SUMMER SAFETY
Help your loved one stay safe while having fun in the sun
BY:ALLISON CHRISTY HOOVER
In the summer sun, older people are less likely to recognize signs of the body's true condition. In dangerously high temps, they may not feel hot. Dehydrated? They may not be thirsty.
Summer weather also can aggravate heart disease, diabetes and other diseases common among older adults. Plus, the sun can cause adverse reactions for those taking certain allergy medications, antibiotics, and drugs for depression and neurological problems.
For these reasons and more, it's important that you and your loved one follow these summer safety tips from the American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging:
Be concerned when temps top 90. Turn on the a/c. Don't have one? Take a trip to an air-conditioned locale such as a movie theater, mall, museum or library
Discourage strenuous activity. Avoid long walks or heavy lifting
Drink up. Leave a pitcher of ice water, lemonade or other nonalcoholic, decaffeinated beverage in the fridge and access it often
Get wet. Encourage or help with bathing of any kind. A cool shower, bath or sponge-down will be refreshing
Dress lightly. Make sure your loved one wears loose-fitting, light-colored, lightweight clothing—cotton is a good choice—and a hat for outdoor activities
Stay in the shade. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun
The AGS Foundation of Health in Aging also offers tips for identifying and treating several heat-related health problems:
Dehydration—lack of water in the body
Symptoms: weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion and fainting
What to do: Call 911. Have your loved one drink plenty of fluids, especially drinks high in electroylytes such as Gatorade, Powerade or Lucozade (being careful of sugar content if your loved one has diabetes)
Heat stroke—drastic increase in body temperature
Symptoms: a body temperature of at least 103 degrees; red, hot and dry skin; a fast pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea or vomiting; confusion; fainting
What to do: Move your loved one to a cool, shady place to drink fluids with high electrolyte content. If symptoms worsen, call 911
Heat exhaustion—illness caused by heat and dehydration
Symptoms: hyper- or hyposweating, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, paleness, cold and clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting.
What to do: Move your loved one to a cool, shady place to drink fluids with high electrolyte content. If symptoms worsen, call 911
Heat syncope—temperature-induced fainting
Symptoms: dizziness or fainting, sometimes accompanied by weak yet rapid pulse
What to do: Have your loved one lie down. Elevate feet. Serve up plenty of water and electrolyte-inclusive drinks