The weather, a hot topic

If you’re anything like me, with the thermometer in the high 90s the past week or so, your energy level for most outdoor activities has been zapped. Uncomfortable for sure, but that’s not all, especially for seniors. Here’s what WebMd has to say about it:

Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat injury and is considered a medical emergency. If you suspect that someone has heat stroke – also known as sunstroke – call 911 immediately and give first aid until paramedics arrive:

• Move the person into a cool place.

• Remove the person’s unnecessary clothing, and place the person on his or her side to expose as much skin surface to the air as possible.

• Cool the person’s entire body by sponging or spraying cold water, and fan the person to help lower the person’s body temperature.

• Apply ice packs over as much of the body as you can.

• If the person is alert enough to swallow, give the person fluids (32 to 64 fl oz. over 1 to 2 hours). for hydration. Make sure the person is sitting up enough so that he or she does not choke.

• Do not give aspirin or acetaminophen

Heat stroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Although heat stroke mainly affects people over age 50, it also takes a toll on healthy young athletes.

Heat stroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat exhaustion. But it can strike even if you have no previous signs of heat injury.

Heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures – usually in combination with dehydration – which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system.

Sometimes I wonder how our predecessors made it in the south without air conditioning. They must have been made from some different stuff than we are. But then just look around us at the troops harvesting our watermelons in this weather. Now that I live next door to a watermelon farm, I will never look at a watermelon the same again!

Is there anything that can be done for suffering seniors? Perhaps. Although I’m not a fan of big government programs, there is a program I discovered in preparation for this column called “LIHEAP,” Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. If you know of a critical situation involving a low income senior you can call this number in Georgia: 1-800-869-1150. Perhaps they can provide some relief.

Here’s hoping for some temperature relief soon.

In the meantime, thanks for reading All About Seniors. See you next week!

Bill Milby, CSA, is a Certified Senior Advisor and a Director of Visiting Angels® of Macon, a non-medical, living assistance service for seniors. If you have questions or comments about this column you can reach him at william.mercylink@gmail.com or search for us at www.facebook.com/VisitingAngelsMacon.

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