Heatstroke is a serious heat-related illness. It can occur after spending too much time in extremely hot temperatures or exercising in hot weather.
According to the Mayo Clinic, your risk of heatstroke increases if your body temperature reaches or exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit. When left untreated, the condition can severely damage your brain and other vital organs and may lead to death.
As we age, our ability to regulate our body temperature diminishes. Therefore, older adults have a higher risk of developing heatstroke. Certain factors can increase the risk, including:
If you're at a higher risk of heatstroke due to a preexisting health condition or medication, you may need to take extra steps to avoid overheating and dehydration. Your doctor or the health care team at Autumn View Gardens Ellisville can provide tailored advice to help you stay safe in hot weather.
The signs of heatstroke typically include muscle cramps, headache and nausea or vomiting. However, heatstroke symptoms in seniors may be more subtle than those in younger adults, which can make spotting the condition more challenging. Knowing what to look out for can help you notice the signs in yourself and other members of your assisted living community.
According to Jefferson Health, the following symptoms may signify heatstroke in older adults:
The affected person may also develop a fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Eventually, heatstroke can cause the person to stop responding.
You should never ignore even mild heatstroke symptoms, and the condition requires urgent medical assistance. Call 911 if you suspect heatstroke in yourself or someone you know.
While waiting for emergency assistance, you should try to cool the person down. The National Institutes of Health recommends moving the person to a cool indoor area and encouraging them to lie down. If there's no indoor space available or the person is unable to move far, try to shade them from the sun if possible.
Bathing in cool water can help reduce a dangerously high body temperature. Alternatively, apply cold compresses to the wrists or neck to cool the blood as it passes through blood vessels close to the skin's surface. Providing cold, nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated drinks can also help if the person can swallow.
Fortunately, a few simple steps can help you prevent heatstroke while enjoying summer activities in your assisted living community. The following tips can help you stay cool and hydrated in hot weather:
Sheltering from the heat in air-conditioned buildings helps prevent your body temperature from rising to dangerous levels. During particularly hot weather, it's wise to plan unavoidable outdoor activities for the morning and early evening while staying indoors during peak heat hours.
At Autumn View Gardens Ellisville, every assisted living apartment features air conditioning to keep you cool in the summer. However, it's also worth identifying cool spaces in any places you visit regularly so you know where to go when the heat becomes unbearable. Museums, public libraries and religious buildings often offer air-conditioned sanctuaries when you're out and about.
While regular physical activity is excellent for overall health, exerting yourself in hot weather increases your risk of heatstroke. To stay active, consider exercising indoors in an air-conditioned space, or go for an easy walk in the early morning when the temperatures are cooler. Alternatively, head to an indoor swimming pool for a gentle workout away from harsh sunlight.
Loose, lightweight garments help prevent overheating in the summer. Dark-toned materials absorb heat, so it's a good idea to stick to light-colored clothing on the hottest days. Cotton, linen and other lightweight fabrics are cooler than synthetic materials.
If you plan to spend time outside, choose clothing that covers as much of your body as possible to prevent sunburn. Aim for long sleeves and pants to cover your limbs to the wrists and ankles, and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face.
Dehydration increases the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, so staying well-hydrated is essential. The CDC recommends drinking more water than usual, even if you don't feel thirsty. Nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated beverages such as herbal teas, sports drinks and low-sugar fruit juices are hydrating alternatives if you find plain water too dull.
Water-rich food choices are also great for staving off dehydration if you find it challenging to drink enough. Juicy fruits and veggies such as apples, cucumbers and tomatoes are highly nutritious and provide extra hydration.
