Heat Advisory in Effect – Special Risks for Seniors

Definitions

Excessive Heat Warning – Extreme heat index making it feel very hot, typically above 105 °F (41 °C) for 3 hours or more during the day for two consecutive days or above 115 °F (46 °C) at any time. Specific criteria varies over different county warning areas.

Heat Advisory – Extreme heat index making it feel hot, typically between 105 and 110 °F (41 and 43 °C) for up to 3 hours during the day and at or above 80 °F (27 °C) at night for two consecutive nights. Specific criteria varies over different county warning areas.

Heat Precautions

Heat can create serious health problems. Usually the elderly, the very young, the sick and those without access to air conditioning are most severely affected by heat.

Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse, and headaches. People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly and make sure there is good ventilation.

If fluids are not replaced soon enough, heat stroke can follow causing extremely high body temperature, red and dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, brain damage, loss of consciousness and death. To help a person showing severe symptoms, get the victim into shade, call for emergency medical services and start cooling the person immediately with cool water or by fanning.

Staying in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library or recreation center, is the most effective way to combat heat. If air conditioning is not available, pull the shades over the windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms.

A cool shower or bath also is an effective way to cool off. Limit the use of stoves and ovens to keep home temperatures lower. Children especially can quickly become dehydrated. They need to drink fluids frequently, especially water, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid drinks that are heavily sweetened or contain caffeine. Check on children often, especially if they are playing outside in high temperatures.

Other heat precautions include:

• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle during hot weather, even for a short time.
• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar. Start drinking fluids before going out into the heat.
• Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or evening when the temperature is lower.
• Take frequent breaks when working outside.
• Wear sun block, hats and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
• Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible.
• Eat more frequently, but be sure meals are well balanced and light.
• Don’t dress infants in heavy clothing or wrap them in blankets.
• Check frequently on the elderly and those who are ill or may need help.
• Check with a doctor about the effects of sun and heat when taking prescription drugs, especially diuretics or antihistamines.
• At first signs of heat illness – dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps – move to a cooler place, rest a few minutes, then slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if conditions do not improve.

The best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool, drinking plenty of fluids, wearing cool clothing and monitoring outdoor activities are keys to staying healthy in hot weather.

Seniors

Seniors are especially prone to complications related to exposure to excessive heat. Now that we are in the midst of our summer weather, seniors and their family and friends should be aware of the risks to older citizens during excessively hot weather. You may hear that a “heat advisory” or “excessive heat advisory” has been issued by the national weather service. But exactly what does that mean?

A Heat Advisory is issued when there is a heat index of 105 degrees Fahrenheit but less than 115 degrees Fahrenheit for less than 3 hours per day or nighttime lows above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. An Excessive Heat Warning is issued when the heat index is at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 3 hours per day for 2 consecutive days, or when the heat index is more than 115 degrees Fahrenheit for any period of time.

General symptoms of heat-induced illness include:

• increased body temperature
• extremely hot and dry skin
• strong, rapid pulse rate
• throbbing headache
• dizziness
• vomiting
• nausea

Additionally, seniors should be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Exhaustion symptoms include:

• heavy sweating
• weakness
• skin cold, pale and clammy
• weak and shallow pulse
• vomiting and fainting possible

The following are symptoms of Heat Stroke:

• high body temperature (106 degrees or higher)
• skin hot and dry
• rapid and strong pulse
• possible unconsciousness

Heat Stroke is a severe medical emergency. Seek help immediately.

Older people don’t adjust well to extreme heat. This is due to increased heat production and a lessened ability to dissipate heat. Medications can also cause an older adult to have trouble tolerating heat, therefore causing the heart to become overworked in its efforts to assist in the body’s cooling system. It’s a good idea for friends, neighbors, and relatives to check in on seniors during extreme temperatures.

Here are some tips for seniors dealing with the heat.

• Drink plenty of water. Drink 2-4 cups of fluid per hour. If you are going out, take a water bottle with you.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Eat smaller, lighter meals.
• Keep your home cool with air conditioning or a fan. If you don’t have air conditioning or a fan, go to a place that does such as your local senior center, mall, library, movie theater, or place of worship.
• Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. When outside, wear a hat and sunscreen.
• Avoid exercise or exertion, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
• Be aware that some of your medications may cause greater sun sensitivity.<//li>
• Consult your doctor about your medications and the heat.