How to Avoid Heat Stroke: Elderly at Risk With Temperatures Soaring
States have been experiencing a recent rash of heat waves lately, which leads to an important question: how do you avoid a heat stroke? Heat strokes and the elderly can be an especially fatal mix, so knowing the signs and symptoms of heat strokes is important to safeguard your health, or the health of your loved ones.
The reason why the elderly are more at risk for heat-related illnesses is because as people age, their bodies lose the ability to easily adapt to hot temperatures, US News reports.
And, hot conditions can worsen any other medical conditions, reports US News.
Avoiding heat strokes would be the best way to avoid a trip to the hospital. How do you prevent a heat stroke?
Below are some helpful tips on how to avoid a heat stroke:
- Stay cool. The most surefire way would be to stay someplace where it's cool, in an air-conditioned place. If your house does not have air conditioning, public places like malls or library may provide some relief.
- Turn on the fan. Fans may be a good alternative for those who do not have air conditioning units in their home, but want to stay cool.
- Drink liquids. However, don't down a lot of alcoholic beverages or beverages that contain a lot of sugar like sodas. Drink lots of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Don't wear tight or heavy clothes. Loose-fitting clothes will be lighter, and will feel less hot. Even the color of your clothing may be a factor: wear lighter colors as well.
What should you do if someone you know is experiencing some of the symptoms of heat stroke, including dry skin, convulsions, headaches, disorientation, or chills? Take some action, including maybe submersion in some cool water, or apply some cold compresses or wet towels.
Most of all, even though heat strokes and the elderly can be a dangerous mix, remember that heat strokes and heat exhaustion can hit anybody. And, it's probably impossible to avoid heat strokes entirely in all situations. If someone is displaying symptoms that amount to an emergency, call 911 to seek medical help.
Related Resources:
- What to watch out for when dealing with the heat (Times Herald-Record)
- Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness (CDC)
- Employee Safety Tips: Working Outdoors in Summer Heat (FindLaw's Injured)
- High School Coach David Stinson Indicted in Max Gilpin's Heat Stroke Death (FindLaw's Common Law)