Keep your cool!
Summer’s heat poses concerns, but programs are available to help
With the spring monsoons behind us, the weather is clearly heating up, and with warmer weather, not only will seniors be outside more, but some will be exercising — walking, jogging cycling and swimming.
“However,” said Bette Cozart, RN, PhD and clinical assistant professor of nursing at Prairie View A&M University’s College of Nursing, “with aging, individuals may not immediately feel the impact of the heat. These signs and symptoms include the loss of sensation in the arms and legs ... or the individual may feel cold, even when the temperature is high.
“The risk of heatrelated illness is higher for seniors in the summer,” she said, “and this makes it important to keep temperatures around 75-plus degrees.”
Reliant Energy spokesman Bobby Zafarnia said Reliant’s annual summer month assistance programs will be offered again this year as well as its robust support for seniors and those in need of cooling centers and bill assistance. We are committed to helping families in every community where we live and work.”
Reliant’s programs for summer assistance are three-fold: “First, we partner with the City of Houston (and Dallas and Corpus Christi as well) for our annual “Beat the Heat” program and are going into our 11th year for the initiative,” Zafarnia said. “Beat the Heat supports free cooling centers, typically from early June to early October, and last year they were at MultiService Centers (MSC) at Acres Homes, Denver Harbor, Northeast, Sunnyside and Magnolia locations. “Each site offers air-conditioned spaces, entertainment with games, and light snacks and water,” he said. “Select sites provide children opportunities to learn more about energy. This year’s dates and details are being finalized and should be announced in the next few weeks.” Second, since 2005 Reliant has contributed approximately $9 million through its CARE (Community Assistance by Reliant Energy) program for Texans who need help with summer electricity costs. Reliant works with nonprofit social service agencies to provide extra funds to customers who qualify for assistance with their electricity bill. This program has been offered for more than two decades to Houstonians who need this type of assistance. “Finally, Reliant offers our customers a free home energy checkup — where we send experts to evaluate homes and offer specific energy efficiency tips that may help lower their bills,” Zafarnia said. “Often customers can take small steps at home on how they use electricity that can help add up to good savings during peak summer months.” Cozart said Reliant’s summer outreach programs can — and have — saved
lives. “I know some seniors who, because of fixed incomes, don’t want to use the electric power it takes to keep their homes at healthy temperatures ... and many seniors may have gone through the Great Depression, which makes them more frugal.”
The nurse said heat sickness is sometimes elusive to diagnose. “If there is confusion or disorientation or any behaviors which are unusual from the person’s norm, that’s probably a good indicator that individual — of any age — has overheated. Physical symptoms include dehydrated skin...and anyone outdoors during hot summer days should keep hydrated — drink water at regular intervals.”
Recalling treating heat prostration victims in emergency rooms, Cozart said these patients would complain about feeling weak, faint — even tired — which signals heat exhaustion.
“They also may complain of headache, and could exhibit rapid breathing and radically irregular heartbeat,” she said.
Ironically, some individuals may get too warm swimming, but they also may be simply gardening, walking their pets or jogging and experience the same symptoms.
In determining whether someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, it’s a good idea to know what the senior has been doing and where they were. “If you come across someone lying on the sidewalk or in a heap in their yard but are conscious, ask these questions, particularly if they are experiencing nausea, vomiting
or muscle cramps,” the nurse said.
For senior companions and caregivers, she prescribes remaining nearby when seniors are working in their yards or exercising in warmer weather. “Make sure the senior doesn’t overexert themselves,” she said, “and no alcohol when working outdoors, exercising or swimming. Alcoholic drinks dehydrate the body rapidly, so avoid alcohol until you’re in a cooler building.”
“If you think an individual is suffering from heat exhaustion, first call 9-1-1. Then, in the meantime, get them into the shade if they were outside. If there is no nausea and they can still drink, offer cold drinks or water ... and if the individual is diabetic (you should ask this), cold water is recommended.
While awaiting help and a water hose in nearby, it’s helpful to wrap the individual in a cool, wet sheet or keep them cool using the water hose while waiting for ambulance.
“Placing cold compresses in the armpits, crotch and neck areas will help cool the body’s core, but do not put ice directly to the skin. Instead, make cold compresses using plastic cold bags,” she said.
“Remember, seniors often have very thin skin, so no ice directly to skin. If there are no cold bags, you can achieve the same results by filling a zip-style bag or a rubber glove with ice — in emergency. This will help you maximize the cooling effect.”
It’s also good to remember that heat illness can mimic other problems, so on a hot day with no breeze, fans or central cooling, think “heat exhaustion” first.
Dr. Cozart, who was one of Houston’s Top 10 Nurses in the Houston Chronicle’s 2015 Salute to Nurses, said anyone on medication regularly should guard against getting too warm.
“For example, individuals who take blood pressure medication — or any medication for that matter — should be aware that in the heat, medications may act differently. So, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and it’s OK to remind your neighbor or mom or dad to take a water break to maintain their hydration,” she said.
She also reminded anyone who is older to wear sturdy shoes anytime they go outdoors. “No sandals, no flipflops,” she said. “These types of shoes can cause tripping and falls. Also, no plastic shoes because these absorb heat, and always wear socks with sneakers or other closed-toe shoes to absorb moisture.”
Caretakers and companions should know the individual senior’s values. “They not want to cool down the house because it costs too much, but with help from Reliant Energy, they can afford to stay cool and healthy — or they may opt to go to a cooling center if money is a concern.
“If you want to go outdoors for any reason, a good rule of thumb is “Out before 9 or after sundown so you won’t have to endure direct sunlight,” Cozart said.