Released July 17, 2009
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- [LaVona Traywick ] Arkansas summers can be uncomfortable, to be sure, but they can also be deadly, especially to senior adults, who are unable to regulate their body temperatures properly.
[Slide - Drawing of a sun - Summer Safety Heat and the Elderly. Hyperthermia - Heat Related Illness. Heat stress; Heat fatigue; Heat suncope; Heat cramps; Heat exhaustion; Heat stroke.] Senior adults are at particular risk of hyperthermia, or heat-related illness.
[Slide - Drawing of a sun and a sweating person fanning themselves - Summer Safety Heat and the Elderly. Medical Conditions - High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Lung Disease, Kidney Disease] In addition, to medical conditions such as high blood pressure and heart, lung, or kidney disease making senior adults more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, many medications, including diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure medications affect the salt and/or water levels in their bodies.
[Slide - Drawing of a sun - Summer Safety Heat and the Elderly. Effects of the Normal Aging Process - 1. Poor Circulation, 2. Inefficient Sweat Glands, Changes in Skin] Poor circulation, inefficient sweat glands and changes in the skin caused by the normal aging process also make seniors more susceptible to heat related illness.
[Slide - Drawing of a sun - Summer Safety Heat and the Elderly. Avoid Overheating - 1. Avoid venturing outdoors, 2. Watch for hot, humid days, 3. Do not overdress 4. Wear light fabrics in layers] To help avoid over heating in the summer, senior adults should avoid venturing outdoors during the hottest part of the day, usually between 10:00 and 2:00. Seniors should also be cautious in general on hot, humid days, particularly when air pollution alerts are in effect. They should take care not to overdress or wear cool-weather fabrics in layers if they are worried about being too cool when indoors.
[Slide - Drawing of a sun - Summer Safety Heat and the Elderly. Tips - 1. Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day] Some simple tips to remember are to: 1) Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, and, if at possible, stay in an air-conditioned place, such as a shopping mall, public library or heat-relief shelter.
[Picture of an elderly woman] Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Remember, electric fans alone will not prevent heat-related illness when the temperature is in the 90’s or above.
[Slide - Drawing of a sun - Summer Safety Heat and the Elderly. Tips - 2. Drink more fluids in hot weather regardless of your activity level] 2) Next, drink more fluids in hot weather regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
[LaVona Traywick] Though it may seem like a good idea to drink cold liquids as protection from the heat, it may actually cause stomach cramps. It is better to drink cool, but not cold, liquids to protect you from the heat. [Picture of soda cans packed in ice] Also avoid drinks that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar which will actually cause you to lose more bodily fluids.
[Slide - Drawing of a sun - Summer Safety Heat and the Elderly. Tips - 3. Limit your activity to morning and evening hours.] 3) Limit your activity to morning and evening hours and take frequent rest breaks in shady areas.
[Picture of an elderly woman working in the garden, wearing gloves and a wide-brimmed hat.] While you are outside, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and using sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
[Slide - Drawing of a sun - Summer Safety Heat and the Elderly. Tips - 4. Never sit or leave someone in a closed parked car.] 4) Never sit or leave someone in a closed, parked car, where temperatures can rise to dangerous levels in a very short time.
[Slide - Drawing of a sun - Summer Safety Heat and the Elderly. Tips - 5. Check on your friends and loved ones during the hot summer months.] And finally, 5. Check on your friends and loved ones, especially those with limited mobility, during the hot summer months.
[LaVona Traywick] Summertime is a time for fun, just remember to balance your summertime activities with measures that aid the body's cooling mechanisms and help prevent heat-related illness. Enjoy your summer.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/july2009/0717SummerSafety_Elderly_video_audio.htm
