Heat Safety Brought to you by Senior Extra at Charlotte Regional and Peace River Regional Medical Centers
Staying cool in summer
Warmth and sunshine feel great and can lift your spirits, but extreme heat can present a health danger for older adults. When temperatures reach the 90s, seniors can be at greater risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat syncope (fainting).
By being aware of the risks and taking a few simple precautions, you can protect yourself from heat-related illness. The Senior Extra program at Charlotte Regional and Peace River Regional Medical Centers would like to offer some tips to help you stay cool when temperatures get hot.
Beating the heat
As we age, physical changes make it more difficult for our bodies to cool down as quickly or effectively as when we were younger. Seniors are also less likely to feel hot or thirsty, even in extreme heat. In addition, chronic diseases common in older adults and the medications used to treat them can also increase the risk of heat-related illness. It’s because of these issues that seniors need to be extra careful in hot weather.
The health care teams at Charlotte Regional and Peace River Regional suggest the following tips to keep cool when temperatures are 90 F or hotter:
- Spend as much time as you can indoors with the air conditioning on. If you don't have air conditioning, go to an indoor mall or a senior center, movie theater or library. A fan can’t keep you cool enough when the temperature is that high.
- Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or after sunset when it’s cooler.
- Wear light-colored, loosely fitted clothes and a broad-brimmed hat when outdoors. In addition, be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to protect against sunburn, which further impairs your ability to stay cool.
- Drink plenty of water, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, which can have a dehydrating effect.
- Take tepid showers or baths, or place cool, damp washcloths on your wrists, ankles, armpits and neck.
"Symptoms such as headache, weakness, dizziness and cramps can signal heat-related complications,” said Perry Horne, RN, interim chief nursing executive at Charlotte Regional.
“Older adults should also be aware that certain medications have side effects that can increase their risk of developing heat-related conditions, including over-the-counter medications such as diuretics, and allergy and sinus remedies,” continued Denise Fritz, chief nursing executive at Peace River Regional.
When the temperature rises, follow these suggestions to avoid getting too hot. Take a walk or do your gardening in the morning while it’s cool, and plan indoor activities on hot days. By taking a few preventive measures, you can beat the heat and prevent health complications.
True or false: Heat stroke isn't a serious condition.
False. Heat stroke is a dangerous rise in body temperature that can be deadly. Symptoms include a temperature of 103 or higher and red, hot and dry skin accompanied by headache, elevated pulse, dizziness or fainting, nausea and confusion. If you experience these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.
About Charlotte Regional Medical Center
Located in Punta Gorda, Charlotte Regional Medical Center is a full-service hospital dedicated to abiding by the mission of: Caring professionals dedicated to serving our community. Founded in 1947, 208-bed Charlotte Regional is Joint Commission Accredited and an award-winning hospital, with stroke services, orthopedics and respiratory programs earning national distinction. For more information, visit www.CharlotteRegional.com.
About Peace River Regional Medical Center
Founded in 1962 by a group of local physicians, Peace River Regional Medical Center is a 254-bed Joint Commission Accredited full-service hospital located in Port Charlotte. Recognized locally as a leading healthcare provider, Peace River is offers a full-continuum of care to patients in Charlotte County. In 2012, the state-of-the-art Peace River Heart Institute opened on the main hospital campus. Peace River Heart Institute is Charlotte County’s only full-service cardiac center, offering a full spectrum if interventional cardiac services, including open heart surgery. For more information, visit www.PeaceRiverRegional.com.
About Senior Extra
Ever-changing advancements in health care allow us to live longer and improve our overall health. Providing the latest information about health advancements through monthly seminars and events is just one facet of Senior Extra. To sign up for a free membership, visit www.SeniorExtra.com.
Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.
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