For a lot of older adults dwelling in properties with out air-conditioning or correct air flow, the canine days of summer time can show not solely to be unbearable however downright life threatening. Staying cool throughout excessive temperatures means studying to beat the warmth.
Summertime – and the dwelling might be something however simple for a lot of seniors struggling to remain cool when temperatures and humidity ranges begin to climb. In keeping with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), 40 p.c of all heat-related deaths in the USA happen in individuals older than 65. Much more startling is the truth that every year scorching summer time temperatures declare extra lives within the U.S. than all pure disasters mixed, together with floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes.
Many seniors with severe well being problems or power medical circumstances associated to coronary heart, circulation or pulmonary points, or who take prescription medicines every day may very well be extra vulnerable to heat-related diseases. Analysis reveals that cardiovascular issues are a contributing issue within the majority of heat-related deaths amongst older adults.
As seniors’ physique temperatures start to rise due to intense warmth or sudden adjustments in temperature, their our bodies can lose potential to chill down due to dehydration or failure to perspire. A heatstroke happens when an individual’s physique temperature exceeds 104 levels Fahrenheit – which might occur in lower than 15 minutes and can lead to dying or everlasting incapacity if not handled instantly. Heatstroke or exhaustion in seniors could cause seizures and ought to be handled as a medical emergency.
In a medical emergency, each second counts. By no means delay care – rely on us to be there for you whenever you want it. The emergency room at Siloam Springs Regional Hospital and the Northwest Well being Emergency Division Fayetteville are right here for you and your loved ones 24 hours a day, seven days per week. To study extra about our providers, go to NorthwestHealth.com at present.
Indicators of a warmth stroke embody:
• Confusion
• Darkish urine
• Disorientation
• Dry, flushed pores and skin
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Excessive temperature
• Speedy pulse
• Vomiting
Enjoying it cool
Whereas air con might look like an apparent answer to staying cool in the summertime, many seniors dwelling alone or on a set earnings can’t afford the added expense of working AC items. Relations, neighbors or caretakers ought to guarantee seniors keep properly hydrated by consuming loads of liquids and utilizing home followers. Different useful precautions embody:
• Avoiding utilizing lights, stoves or different home equipment in the course of the warmth of the day by making ready sizzling meals at evening
• Blocking out the solar with curtains or shades to scale back indoor temperatures
• Taking a cool bathe in the course of the afternoon
• Sporting light-weight clothes and sunscreen.