Particulate Matter Air Pollution Causing
Statewide Health Crisis
Retirement Locations Depend On Lifestyle
Long-Term Care Contract Provision Under Fire
Swedish Painter Captures ‘The Sunny Side of Life’
New Publication Bridges Cultural Gap in Health Care
Reflections On Aging: What’s Most Important Fits in Small Boxes, Lives in Memory
Senior Health: ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ Is Essential for Optimum Health
Senior
Thoughts:
Watching the Progression
of Alzheimer’s Disease
Dutch Treat: Bottlers Baffled: Are Consumers Returning to Water On Tap?
Unhealthy Air and Hot Summer Temperatures Create Hazardous Conditions
By
Stephen Baetge
Editor
Massive
fires have been burning in California for several weeks now, and
just when officials thought it couldn’t get much worse, the
thermometer began climbing above the century mark, and the air hovering
over Sacramento became so toxic, health officials began advising
people to stay indoors. Ground level ozone, a mixture of chemicals,
smoke and heat, is toxic and often deadly to breathe.
Temperatures last week hit 107 degrees in some places, and with the smoke-filled
city struggling for a breath of fresh air, all the elderly residents could do
was stay indoors and try to survive.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 318 Americans die every year of
heat-related illnesses. As the dog days of summer approach and the temperature
climbs into triple digits, seniors are being advised to take precautions to ensure
their safety and well-being.
Staying healthy in the summer heat is as easy as educating yourself about the
body’s need for fluids and the signs and symptoms of dehydration which
can lead to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Older adults have a harder time adjusting to higher temperatures and humidity
than younger individuals. Even temperatures in the low 90s can be hazardous for
seniors in the absence of proper precautions. Certain medical conditions and
medications can also predispose seniors to heat-related illnesses.
Many seniors live alone and may be unaware of how hot the inside of their home
has become. Seniors also tend to occupy the higher floors of apartments and have
a correspondingly higher exposure to summer heat. Some seniors may also lack
air conditioning and often keep the windows and doors closed for safety reasons.
The most important thing is to play it smart during times of extreme heat. The
National Institute on Aging recommends staying out of direct sunlight and avoiding
strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.
Seniors are advised to wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing which helps
sweat evaporate and cool the body. Drinking plenty of liquids such as water or
fruit juice will replace fluids lost by perspiring. Fluids containing caffeine,
alcohol or salt should be avoided as they tend to complicate medical conditions.
Do not take salt tablets unless advised to do so by a physician. If going to
an air conditioned location is not an option, take frequent cool showers or baths.
Cool wet towels can also be used to help combat the temperature. Try to get to
one of the cooling stations listed in this paper.
More importantly, take the heat seriously. Warning signs such as nausea, dizziness
or fatigue can signal the onset of heat exhaustion, heat stroke or other serious
medical conditions.
Seek medical help at once if you’re concerned about health-related issues
concerning heat. Also be a good neighbor and keep an eye on friends and family
and be ready to assist them if the temperature seems to be affecting them.
Summer can be a time of great fun and activity. While seniors are susceptible
to heat-related illnesses, a few commonsense steps can help beat the heat.
This page and its contents ©2008
Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
