With the summer months upon us, it’s critical for everyone – and especially vulnerable groups like the elderly – to focus on safety tips for summer. Although heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, about 1,220 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(Opens in a new window) (CDC).
In addition to seniors, those most at risk for heat illnesses and death are children, lower-income individuals and those with pre-existing medical conditions. It’s important to keep an extra set of eyes on people in these populations to ensure they’re staying as safe as possible.
What is Heat Stroke and How Do You Treat It?
Being able to recognize the signs of heat stroke is among the most important summer safety tips for seniors. Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, according to Cleveland Clinic(Opens in a new window). It is a condition in which the body cannot regulate its own temperature and may lead to death or permanent disability – the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment.
When heat stroke occurs, body temperature can rise to 104°F(Opens in a new window) or higher within minutes. Other heat stroke symptoms include dizziness, nausea, confusion, seizures and unconsciousness. People may also have red, hot and dry skin with no sweating and a rapid pulse. They could also have a severe headache.
If someone is experiencing heat stroke, take them inside or get them to a shady area. Help cool them off with whatever methods you have access to such as putting them in a tub of cool water or a cold shower; use cold compresses if a tub or shower isn’t available. Try to get their body temperature to drop to 102 or 101 degrees. If the individual with heat stroke is conscious, you may offer them a cold drink(Opens in a new window). Get them medical attention as fast as possible and call 911 if that’s the quickest way for them to receive care.
How Do You Get Heat Exhaustion and What Should You Do?
Heat exhaustion, on the other hand, is a milder form of illness which can occur after a few days of exposure to high heat without replenishing fluids. The Cleveland Clinic describes heat exhaustion as the body’s response to a large loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating.
Even though heat exhaustion is milder than heat stroke, it’s important to take it seriously, especially among the elderly, people with high blood pressure or those who work in a hot environment. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if not treated when symptoms appear.
These symptoms may include heavy sweating, paleness, muscles cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting, reduced urine output and/or fainting. The person may have a fast and weak pulse; the skin may be cool and moist.
If you notice someone experiencing heat exhaustion, make sure they cool off through rest and by drinking cool, nonalcoholic and caffeine-free beverages. Move to a cooler area and seek medical help if symptoms worsen or persist for more than an hour, or if the symptoms rapidly escalate.
6 Ways to Beat the Heat This Summer
Here are a few summer safety tips to help beat the heat and stay healthy in warmer weather:
- Wear appropriate clothing for the occasion, whether indoors or outdoors. Layers can be helpful if heading to a location that may or may not have good air conditioning or air flow.
- Be aware of extreme heat events and the warning signs of heat-related illness to look for, especially with vulnerable individuals including seniors, young children or those with certain medical conditions.
- Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink; by this time you are already dehydrated. Look out for others to ensure that they’re getting enough nonalcoholic and caffeine-free/low caffeine drinks. Consider a hydration or sports drink that replaces lost electrolytes.
- Carry water bottles for you and your loved ones; drink from them regularly. Make your water more interesting by adding lemon, lime or cucumber slices. You can also add powdered flavorings such as lemonade.
- Eat hydrating foods like cucumbers, radishes, watermelon and strawberries, all of which contain at least 90% water by weight. As an added bonus, snacks like these also “feel like” summer.
- Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Using air conditioning can help you get a better night’s rest. If you don’t have air conditioning, open windows at night and use fans to circulate cooler air in and stale hot air out. Keep your home cooler by avoiding oven-cooked meals and savor summery choices. Getting enough sleep is often overlooked for peak health, but if you are like many people, it may be more difficult to sleep when you are too warm.
Sun Safety Tips for Seniors
Many of us grew up warming our skin in the sun (or tanning bed) and enjoying the bronze glow of a perfect tan. While we can’t go back in time to undo existing sun damage, we can prevent future damage and keep an eye out for changes in our skin. Fortunately, today’s self-tanners and bronzing creams can provide the desired effect without damaging your skin.
Although vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin,” sunscreen is essential for protecting our skin from cancer, wrinkles and unsightly spots. This should be a year-round habit, even on overcast days because UV radiation can still reach you. Pay special attention to your lips, hands, ears and scalp – areas which are often forgotten, but are easily exposed to the sun.
To ensure that sunscreen is evenly applied, use about an ounce (the amount of a shot glass or enough to fit in the palm of your hand). Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. In addition, wearing loose, long-sleeved shirts or sun-protective clothing can be helpful. Wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat is also a smart choice – be sure to put sunscreen on your neck if it’s not adequately protected by the hat. Discover more sun safety tips in this article, Sun Safety for Everyone.
Bringing It All Together
Summer is one of the best times to make memories with your friends and family. In addition to these summer safety tips for seniors, BrightStar Care has a team of qualified nurses and caregivers to help. Skilled care combined with the advantages of technology can make the retirement years the best ones yet. Whether you're looking for in-home care services(Opens in a new window) or a reliable medical staffing(Opens in a new window) partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location(Opens in a new window) near you, contact us(Opens in a new window) online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.