Written by Guest Freelance Writer, Denise McKee, who offers ghostwriting, copywriting and blogging services. Check out her website at www.hirewritings.com!
Do YOU Know the Signs of Heatstroke?
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Throbbing headache
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Breathing problems
Heatstroke is a serious condition that, if not treated quickly, can cause brain damage or death. Elderly adults are more prone to the condition due to their bodies sweating less, medications that dehydrate, or storing body fat differently than younger adults. That all leads to a higher risk of heat-related illness.
Protect yourself and loved ones through the warmer days.
Here are 6 things to remember with older friends and family members:
- Visit them more often. First and foremost, we need to pay an extra bit of attention when conditions are hot. Don’t take their word that they are okay and you don’t need to worry about them. Check in on them instead.
- Advise them to drink plenty of fluids. We all should drink more when it gets hot. The body uses sweat to cool and if we are dehydrated the body is without the fluid it needs to regulate body temperature.
- Keep an eye on the Heat Index. This is a measurement of temperature and humidity combined. When the moisture is high in the air, the body has to work harder to cool itself.
- Find indoor activities for the hottest times of the day and provide appropriate clothes for hot weather. Those red heart boxer shorts are not what we want to see when we visit. But they’re better than a flannel robe and heavy sweat pants!
- Make sure they take it easy in the heat. It’s not a good time to work in the garden or clear out the garage on the hottest days of the year.
- Know what to do if you discover someone suffering from heatstroke.
Heatstroke First Aid is dependent on the level of condition.
If you suspect Heat Exhaustion, where the individual is disoriented, has shallow breathing, and the skin is dry, get the sufferer into a cool location and use any means available (garden hose or damp cloths) to lower their body temperature. Give small sips of water and have them rest. If their condition does not improve in several hours, seek medical assistance.
If you suspect heatstroke with the symptoms listed above, call for emergency help right away.
Please share your comments below or email Denise directly at Denise.McKee@HireWritings.com.
Have YOU ever suffered from heat exhaustion or heat stroke?
Did you know that we are more prone to these problems as we age?
Thank you for this information. I had a scare recently, feeling dizzy after being out in the sun. I had to rest for a bit, indoors, and have a drink before I felt normal. I wasn’t even thinking about heat stroke. I will be more careful in the future, due to reading this article.
Wow, glad you are alright and this article may help you and others in the future!