Many people might
choose a nice, hot day
over a blustery, cold afternoon.
However, excessively
hot days can not only feel uncomfortable,
but they can also
prove life-threatening. Elderly
men and women, in particular,
are susceptible to the effects of
hot temperatures.
According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention,
people ages 65 and older
are more prone to heat stroke
and heat-related stress than
those of other ages. Seniors’
bodies are not able to adjust
to sudden changes in temperature
as quickly as younger people’s.
A chronic condition that
affects the body’s response to
heat, as well as taking certain
prescription medications also
may play a role in seniors’ susceptibility
to the heat.
The City of Sacramento
Department of Parks and
Recreation says that around
370 deaths from heat-related
COURIER LIFE, N 44 OVEMBER 15-21, 2019
illnesses occur across
the United States each year.
Nearly half of those deaths
are people who are 65 and
older. Prolonged heat exposure
can take quite a toll on
the average person. Factor
in the more delicate health
of many seniors, and the
hot weather can be quite
dangerous.
Further compounding
the problem is higher energy
costs. Seniors living on fi xed
incomes may not be able to
afford to turn on air conditioners
because of the power
draw.
There are different types of
heat-related injuries, though
heat exhaustion and heat
stroke are the most common.
Here are signs that a person
may be experiencing one or
the other.
Heat exhaustion
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Fast, weak pulse rate
• Headache
• Fast and shallow breathing
Heat stroke
• Extremely high body temperature
(more than 105-degrees
F)
• Red, hot and dry skin
• Absence of sweat
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
What to do
Friends or family members
should check in with
an elderly relative when the
weather is especially warm
to ensure she is safely handling
the heat.
In addition, people of all
ages can take the following
precautions to keep cool
when the temperatures rise:
• Drink cool, nonalcoholic
beverages. Water and diluted
fruit juices can help rehydrate
the body quickly.
• Restrict physical activity.
• Take a cool shower or
bath or wipe yourself down
with a damp cloth.
• Seek an air-conditioned
environment. For those who
won’t or can’t turn on the air
conditioning, visit a shopping
mall or library to keep
cool. Some towns and cities
also make cooling centers
available in extreme heat.
• Wear lightweight clothing.
• Try to remain indoors
during the hottest hours of
the day.
• Wear hats or use an umbrella
to shield your head
from sunshine outdoors.
• Eat cool foods, but avoid
extremely cold foods. Otherwise
you risk the chance of
developing stomach cramps.
Wellness
Elderly especially
susceptible to heat
www.SmileWithUsNY.com
����������������������������������������
����������������������������������������������
����������������������������������������������
Convenient to the B6 and B11 buses
and Q train Avenue J stop
��������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������
If a picture is worth
a thousand words
how much is a mile worth?
�� Gum
Treatment
�� Root Canal
Treatment
�� Implants
�� Cosmetic
Dentistry
�� Digital X-Rays
�� Video
Diagnostics
�� Oral Surgery
�� Handicap
Accessible
�� Open Sunday
�� Evening
Hours
/www.SmileWithUsNY.com
/www.SmileWithUsNY.com
