22 May 2009
The Weather Report: Hazy, Hot, and Humid!
It’s that time of year again when mosquitoes bite and air conditioners hum. Summer in Maryland, and other parts of the country, is lazy, hazy, HOT, and humid…and dangerous, too.
Hot humid conditions can wreak havoc in healthy young adults triggering heat exhaustion, dehydration, and breathing problems. However, in older adults they are a formula for disaster. Here’s a brief picture of normal aging changes that put us at risk: the body’s thermostat becomes less efficient; sweating – our cooling system - is diminished; water content declines dramatically; and lung capacity shrinks. In general, there are fewer reserves available to call upon in time of trouble. Now, add chronic disease - like heart, lung, or dementia - and older adults become disasters waiting to happen.
Here are a few survival tips to keep your loved ones safe:
- WATER! WATER! WATER! I can’t say enough about the stuff. Water is essential for temperature control and all bodily functions. The lack of it, or dehydration, is a serious problem for elders. Statistically, an older adult who is hospitalized for dehydration is at greater risk for death within one year; and the risk increases with age. Although these studies were done using nursing home residents, it is presumed that community elders share this risk.
Keep a sport bottle of water handy and remind your loved ones to drink. Unless there is a fluid restriction, encourage fluids with every meal and in between. Water is the best choice but other clear fluids work well, too. For those who balk at drinking plain water add juice, lemonade, or iced tea to it. This cuts down on consuming too much sugar found in many juices. Avoid caffeinated beverages; they act as diuretics and rid the body of precious fluid.
. Foods that melt at room temperature are considered liquids. This includes Jell-O, popsicles, ice cream, sherbet, and sorbet for instance. Let’s not forget those naturally high in water content like watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, oranges, and clear broth soups.
- Poor air quality will aggravate breathing problems, so listen to daily reports. Keep loved ones in air-conditioned environments but, if they have to go out, bring plenty of water along.
- Heat exhaustion (hyperthermia) can come on very rapidly and is a life threatening condition. Signs to watch for include fatigue, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and/or confusion.
Remember, as caregivers your health is just as important and the tips above apply to you as well. Do yard work or exercise outdoors early in the morning and remember to carry water wherever you go.
With good planning and knowledge both you and your older loved ones can have a healthy enjoyable summer.
Blessings, Mary
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