Weather Safety During The Hot Summer For Senior Citizens

The hot  summer weather is a challenge for everybody, but is especially riskier for senior citizens. It’s important for them to get relief from the heat quickly. Below we list several symptoms of heat exposure and furthermore provide safety tips for senior citizens.

Hot Weather Symptoms

Staying out in the heat for too long can result in serious illness. Be aware of these symptoms:

Heat syncope

This is a sudden dizziness that can happen when you’re active in hot weather. Rest in a cool place, put your legs up, and drink plenty of water.

Heat Exhaustion

indicates that your body can no longer keep itself cool. You feel thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, and nauseated. You sweat excessively. Your skin feels cold and clammy and you’re shivering despite the heat. You may experience a rapid heart beat. Rest in a cool place and drink plenty of fluids. If you don’t feel better in a few minutes, call someone for assistance.

Heat Cramps 

are the painful tightening of muscles in your stomach, arms, or legs. Cramps can result from hard work or exercise. You lose critical levels of sodium and potassium.  Rest in the shade or in a cool building and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they eliminate liquids from your body.

Heat edema

is a swelling in your ankles and feet. Put your legs up to reduce swelling.

Heat Stroke Symptoms

Senior citizens are most vulnerable to heat stroke during the hot weather summer months. Especially at high risk are those living in homes or apartments without air conditioning.  Signs of heat stroke are fainting, dizziness, and confusion. Also, a body temperature of 104F with either a slow or rapid pulse.

Conclusion

Follow These Safety Tips

• Drink plenty of liquids like water or fruit or vegetable juices. Do not drink beverages containing alcohol or caffeine as they are diuretics and flush liquids out of your body.
• Stay in a cool room. In the hottest part of the day keep your shades, blinds, or curtains closed. Open your windows at night.
• Dress correctly for the weather. Wear cotton which is actually cooler than synthetic fabrics.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and extended outdoor activities in the heat.
• Go out during non-rush hour times, and especially avoid crowded places .