Florida Elder Care & Senior Health

Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses in the Elderly

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 400 people each year die from heat exposure related to weather conditions. This number does not include those who die from chronic illnesses that are worsened by excessive heat exposure. In 2008, seventy-one people died from heat exposure in the United States. More than 75% of these deaths occurred in people over the age of fifty.

Older persons are more at risk for heat-related injuries and deaths for a number of reasons. As we age, our bodies are not able to adjust as quickly to external stressors including sudden changes of temperature. Also, the elderly take more medications and have more chronic health conditions that may affect the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.

 

Here are some ways to prevent heat-related illnesses:

 

Stay indoors preferably in air-conditioning on hot days and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Replace fluids frequently especially during outdoor activities. Water is usually best. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

Wear cool clothing. Lightweight, loose-fitting, light colored clothing is best.

Listen to the weather report. If the heat index or temperature reaches dangerous levels, activities should be modified and extra precautions should be taken. 

Recognize the symptoms of heat illness. Heat illnesses can lead to permanent health problems and death. Prevent these serious outcomes by recognizing the warning signs. Report any symptoms to a physician immediately.

Early symptoms of heat illness may include:

·    Muscle Cramps

·    Tiredness

·    Weakness

·    Dizziness

·    Headache

·    Nausea or vomiting

·    Fainting

·    Skin: may be cool and moist

·    Pulse rate: fast and weak

·    Breathing: fast and shallow

·    Heavy sweating

·    Paleness

 

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

·         An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)

·         Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

·         Rapid, strong pulse

·         Throbbing headache

·         Dizziness

·         Nausea

·         Irrational behavior

·         Extreme confusion

·         Seizures

·         Unconsciousness

 

If you think someone is suffering from a heat-related illness, have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person by taking these steps:

 

1. Get the person indoors or to a shady area.  

2. Lower their body temperature in any way you can such as in a cold bath or by applying cool, wet cloths or cool water to the person's skin. 

3. If the person is alert, have them sip 1/2 cup liquid every 15 minutes. Do not offer alcohol or caffeinated beverages.

4. Call 911 and give first aid as needed if the person:

 

• shows signs of shock
• develops bluish lips and fingernails
• has decreased alertness
• starts having seizures, or
• loses consciousness.

Most importantly, if you have an elderly neighbor, friend or family neighbor, visit them often when the weather is hot and look for signs of heat illness. Many seniors either do not have air conditioning or simply cannot afford to use it. You can also offer an elderly person a ride if you see them walking or offer to take them to an air-conditioned building such as the mall on hot days. For more information and safety tips, go to www.redcross.org.

 

By: Rhonda Johnson-Saunders, owner/director

Here to Help Senior Concierge Services     

www.heretohelpscs.com

Taking Medicine to Prevent Disease?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services it is recommended that people over the age of 45 ask their doctor about taking aspirin to prevent heart disease. They also suggest that those under 45 also ask their doctor about aspirin if they have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if they smoke.

It is also recommended that people over 50 have annual flu shots and pneumonia shots for those 65 or older. Not all people may choose these preventions, but it is a good idea for elderly individuals to speak with their doctor about them.

Karen Best Wright, B.S. SeniorPro Marketing
www.SeniorPro.com
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com
www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com

Preventing Falls

This post is written more from personal experiences but is very important as people age. I seem to have a history of tripping over things and falling smack on my face even though I am not elderly. I have tripped over a toddler who walked in front of me, while I was carrying a baby in my arms. I have tripped over the front steps while carrying groceries into the house. I have tripped over the dog which ran in front of me, and I have tripped over my own floppy slippers. This last time, landing smack on my head requiring 5 stitches. Fortunately for me I have strong bones and haven't broken anything yet.

As people age, this becomes a very real concern. An elderly person's balance will not be what it was when they were younger, and their chance of getting severely hurt increases. Sometimes an elderly person may fall because of osteoporosis. A bone may break first, causing the fall. But many falls are preventable.

It is important that precautions are taken to help prevent falls. A few obvious things would be to make sure the floor is free from clutter, dim lights are left on at night, dogs are well trained, shoes or slippers fit properly and do not fall off while walking, and not trying to move too fast, thus throwing one off balance.

Karen Best Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
www.SeniorProMarketing.com
www.SeniorPro.com
www.GrandparentingBlog.com

Kidney Disease, a silent disease

Kidney disease is a silent disease. That means you do not feel symptoms until it is too late and you need medical treatment. No all, but most people who get kidney disease are over 60. The main causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure.

Fortunately, people have control over diabtes and high blood pressure. Proper eating and exercise and medication if necessary can control these two diseases, thus helping to prevent the dreaded kidney disease. Treating kidney disease if far more instrusive than preventing it.

Here is a link to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about Keeping Kidneys Healthy.

Karen Best Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
Pathway to Healthy Living
www.SeniorPro.com
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com
www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com

Dementia is not always Alzheimer's

There are other illnesses that mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. Pseudo-Dementia caused by depression is one of them. This type of illness is treatable with the proper anti-depressant but can still be very disturbing. Since the person may act in a demented way such as forgetting how to do familiar things, memory loss, losing interest in previous activities, having a change in personality, and lacking focus, it can very much look like the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

When any type of dementia is expected it is important to take the person to a good doctor. Tests are run to rule out or confirm an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Tests such as an MRI rules out brain tumors or strokes. Blood tests rule out thyroid and other problems, and a series of neuropsych test help to determine or rule out Alzheimer's. Even if Alzheimer's is diagnosed, there are good medicines that can help slow down the disease. If Alzheimer's is ruled out, there may be other medications to help with what the problem may really be. The earlier an illness is detected whether it be Alzheimer's disease or an illness with similar symptoms, the better it is for the person who suffers from the illness as well as all family members.

Karen Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
Pathway to Healthy Living
www.SeniorPro.com
www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com
www.GrandparentingBlog.com
www.BlogforHealthyLiving.com

Top 3 causes of preventable premature death

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

 "Researchers have a new list of preventable causes of death. The top three: smoking, high blood pressure, and overweight or obesity."

A new list? That list seems as old as the hills. I honestly do not know what the top three preventable causes of death use to be, but I have known that simple fact for 30 years, and I am no scientist or doctor.

So whether we are concerned for the health of our elderly parents or clients, or our own health, living a healthy lifestyle that keeps our weight within a healthy range, our blood pressure normal, and definitely no smoking can not only help prevent premature death, but will also improve the quality of our lives. And isn't that really the goal we all have, to live a quality life not just a long life?

Karen Wright, B.S. Community Health Education
Pathway to Healthy Living
www.SeniorPro.com
www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com