Extremely high temperatures may put seniors at risk
As temperatures at slated to be in the high 90s this weekend The Courtyard Assisted Living at 2100 E. Sherman Ave. is opening it's doors thought mid-week when temperatures are predicted to go down slightly. Any senior can drop in at The Courtyard Assisted Living 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday for refreshments and a place to cool down. For more information please call (208) 765-8364.
Seniors on medication are at risk for heat stroke; signs and symptoms include body temperatures raising to 106 degrees and higher within 10 to 15 minutes and the body loses its ability to sweat. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Warning signs of heat stoke vary but may include the following:
• An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion - Warning signs vary but may include the following:
• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• 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
If you have elderly relatives or neighbors, you can help them protect themselves from heat-related stress:
• Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Tell them to avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
• Encourage them to increase their fluid intake by drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages regardless of their activity level. Warning: If their doctor generally limits the amount of fluid they drink or they are on water pills, they will need to ask their doctor how much they should drink while the weather is hot.
• Take them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems.
• Let them know that wearing loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics like cotton and light colors will reflect the sun. Darker colors will tend to attract heat.
• Encourage seniors to wear hats, sunscreen of 30 SPF and sunglasses.
• Advise them of the dangers of going out when the temperature is extreme.
• If seniors need transportation, and don't drive or have a car, tell them to call a taxi or a friend. The place they do not need to be is waiting in the sun for a bus.
• If you know of a senior citizen who cannot leave their home and who does not have air conditioning, gently remind them to take a bath or shower to lower their body temperature on days where it is extremely hot.
What you can do for someone with heat stress
If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person.
Do the following:
• Get the person to a shady area.
• Cool the person rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the person in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the person with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees.
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
• Do not give the person alcohol to drink.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
For more information contact Gretchen Tester, Director of Marketing, at The Courtyard Assisted Living, 2100 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene; www.regencycoeurdalene.com or www.regency-pacific.com.