Unrelenting Heat Presents Special Problems for Seniors

Stifling, paralyzing, exhausting HEAT. As with many other summers, a major heat wave in the summer of 2010 has dominated news broadcasts and daily conversation. Given the devastating effects heat has on seniors, it's no wonder talk of weather looms as heavy has the heat itself.

The Center for Disease Control reports on its Web site, www.cdc.gov, that if current trends continue, "excess heat-related deaths in the U.S. could climb from an average of about 700 each year currently, to between 3,000 and 5,000 per year by 2050." The CDC likens heat waves to natural disasters such hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. And for good reason. According to the CDC's Web site, heat kills more people annually than all of the other disasters listed above combined. The message: take heat waves seriously, and act accordingly.

For the elderly or seniors, extreme measures must be taken to avoid heat stroke since the aging body does not function the same way as a young or middle-aged body. For example, in extreme heat, seniors risk a drop in blood pressure which would cause fainting spells, according to the Web site CardioSmart. Add complications such as diabetes and other chronic diseases common to seniors, and the health risks present during heat waves are compounded.

According to information on the CDC Web site, seniors are particularly susceptible to heat than the young because their bodies can't adjust to sudden changes in temperatures. In part, that's because of chronic medical conditions that stop the body from responding to heat. Moreover, prescriptions used to treat many conditions inhibit the body from regulating temperature and cut down on perspiration which cools the body.

The heat has taken a devastating toll on the Northeast, as it does many summers. In urban areas it's even worse. The tall buildings that stretch throughout urban areas trap hot air, not allowing for a cooling off period at night which would give the body time to recover.

This year, Baltimore has seen crippling heat that has the city on a code red alert according to local broadcast alerts. So far, the Maryland Public Health Department reports that the majority of heat-related deaths and hospital visits have involved seniors, according to a July 23, 2010, article in the Baltimore Sunpapers.

Crippling heat has had the Baltimore area, as well as other parts of the Northeast and Mid Atlantic on a code red alert with warnings of sweltering conditions that are dangerous as opposed to just uncomfortable. Given that, seniors must become almost religious insofar as routines during the dog days of summer:

Stay indoors if you can. If you must work outdoors, do it in the early morning hours or at dusk. That's not that much protection as before noon, temperatures in July have ranged from the 90s-100, with a heat index hitting 110 in areas of the Northeast, according to a July 26, 2010, Associated Press report in the Baltimore Sunpapers.

Conserve air. The extreme temperatures put a strain on energy sources which causes them to overheat. A blackout or brownout may result. Keep your drapes drawn and the shades down. You may be letting in the light, but you are also letting in the heat. Money wise it's not worth it.

Use ceiling fans. Even if you have an air conditioner, keep the air circulating, and you won't have to keep the air conditioner running at a lower temperature.

Drink water or juice on a regular basis. It sounds like common sense advice, but heat makes us so uncomfortable that we often don't feel like drinking or eating. But just as you have to take prescription at certain times to keep your body in tune, water must be added in regular intervals to keep it functioning. That means you should drink water whether you feel like it or not.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol. You should drink, but not all liquids have a positive effect. Caffeine and alcohol create the opposite effect of cooling the body down, according to the National Institute on Aging.

Eat even if you're not hungry. Did you ever think you'd hear that phrase? In addition to being hydrated, the body needs electrolytes. Salt is a great way to put that back into your body. Eat small amounts if you have to on a more frequent basis.

Carry wet wipes or even paper towels soaked in water that you put in plastic bags. As you feel overheated, pull one out and wipe your face and apply pressure points on your body: the wrists, just behind the ears, behind your knees.

Wear a hat. If you have to go outside, shade your body as much as possible.

Pick your clothing wisely. Short sleeves aren't enough. It's more about the material. Cotton wicks moisture away from the body. Also, stick to light-colored clothing as dark colors attract the sun.

Create a buddy system. Check on your neighbor, and have your neighbor check on you. If the heat starts to get to you, you may not even recognize the signs.

The following are warning signs that your body is not dealing with the heat properly: nausea, feeling faint, a high body temperature while skin is cool and clammy, flushed skin a rapid or slowed heartbeat and confusion. If you experience any of these, seek help immediately.