Dear Nurse Bonnie,
You always hear about HEAT STRESS affecting the elderly. What are the risk factors for becoming sick in the heat?

Mrs. M.C.

Dear Mrs. M.C.,
Certain physical conditions that make the heart and lungs work less efficiently like a weak or damaged heart, respiratory problems like emphysema, high blood pressure, previous stroke, diabetes, infection, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, alcoholic beverages, being more than 20% overweight, skin diseases or severe sunburn, and certain medications increase risk.
When the temperature gets ABOVE 90 for several days and the humidity is high, heat stroke or heart attack risk is higher.

STAY COOL:
Remain indoors in a cool place (library, senior center, mall, government center lobby)
Use fans
Take cool showers/place cool washcloths on your wrists, neck, forehead
Wear cotton (it breathes – synthetic fabrics don’t)
Wear light colored, loose fitting, lightweight clothes
DRINK WATER (sugary and caffeinated teas and coffee work against you)
Eat light, cool, nutritious meals
SLOW DOWN: Don’t expect to get as much done
Avoid extra salt

EARLY WARNING SIGNS:
Loss of appetite, fatigue, irritability….

GET MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY if you experience:
Throbbing headache
Exhaustion
Dizziness
Long lasting loss of appetite
Rapid heartbeat
Difficulty breathing
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
Severe cramps
Chest pains
Difficulty breathing
Hot/dry skin (stopped perspiring)
Mental changes