We look forward to the warmer weather after a very cold winter, but the extreme heat can cause problems. Health problems related to HEAT can range from minor to medical emergencies. Read our blog article, You Could Be At Risk For Heat Exhaustion for more information.
Let’s consider those of us who are older—We are at great risk for getting a heat-related illness –and if we have a chronic illness, our risk is even greater. As reported by The National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, hypothermia is the failure of the body’s heat regulating mechanism to deal with a hot environment. After being in heat for long periods Hypothermia can cause heat fatigue, sudden dizziness, cramps, and heat stroke.
A local Hospital System in Florida reports these conditions that can increase our risk of hypothermia:
- Dehydration
- Age-related changes to the skin such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat production
- Use of multiple medications. Continue to take prescribed medications and
discuss possible problems with your health care provider. - Reduced sweating caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure drugs
- High blood pressure or other health conditions that require changes in diet. If you’re on a salt-restricted diet, you may be at an increased risk, but salt pills shouldn’t be used until you talk with your doctor.
- Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever
- Being substantially overweight or underweight
- Drinking alcohol
Don’t wait if you suspect you might have a heat stroke—it can be life threatening! If you or anyone you are around has a sudden increase in body temperature—confusion—a rapid pulse—feels faint—is staggering—is not sweating, get emergency help immediately.
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