Protect Yourself from Heat-Related Health Problems

ST. LOUIS: MediNurse, St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing care and health related services for more than 30 years, warns the public about heat-related conditions especially for older people. Summer arrived early this year, and it’s critically important to recognize the symptoms of heat stress.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Heat stroke occurs with the body is unable to control its temperature—temperature rises rapidly and the body loses its ability to sweat and is therefore unable to cool down naturally. Body temperatures can rise to over 100 degrees or higher within 10-15 minutes. The dangers of heat stroke can be life threatening or lead to permanent disability if immediate emergency treatment is not provided.

Seniors are more prone to heat stress. The fact is that older adults do not adjust as well to temperatures changes. They may also have a chronic medical condition that alters the body’s response to excessive heat. Prescription medicines can affect the body’s ability to control its temperature.

If a senior experiences one or more of these symptoms, they could be having heat stroke:

· High body temperature of 103 degrees and above

· Red, hot, and dry skin with no sweating

· 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 dehydration.

If a person is experiencing heat stroke, MediNurse recommends taking the following steps:

1. Call 911. Until they arrive, begin cooling efforts to cool the person.

2. Find a shady or air conditioned area and have that individual sit down.

3. Cool the person rapidly utilizing whatever methods are available: put the person in a tub of cool water, pour cold water over them, place the person in a cool shower, or if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet and fan them.

4. When waiting for medical personnel to arrive, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.

MediNurse is St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing care and health related services. MediNurse provides services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.