by Sherrin Griffin VP, Operations, Sidney SeniorCare –
With escalating climate change and recent news reporting that Canada’s temperature is increasing twice as fast as the global average, Canadians are feeling the heat more than ever before. It seems that every summer gets hotter and dryer – a bit disconcerting for all, but especially for seniors who can have a tougher time dealing with heat and humidity. The elderly are at much higher risk for heat-related illnesses such as headaches, confusion, dizziness and nausea, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, potentially even leading to loss of life.
Seniors do not adjust as well as their younger cohorts to sudden fluctuations in temperature. Normal age-related changes including poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat management affect our body’s responses to heat. Seniors are also more prone to chronic medical conditions such as cardiovascular, lung and kidney disease, or other illnesses causing weakness or fever, which can put them more at risk. In addition, they are more likely to take prescription drugs such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and some heart and high blood pressure medications that may make it harder for the body to cool itself.
Being overheated for too long, or exposed without protection to the sun, can result in the following heat-related conditions:
• Heat syncope – sudden dizziness caused by over exertion in hot weather, or the influence of heart medications, such as beta blockers, which challenge the body to acclimatize to the heat and can cause dizziness or feeling faint.
• Heat edema – retention of fluid and swelling, typically in the ankles, feet and legs, brought on by hot weather.
• Heat exhaustion – the body’s response to an extreme loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating, and a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool. Symptoms may include weakness, a rapid pulse, profusive sweating, excessive thirst, dizziness, nausea, and possibly cold and clammy skin. Heat exhaustion can quickly escalate to heat stroke if not careful.
• Heat stroke – a medical emergency where the body’s temperature rises above 40°C (104°F). The heart may not be able to pump enough blood, causing fainting or collapse. Signs of heat stroke are fainting; confusion or acting oddly; not sweating even when very hot; dry, flushed skin; strong, rapid pulse or a slow, weak pulse. When a person has any of these symptoms, they should seek medical attention right away.
If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, call a family member, friend or neighbour so that they can assist you and/or contact emergency medical services if needed.
When temperatures exceed 25°C (almost 80°F), it is a good idea for seniors to take precautions such as:
• Drink lots of fluids such as water, fruit and vegetable juices, or beverages containing electrolytes, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Avoid excessive physical activity outdoors when it is very hot.
• If seniors live in a home without A/C, purchase a fan(s) and try to keep the space as cool as possible. Limit use of the oven; keep blinds and curtains closed during the day. In the afternoon, try cooling off in an air-conditioned shopping mall, movie theatre, library, senior centre, or a friend’s or family member’s home.
• If you need help getting transportation to a cooler place, consider taking a taxi or other car service or asking a friend or relative for help, rather than standing outside in the heat waiting for a bus.
• Shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water to lower body temperature, and elevate your legs to avoid heat edema.
• If you must go outside, try to limit your time out, avoid midday heat and crowded places.
• Make sure to use a broad spectrum sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher, and reapply often throughout the day. Wear a hat, other protective clothing and sunglasses.
• Ask your doctor if any of your medications make you more likely to become overheated or sunburned.
Keep a close eye on current and upcoming weather reports. Play it safe and be proactive by planning ahead for hot days. Visit The Weather Network online, tune in to local radio or TV stations, or check the weather app on your smart phone regularly for forecasts and the heat index, which considers both air temperature and humidity levels.
Let’s continue to enjoy the summer, while helping to keep our senior loved ones safe.
