • a senior center
• Relax. When the temperatures are soaring is a good time to read a book, take a nap or call a loved one…it’s a good time to take it easy…no outdoor exercise.
• Eat a cooling snack such as a popsicle.
• Take a cool, not cold shower.
• Dress for the occasion…heat. Wear lightweight, loose fitting, breathable clothes.

If you are with someone who is experiencing heat stroke, call 911, and while you wait, if possible, move the person to a cooler area – into an  air conditioned building or into the shade, remove any excess clothing, and when possible cool their body with a cold compress to the forehead.

We are Certified Senior Move Managers recognized by our National Association of Senior Move Managers, NASSM! We are committed to serving our seniors with a high standard of ethics, best business practices and continuing education to help make whatever transition they are going through a Smooth Transition.

Contact us to learn how we can help you and/or your family cope with a senior downsizing anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley area. We would love to serve you. 480-339-0011