Beat the Heat!

by Joyce Remy

It's August, often our warmest month! Here in the Puget Sound area, we are usually spared the extreme heat that other areas of the U.S. and the eastern part of Washington state must endure. But even in our mild climate, summer temperatures can pose a danger to older adults. Working or playing in the sun, spending time in an unventilated home, or sitting in a closed vehicle can result in uncomfortable and even dangerous temperatures.

As we grow older, our bodies are less efficient at regulating temperature. Especially at risk are people with health problems such as cardiovascular disease, kidney or lung problems, unhealthy body weight, or those who take certain medications that interrupt the body's ability to protect itself by perspiring.

Here are some tips for staying safe and comfortable during periods of higher heat:

• Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. On hot days, the body loses moisture more rapidly, so keep yourself hydrated with water or fruit juice. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which cause the body to lose more fluid. (If you are on a fluid-restricted diet, speak to your healthcare provider during periods of heat.)
  
  
• Keep your home comfortable by letting in cool air during the early morning and evening hours. Create cross-ventilation by opening windows on two sides of the building. Use fans to circulate cooler air. Close curtains and blinds during the warmest hours.
  
  
• Take a break at an air conditioned location during the hottest part of the day. Go the mall, a movie, the library.
  
  
• Dress for the weather. Wear short-sleeve, loose-fitting garments. Natural fibers and light colors are cooler than synthetic materials and dark colors. And don't forget your sun hat!
  
  
• Exercise and work outside only during the cooler hours of the day, and pace your activities.
  
  
• Wear sunblock when you are outdoors. Sunburn reduces the body's ability to regulate heat.

Heat-Related Illness

Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion:  dizziness, weakness, nausea and perspiration.

If ignored, these symptoms can progress to a dangerous condition called heat stroke. The symptoms of heatstroke are:

• Fainting
• Body temperature over 104
• Confusion, staggering
• Dry, flushed skin with no sweating
• Strong, rapid pulse
• Headache
• Unconsciousness

A person with heat stroke should be seen by a physician immediately!

Other heat related conditions include:

Heat cramps (a painful tightening of the muscles of the abdomen, arms or legs)

Heat edema (swelling of the ankles and feet)

Heat syncope (a sudden dizziness and rapid pulse that usually occurs when someone is exercising in the heat)

With a few precautions, you can stay safe and comfortable on hot days...until our more pleasant Seattle summer temperatures return!

For more information....

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has information about extreme heat as a health emergency.

The Weather Channel's "Project Safeside" includes information about keeping safe during warm weather.

2005, Caresource Healthcare Communications