HEAT
If you’re
a fan of The Weather Channel, then
you’re well acquainted with the warnings issued
about staying safe whenever temperatures get
high. It’s important to heed those warnings—
particularly if you’re 65 or older.
Age is a significant risk factor for getting a heat-
related illness. That’s because the body’s ability
to cool itself declines with age. Also, older adults
typically have chronic medical conditions or take
certain medications that add to the risk.
TYPE
Heat
stroke
Heat
exhaustion
Heat
syncope
Heat
cramps
Heat rash
Keep your cool
With the right precautions, you may be
able to avoid these problems. The Cen-
ters for Disease Control and Prevention
and the National Institute on Aging offer
these heat-beating tips:
• Wear lightweight, light-colored cloth-
ing. Natural fibers, like cotton, tend to
be best.
• Avoid strenuous activities. And take
time to rest.
• Take cool showers or baths. Even cool
sponge baths may help.
• Drink cool beverages that don’t con-
tain caffeine or alcohol. But check with
your doctor first if you’ve been advised
to limit fluids.
• If possible, remain indoors during the
hottest parts of the day—preferably
in an air-conditioned place. Shopping
malls, theaters, senior centers and librar-
ies are often good locations if you don’t
have air conditioning in your home.
• Try to keep your home cool. During the
day, draw curtains and blinds to block
out sunlight. At night, open windows
on two sides of your house to draw a
breeze.
Be sure to check on friends and neigh-
bors to make sure they’re handling the
heat well too.
Don’t get beat by the
TREATMENT
Call 911—heat stroke can cause death or disabil-
ity; move to the shade; cool body with water or
fanning.
Rest in a cool place; drink plenty of cool water or
nonalcoholic beverages; take a cool shower, bath or
sponge bath.
Sit down in a cool place; slowly drink water, juice or
a sports beverage.
Sit still in a cool place; drink juice or a sports bever-
age; lie low for a few hours after the cramps stop.
Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment
when possible; keep the affected area dry.
SIGNS
Hot, dry skin; profuse sweating or chills;
throbbing headache; high body temperature;
confusion; dizziness or visions; slurred speech
Heavy sweating or clammy, moist skin; ex-
treme weakness, fatigue or muscle cramps;
dizziness; confusion; nausea; pale or flushed
skin; slightly elevated body temperature; fast
and shallow breathing
Light-headedness; dizziness; fainting
Muscle pain or spasms, usually in the stom-
ach, arms or legs
Red cluster of pimples or small blisters on
skin
Sickening heat
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