Keeping Cool in the Summer Months

Elderly people (that is, people aged 65 years and older) are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons:

• Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.


• They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.


• They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
Warning signs vary but may include the following:

• Heavy sweating


• Paleness


• Muscle Cramps


• Tiredness


• Weakness


• Dizziness


• Headache


• Nausea or vomiting


• Fainting


• Skin: may be cool and moist


• Pulse rate: fast and weak


• Breathing: fast and shallow

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
You can follow these prevention tips to protect yourself from heat-related stress:

• Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages. (If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink when the weather is hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps.)


• Rest.


• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.


• If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment. (If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off.)


• Wear lightweight clothing.


• If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.


• Do not engage in strenuous activities.