| Hyperthermia | | | | - Shower or bathe in cool water |
| Hyperthermia, or overheating, is a risk to senior | | | | - Lie down and rest |
| citizens. Body temperature is monitored by the | | | | - Always call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing serious |
| brain, and excessive heat can cause the body to | | | | symptoms of overheating |
| sweat which evaporates from the skin and cools | | | | Risk Factors |
| the body. Being overheated for too long can | | | | People who are more prone to hyperthermia |
| cause illness that results in feeling faint, confused, | | | | include those with: |
| or extra stress on the heart. Hyperthermia can | | | | - Heart or blood vessel problems, poorly working |
| be a serious threat to senior citizens, so it is | | | | sweat glands, or changes in skin due to aging |
| important that seniors know the symptoms of | | | | - Heart, lung, or kidney disease or illnesses that |
| overheating and how to treat them. Elder care | | | | make you weak or feverish |
| professionals, or people who provide care for | | | | - High blood pressure |
| senior citizens should also know how to prevent | | | | - Conditions that are treated by diuretics, |
| and treat hyperthermia. | | | | sedatives, tranquilizers, and heart and blood |
| Common symptoms | | | | pressure medications |
| - Heat cramps are painful tightening of muscles in | | | | - taking multiple medications |
| the stomach, arms, and legs that can result from | | | | - Being overweight or underweight |
| excessive body temperature. You can avoid this | | | | - Drinking alcoholic beverages |
| by cooling down or drinking plenty of fluids. | | | | Prevention |
| - Heat edema is swelling in the ankles and feet | | | | - Drink plenty of fluids (at least eight glasses of |
| that can usually be relieved by putting them up - | | | | water) and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine. |
| check with a doctor if this does not help. | | | | - If you do not have fans or air conditioning, open |
| - Heat syncope refers to sudden dizziness that | | | | windows at night on two sides of the building to |
| can occur especially if you are taking certain heart | | | | create cross-ventilation; cover windows that are |
| medications. Putting your feet up or resting in a | | | | in direct sunlight; keep curtains or shades drawn |
| cool place can help the dizziness to subside. | | | | during the middle of the day; or try to spend at |
| - Heat exhaustion can cause a person to feel | | | | least 2 hours a day in a public place with air |
| thirsty, dizzy, weak, uncoordinated, or nauseated. | | | | conditioning (mall, movie theater, friend's house). |
| Increased sweating and cold, clammy skin are | | | | - See if there is local agency that provides senior |
| signs that your body is having trouble keeping | | | | citizens with wall air conditioning units |
| cool. It is very important to find a cool place and | | | | - If you need financial assistance with bills to pay |
| drink fluids or heat exhaustion can lead to heat | | | | for air conditioning, contact local agencies or senior |
| stroke. | | | | centers that may know of programs that can |
| - Heat stroke can cause fainting, body | | | | provide assistance to senior citizens. The Low |
| temperature over 104 degrees F, confusion, | | | | Income Home Energy Assistance Program can |
| grouchy or strange behavior, dry flushed skin and | | | | provide help (LIHEAP). |
| abnormal pulse, inability to sweat, and feeling | | | | - Ask a friend to drive you to a cool place or find |
| delirious. This is an emergency and people should | | | | out about transportation services provided by |
| seek immediate medical attention and a cool place. | | | | local organizations. Do not wait for a bus in hot |
| What to do | | | | weather |
| If you think that you are becoming overheated, | | | | - Pay attention to weather reports. You are more |
| be sure to know where to seek immediate | | | | at risk when there are more humidity and pollution |
| medical attention. Here are some tips for what to | | | | alerts. |
| do if you think you may have hyperthermia: | | | | - Dress appropriately for hot weather by wearing |
| - Get out of the sun and into a cool place (air | | | | natural fabrics like cotton. |
| conditioning is the best) | | | | - Do not exercise or do lots of strenuous |
| - Drink more fluids that do not contain caffeine or | | | | activities in hot temperatures. |
| alcohol | | | | - Avoid hot, crowed places. |