Beat the Heat: Stay Cool to Prevent Injury

It's summertime and despite the local swimming hole, ice cream cones, and lawn sprinklers, the heat can be downright uncomfortable - and even deadly. The elderly are at an increased risk of suffering ill effects from the heat. Normal changes that occur with aging, such as poor circulation, inefficient sweat glands, chronic illnesses, and medications can increase your risk for heat related illness such as heat stroke.

Hot days always put me and my colleagues on high alert. We make sure our patients have fans, plenty of cold water, and that they can recognize signs of danger. In my area, the community centers offer free activities, ice cream, and cold drinks in an air conditioned building. But what if you don't have a hospice agency looking out for you or can't get to an air conditioned center to cool down?

There are some things you can do to beat the heat.

• Stay indoors in a cool area. If you don't have air conditioning, close your windows and shades and use fans to circulate air.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid highly caffeinated and alcoholic drinks as they can further dehydrate you.
• Stay rested. Don't do any strenuous activity - just lie down and rest.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Apply cool, damp washcloths to the neck, wrists, and forehead.

If you begin to feel light headed, dizzy, or feel your heart racing, call your health care provider or 911 right away. Heat illnesses are usually very easy to treat when caught early on.

The Centers for Disease Control has more information about the elderly and heat illnesses.

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