This time of year, the heat can be downright dangerous
TEXARKANA –The onset of summer can mean an increase in heat-related illness, especially among senior adults and other vulnerable members of the population.
And of course, the hottest part of summer is not even here yet.
It’s important to take precautions when performing physical activities outdoors. Even just 30 minutes in the heat can be dangerous if someone is not acclimated to it, said Dr. Russell Mayo, a family practice physician with UAMS.
“Physiologically as you get older you don’t have the reserve you once had. You get dehydrated faster,” Mayo said.
Elderly people often stay “on the edge of being dehydrated” because of medications they take.
Mayo said he encourages all of his patients to say active but to do outdoor activities early in the morning during summer.
“Even just weeding a garden for 30 minutes in the heat can put someone in trouble,” Mayo said.
“If you have work to do in the garden, the early morning between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m is the perfect time to do it. You can get a lot more done when it’s 68 degrees than 88 degrees,” he said.
There are three stages of heat-related illness – heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat cramps occur when someone has a lack of body fluids and electrolytes while outside in the heat. This can progress to heat exhaustion, which includes symptoms like nausea, weakness, dizziness and fatigue.
At that point, a person definitely needs to get out of the heat, get to a cool spot and even remove the clothes they have sweat in to replace with cooler clothes. They should also re-hydrate with water or some type of sports drink that contains a minimal amount of sugar.
A heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, and it occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool itself down. It can be life-threatening and deadly. If suspected heat stroke occurs, someone definitely needs to call 911. But before 911 gets there, the person should be removed from the heat and given liquids if they’re conscious.
Mayo also recommends seniors have drinking water on hand and let someone know when they will be working outdoors.
“Drink, drink, drink. You cannot drink enough water when you are outside in the summer. You lose fluid through sweating,” he said. “Also, have someone around that can check on you and make sure you are OK. Heat exhaustion can sneak up fast on you.”
For seniors who like to exercise, indoor exercise is often safest during summer months.
Mall walking is popular for exercise. There are also classes at local senior centers or community centers that can help seniors get a good workout.
The Texarkana Texas Parks and Recreation Collins Senior Center offers armchair aerobics several mornings a week along with line dancing classes and Tai chi.