Surviving The Heat

Every year there are many deaths due to the heat in the southern states. Too much heat is not safe for anyone and is especially hard on the elderly. Here are ways to help the elderly survive the heat:

• Drink plenty of fluids such as water or fruit and vegetable juices, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol.
• eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein.
• Wear short sleeves, lightweight rayons or cottons and light colored clothing that reflects the heat.
• Stay out of the sun during the hottest times of the day.
• Take a nap during the high heat times-between 3 and 5 p.m. in the afternoon or find a good television program or movie to watch.
• Keep shades down and blinds pulled during the day.
• Save household chores for the evenings when the weather is cooler.
• Stay in an air conditioned dwelling during hot days. If you don't have an air conditioner or yours is broken, spend the afternoon at the mall, a movie theatre or your local senior center.
• If increased use of central air conditioning causes higher utility bills, consider using a fan or small window unit that can cool down a home at a lower cost. In fact, window fans provide an effective way to exhaust the day's hot air during the night.
• Take cool baths or showers.
• Get help if you feel unusually weak, dizzy or confused.

Heat illnesses can include the following:

• Heat Cramps: are the painful tightening of muscles in your stomach area, arms or legs. Cramps can result from hard work or exercise. Take these cramps as a sign that you are too hot-find a way to cool down.
• Heat Edema: is a swelling in your ankles and feet when you get hot. Putting your legs up should help. If that doesn't work, check with your doctor.
• Heat Syncope: is a sudden dizziness that may come on when you are active in the heat. If you take a form of heart medication known as a beta blocker or are not used to hot weather, you are more likely to feel faint when in the heat.
• Heat Exhaustion: is a warning that your body can no longer keep itself cool in the hot air surrounding it. Resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of fuilds may help you feel better soon. If not, seek medical attention.
• Heat Stroke: is an emergency-GET MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY! This condition is LIFE THREATENING!

The symptoms of heat exhaustion are:

• Heavy sweating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Difficulty breathing
• Hyperventilation
• Anxiety
• Mental confusion
• Fainting
• Weak pulse
• Pale, clammy skin

What to do:

• Get victim out of the heat.
• Give small sips of cool water.
• Loosen clothing.
• Get medical help.

Heat Stroke can be fatal. In addition to the symptoms listed above, be alert to the following:

• Body temperature rises to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or more
• Victim becomes confused or delirious
• Perspiration stops and skin becomes, hot, dry and flushed
• Pulse rate increases
• Vomiting
• Victim becomes unconscious

What to do:

• Get victim out of the heat.
• Seek medical help IMMEDIATELY.
• Loosen clothing.
• Apply ice packs to the back of the neck, behind the knees and under the arms.
• Do not give liquids without medical advice.

The Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) private, not-for-profit charitable organization funded under the Older Americans Act and the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Page was last updated on 6/29/2004.
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