Heat is hard on older population; take precautions

Summer’s heat and humidity can be especially hard on senior adults.

“We don’t handle heat as well when we age,” said Dr. Jason Harris, medical director of the emergency department at CHRISTUS St. Michael. “Our sweat glands do not work as well and our skin is thinner.”

Older people can be at a greater risk of hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an umbrella term that refers to several conditions that can occur when your body’s heat-regulation system can’t handle the heat in your environment.

It can lead to heat exhaustion, which is one of the most serious stages of hyperthermia and is the last stage before heat stroke occurs. Heat exhaustion happens when your body can’t cool itself any more. Symptoms include:

■ Dizziness

■ Weakness

■ Thirst

■ Coordination issues

■ Trouble concentrating

■ Cool and clammy skin

■ Rapid pulse.

Hydration is important during hot weather, but how much depends on the individual.

Harris advises that any senior talk to their regular doctor before going out in really hot weather to know what balance of fluids you need based on the types of medicines you are on.

It is important for seniors to be active and get in their daily exercise, but they should also limit their time outdoors during the hottest part of the day.

“Early mornings are best for these activities during the hottest part of the summer. Get out early as possible and be inside by 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. because that’s when it starts getting hot,” Harris said.

Seniors who are outside should wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and drink plenty of water or Gatorade.

It’s also important to keep the following tips from healthinaging.com in mind:

■ Stay out of the sun: If possible, wait to go out until the sun starts to set or until early the next morning. Adjusting when you go outside could mean a difference of several degrees.

■ Air conditioning is your friend: Spend as much time as possible in air conditioned spaces. If you don’t have an air conditioner, go somewhere that is air-conditioned. Read a book at the library, walk around in indoor malls, watch that new movie at the theater, or meet your friends at the senior center.

■ Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of cool water, clear juices, and other liquids that don’t contain alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you (dry you out).

■ Dress appropriately: Whenever you can, try wearing loose, light-colored clothes (dark-colored clothes absorb heat). Top it off with a lightweight, broad-brimmed hat and you are dressing like a pro. These simple changes will help you both stay cool and avoid sunburn.

■ Beware of sunburn: Use broad spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

■ Cool down: Take tepid (not too cold or too hot) showers, baths, or sponge baths when you’re feeling warm. Don’t have the time? Then wet washcloths or towels with cool water and put them on your wrists, ankles, armpits and neck.