by Dianna
Malkowski, Physician Assistant & Nutritionist
People age 65 or older are more prone to heat stress
than younger people. They don’t adjust as well to sudden temperature changes
and may have health conditions or take medications that change a body’s
response to heat. Here are tips for preventing and recognizing heat-related
illness in the elderly.
This summer’s record high
temperatures can be dangerous at any age, but people over the age of 65 should
take special health precautions. Whether you’re a senior’s caregiver, relative,
friend or neighbor, it’s important during extreme high temperatures to visit at
least twice a day and watch for signs of heat stress.
Inform older loved ones of the
following preventative steps:
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities.
- Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, preferably in an air-conditioned environment.
- Take cool baths or showers.
Signs of heat exhaustion — which can
occur after lengthy exposure to high temperatures
combined with inadequate or unbalanced fluid replacement — include heavy
sweating, paleness, cool and moist skin, fast and shallow breathing, fast and
weak pulse, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue,
weakness and fainting.
If nutrition and hydration are problems,
talk to your loved one’s doctor or dietitian about nutritionals,
such as juices, shakes and powders.
The most serious
heat-related illness, heat stroke can occur when the body cannot control its
temperature and may result in death or permanent disability if emergency
treatment is not provided. Signs include a body
temperature above 103 degrees F, red and hot skin that is not sweating,
rapid and shallow breathing, a strong and rapid pulse, headache, dizziness and
nausea.
If you notice
signs of severe heat stress, ask someone to call 911 while you begin cooling
efforts. If emergency personnel are delayed, ask someone to call a hospital
emergency room. Get the person to a shaded area and try to cool the body
rapidly, using a tub of cool water, a shower, a garden hose or even a sponge.
Continue these cooling efforts until body temperature drops to at least 101
degrees F.
If you have a
loved one who lives alone, remember to equip the home with emergency monitoring tools, such as the new My Health
Phone, which is like the Swiss Army knife of senior designed safety
devices. This product can provide
independence for your loved one and peace of mind for you.
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| Dianna Malkowski |
Dianna Malkowski is a Board Certified
Physician Assistant and Mayo Clinic trained nutritionist specializing in
diabetes, cancer, wound healing, therapeutic diets and nutrition support. She
serves on the board of professional advisers for The CareGiver Partnership and
enjoys working with patients and caregivers alike.
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