Post on 05-Aug-2015
With the summer months upon us, it’s critical for everyone, and especially vulnerable populations like the elderly, to stay hydrated and keep cool. For seniors, becoming dehydrated can cause many issues including losing their balance and falling.
Overheating can cause heat exhaustion or worse, heat stroke. Heat exhaustion can occur after a few days of exposure to high heat without replenishing fluids. Signs include heavy sweating, paleness, muscles cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting and fainting.
Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a serious condition in which the body cannot regulate its own temperature, and may lead to death or permanent disability.
Symptoms include a high body temperature above 103 degrees, dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. People may also have red, hot and dry skin with no sweating and a rapid pulse.
Here are a few tips to help beat the heat and stay safe in the summer weather:
1. Wear appropriate clothing for the occasion, whether indoors or outdoors.
2. Be aware of extreme heat events and warning signs for heat-related illness to look for.
3. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink, by this time you are already dehydrated.
4. Carry a water bottle with you and drink from it regularly (make your water more interesting by adding lemon or lime to add flavor).
5. Eat hydrating foods like cucumbers, radishes, watermelon and strawberries, all of which contain at least 90% water by weight.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with a local team member, contact the BrightStar Care nearest you.
Find Quality Care Now Locate a BrightStar Near You!
Find a location in Canada
Find a location in the US