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| Try these easy tips for staying cool. |
by Dianna Malkowski, Physician Assistant
& Nutritionist
As the nation heats up, folks age 65 and
older are more prone to heat stress than younger people. Here are tips for
preventing heat-related illnesses and stay hydrated while managing incontinence.
High temperatures can be dangerous at any
age, but people 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. Add to
that the combination of staying hydrated while managing incontinence, and
summer weather can be a real challenge for the elderly.
Whether you’re a senior’s caregiver,
relative, friend or neighbor, it’s important to visit older adults at least
twice a day and watch for signs of heat stress. Inform your loved ones of the
following preventative steps:
- Drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages (not extremely cold, which can cause cramps).
- Individuals limited by how much they can drink — whether because of incontinence, medication such as water pills, or other reasons — should discuss fluid intake with their doctors.
- If nutrition and hydration are problems, the elderly should talk to their health care providers or dietitians about nutritionals, such as juices, shakes and powders.
- Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing.
- Resting and avoiding strenuous activities, including staying indoors in an air-conditioned environment during the hottest part of the day.
- Taking cool baths or showers.
- Making sure emergency help is available 24/7 by equipping a senior’s home with monitoring and safety tools.
Never leave an elderly person, child or pet
in a car. The temperature inside a car can rise 19 degrees within 10 minutes
and 29 degrees in 20. And leaving a car running with air conditioning turned on
is not an option, because passengers can be exposed to carbon monoxide.
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 advisors for The CareGiver Partnership and enjoys
working with patients and caregivers alike. Ask Dianna a question, or call 1-800-985-1353.
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| Dianna Malkowski |
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