Autumn Years Summer 2023

HEALTH & WELFARE

Avoiding Heat-Related Illnesses This Summer By Dan Gallagher

H eat-related illness, also called hyper thermia, is a serious business, and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults are more prone to heat stress than younger people. Why is that? 3 Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature. 3 They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat. 3 They are more likely to take prescrip tion medicines that affect the body’s abil ity to control its temperature or sweat. Understanding heat-related illnesses When left untreated, the symptoms of heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, which is life-threatening. During the prime summer months, this can be a very serious problem and one that can creep up on you, since the signs and symptoms of heat stroke can often look like some thing else. With normal summer tempera tures slowly increasing around the globe, it is even more important to understand how heat stroke occurs and how you can prevent it. Essentially, heat stroke happens when your body dangerously overheats, out pacing its ability to cool itself down by sweating. Extreme temperatures are of course a risk factor, but you can also get heat-related illnesses if you re exercis ing in regular summertime hot weather (especially when you are not accustomed to it) or in a very humid climate. Wearing heavy or restrictive clothing, drinking al cohol or otherwise being dehydrated can also make heat stroke more likely. Taking

• Stay in the shade: Try to stay out of the direct sun for prolonged periods of time. Bring an umbrella and be sure to take plenty of breaks in the shade. • Hydrate: Drinking enough water is hugely important if you are spending time outdoors in hot temperatures (and do not wait until you are thirsty to drink). Avoiding alcohol, which causes dehydration, is also a very good idea. • Dress appropriately: Wear light, breath able fabrics, and do not forget a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and skin. What to do if you suspect a heat-related problem If you or someone else is experiencing heat exhaustion, get out of the sun, hydrate slowly and rest. Use cool water on your skin or to drink (however, do not use ice water; it can actually make your condition worse). If you suspect heat stroke, or if heat exhaus tion symptoms do not start to resolve right away, call 911 or get to the emergency room immediately. Wait until your symp toms are completely gone before resuming any physical activity. For more information about hot weath er safety for older adults, go the website of The National Institute on Aging, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (www.nia.nih.gov/health/hot-weather safety-older-adults).

certain medications can also make it more likely you might experience heat stroke.

Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are on a continuum, with heat stroke at the more serious end of the spectrum. Essentially, heat exhaustion begins when you start experiencing symptoms related to your body overheating; a heat stroke happens when your core body temperature reaches 103 degrees. Heat stroke can cause vital organs like your brain and kidneys to swell, resulting in irreversible damage or death. Both are extremely serious conditions, so if you notice any signs of heat exhaustion, get help immediately. Signs and symptoms Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen faster than you might expect. Symptoms and warning signs include: • Sunburn or heat rash • Headache • Excessive sweating • Muscle fatigue or cramps

• Confusion or agitation • Nausea and vomiting • Rapid heartbeat • Skin that is cool to the touch • Chills or shivering • Loss of consciousness

Preventive measures • Check the heat index: Different from temperature, the heat index is calculated by combining the humidity level with the temperature for a more accurate picture of how the day’s heat will feel to a human body. If the heat index is above 90 de grees, use extreme caution when spend ing time or being active outdoors.

Dan Gallagher is the owner of Gallagher and Associates Insurance Agency, Inc., in Hawthorne, NJ. He helps clients select auto and home

insurance plans that meet their personal insur ance needs and helps business owners choose commercial coverage for business property and liability.

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AUTUMN YEARS I SUMMER 2023