The summer is a great time for family vacations and outdoor activities. But it can also be a dangerous time, especially for the elderly, if proper precautions are not taken. A person’s body works hard to maintain a normal temperature. When you have prolonged exposure to the sun or a non-ventilated area, your body has to work harder to maintain its normal temperature. Excessive exposure to heat is one of the reasons why seniors are admitted to the emergency room during the summer.
For seniors, over-heating can be dangerous and sometimes deadly. Here are some easy tips from Saint Anthony's Emergency Department that will keep your summer safe from the heat, and out of the emergency room:
- Drink plenty of water. Water is important to stay hydrated in hot conditions. Also drinking sports drinks, lemonade, and even popsicles will keep the body temperature down.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine in them, which may lead to dehydration.
- Use sunscreen. Wear sunscreen at all times when you are outside exposed to the sun. Hats will lessen the exposure to the face and neck.
- Take frequent breaks to cool down. When spending long periods of time in the sun, it is necessary to take numerous breaks in a cool area to recover from the heat.
- Do activities in the morning. It’s still reasonably cool outdoors in the morning - the heat picks up in the afternoon. Also limit strenuous activity and exercise.
- Draw curtains from the sun. Curtains will keep the sun shielded from entering the house.
- Provide cross ventilation in house. When using fans make sure windows are open to provide cross ventilation in the room.
- Eat cool foods. Eating foods that have lots of water in them is good for hydration. Eating salads, carrots, fruits, and celery will help keep water in your system.
- Wear loose fitting clothes. Loose fitting clothes made from cotton will help keep the body cool and ventilated.
Even with all the necessary precautions sometimes a heat stroke may still occur. Here are some symptoms to watch for:
- Nausea
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Sweating and even not sweating
- General weakness
- Rapid and increased heart rate
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps and aches
If you live by yourself, make sure that you have a medical alert device or an emergency contact on speed dial.
For more information on Saint Anthony’s Emergency Services, please call 618-474-6260.