Page 56 - August 2023 Issue.indd

Senior sweating in a hot environment According to DR. Harish Chafle, the

Spot reduces blood volume as the body Senior Consultant in Pulmonary and

Critical Care at Global Hospital in Parel
suffers from extreme loss of water and
Mubai, India, “high humidity does
salt. Know that heavy sweating after
one has stopped exercising is more more than put you in a bad mood”! It
common in Exertional heatstroke. can aggravate feelings of drowsiness,
This type develops over a few hours fatigue, confusion, depression, lethargy,
and is sometimes called sunstroke. and anxiety. It can make skin more
Senior Moments
(myclevelandclinic.org) Note that inclined to rashes and pimples, as

alcohol and caffeine act as diuretics well as changes in color. These are all
by Mary Moran
so go easy when playing in heat and warning signs that one may be in the
410-479-2535 or 410-490-3078
humidity to avoid dehydration! early stages of heatstroke. Diabetics,
those who are overweight, and Cardiac
The dog days of summer have hit us with Non-exertional heat stroke is also called patients may experience arrythmia

a vengeance this year! Remember that classic heatstroke and tends to develop (irregular heartbeat), heart attack,
high humidity is even more dangerous over several days. The bottom line is possible fainting attacks, and heat
than simply high temperatures. It’s that heatstroke is a life threatening exhaustion leading to heat stroke
important to stay hydrated when condition. Look for dry skin that caused by reduced blood flow to the
humidity levels are over 60%. High doesn’t sweat, which is more common heart. Look for headache, rapid, shallow
humidity can lead to hyperthermia, a in non-exertional heatstroke in seniors. breathing, and low urine output with
very serious condition caused when a dark color as a sign of dehydration
your body is unable to get rid of heat All heat emergencies include heat affecting the kidneys.

properly. Since our bodies use air to cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat
expel sweat that collects on our skin to stroke, which can lead to acute Both Exertional and Non-exertional
cool us down when we perspire, high respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), heatstroke share the common
humidity causes the warm external brain swelling and damage, organ experience of problems with movement,
air to stay on our skin longer. This failure, nerve damage, or death. or coordination, that advances to
physical state can go beyond being muscle cramps in the arms, legs, and
When the body takes in more heat than
uncomfortable… it can cause real stomach. Visible symptoms can include
it releases, your internal temperature
health concerns, especially in seniors, hot, flushed skin, or cold and clammy

rises above the healthy set point of 98.6

the infirm, or the very young. skin, along with any change in skin
degrees Fahrenheit. Heat stroke occurs
color and possible heat rash. If someone
Exertional heatstroke is usually the when the body becomes fatigued from is showing any of the above symptoms,
result of physical overexertion, such unsuccessfully trying to cool itself down including feeling sick or vomiting,
as when playing sports or doing heavy over long periods of time to maintain a immediate treatment is necessary. Th e
labor, in hot, humid conditions. It’s body temperature below 104 degrees Cleveland Clinic recommends the
important to remember that when Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) following actions to be taken while
exerting oneself outdoors, heavy (myclevelandclinic.org).
waiting for an ambulance:
• Remove any clothing
TURNING 65? that is tight or heavy!
• Have the individual lay
Confused about all the Medicare Terms & Options? down in a cool, shady, well
Let Me Help You! ventilated environment!

• Encourage drinking slightly
salted water, salted broth,
Anthony Insurance Services or sports drinks!

Ann M. Anthony • Do not give medications
such as Tylenol or aspirin!
• Apply ice packs to the neck,
Specializing in Medicare Supplemental Plans, groin, and armpits, and top of the
Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part-D Plans, head, changing as needed when
Dental and Vision, Long Term Care, and Life Insurance the packs heat up! In a jam, use
Call Ann Today for an Appointment 410-708-0899 • anthonyins17@gmail.com wet cloths and change frequently.
22850 Fleming Road, Denton, MD 21629

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