Elderly warned to protect themselves against heat wave

Elderly warned to protect themselves against heat wave

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) advised Missourians today to take extra precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses and deaths during this week's heat wave. High temperatures and humidity can combine to create deadly conditions, especially for high-risk populations such as the very young, the very old, and people weakened by chronic illness or other health conditions. People are encouraged to check on their elderly family members and neighbors regularly to be sure they are not suffering from the effects of high temperatures, and to never leave infants and children unattended in hot environments.

Each year many Missourians suffer from heat-related illnesses, and even death. So far this year there have been reports of 23 heat-related illnesses and one confirmed death. Last year 25 Missourians died due to heat-related causes; 12 of these persons were age 65 or older. Between 1995-2005, 312 Missourians died due to heat-related causes. During prolonged periods of high temperatures, air conditioning is the best preventive measure.

"Missourians need to be aware that exposure to high temperatures and humidity can cause heat-related illness and even death," said Julie Eckstein, Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services.

Infants and children up to four years of age are very sensitive to the effects of high temperatures; they rely on others to regulate their environments for them and provide adequate liquids. Infants and children should never be left unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.

The elderly and the chronically ill are also more vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. They perspire less and are more likely to have health problems requiring medications that can impair the body's response to heat.

"This summer we urge all Missourians to check on elderly family members and neighbors regularly to be sure they are not suffering from the effects of high temperatures," Eckstein said. "Do not leave infants and children unattended in hot environments."

Many prescription medications make individuals more sensitive to the heat. Eckstein said that people should check with their doctor or pharmacist to find out if their medications fall into this category. Some of these medications include antipsychotics, major tranquilizers, antihistamines, over-the-counter sleeping pills, antidepressants, heart drugs and some antiparkinsonian agents.

Also at risk are adults of any age who work or exercise vigorously outdoors and fail to rest frequently in a cool environment or drink enough fluids. Other risk factors include a history of heat stroke, obesity, infection or fever, diarrhea or dehydration, poor circulation, diabetes, sunburn and drug and alcohol use.

Heat-related illness occurs when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but when the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate body temperature include old age, obesity, infection or fever, diarrhea or dehydration, certain medications, heart disease, poor circulation, diabetes, sunburn and drug or alcohol use. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.

To Prevent Heat-Related Illness
·Be aware of the warning signs of heat-related illness, such as light-headedness, mild nausea or confusion, sleepiness or profuse sweating.
·Increase your fluid intake; drink more liquid than your thirst indicates.
·Drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids, such as water and juices, before feeling thirsty. Continue drinking fluids throughout the day, especially if working outdoors or elsewhere in the heat.
·Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
·When accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Rest frequently in a shady area.
·Spend time in an air-conditioned place; if not at home, then such public places as libraries, supermarkets, shopping malls and movie theaters.
·Do not rely on fans as your primary cooling device during a heat wave. (See paragraphs below.)
·Schedule outdoor activities carefully, preferably before noon or in the evening.
·Exercise early in the morning or late in the evening, even if you're used to the heat.
·When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you.
·Monitor those at high risk, such as the elderly, infants and children up to 4 years of age, someone who is overweight or someone on medication.
·Ask your physician whether you are at a particular risk because of medication.
·NEVER leave infants, children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.

Although fans are less expensive to operate, they may not be effective, and may even be harmful, when temperatures are very high. As the air temperature rises, airflow is increasingly ineffective in cooling the body until finally, at temperatures above about 100 F (the exact number varies with the humidity) increasing air movement actually increases heat stress. More specifically, when the temperature of the air rises to about 100 F, the fan may be delivering overheated air to the skin at a rate that exceeds the capacity of the body to get rid of this heat, even with sweating, and the net effect is to add heat rather than to cool the body. An air conditioner, if one is available, or seeking shelter in an air-conditioned building is a much better alternative.

The most efficient way to beat the heat is to spend time in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have air conditioning in your home, consider spending some time in a shopping mall, public library or other air-conditioned location. Electric fans may be useful to increase comfort or to draw cool air into your home at night, but do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during a heat wave. As the air temperature rises, airflow is increasingly ineffective in cooling the body until finally, at temperatures above about 100° F (the exact number varies with the humidity) increasing air movement actually increases heat stress. More specifically, when the temperature of the air rises to about 100° F, the fan may be delivering overheated air to the skin at a rate that exceeds the capacity of the body to get rid of this heat, even with sweating, and the net effect is to add heat rather than to cool the body.

Eckstein urges Missourians to use the state's toll-free abuse and neglect hotline to report any elderly or disabled persons suffering from the heat and needing assistance. That phone number is 1-800-392-0210. When the number is called, a hotline worker will gather information from the caller to help determine if there is an immediate risk because of the heat. The hotline worker may offer suggestions, when appropriate, on getting out of the problem area and going to other locations that would provide an air-conditioned environment, even if temporarily. When these alternatives are not possible, a report will be taken and a Senior Services Social Worker within the area will respond. There are resource agencies or programs in most areas of Missouri where fans or air conditioners are loaned to at-risk persons to help with heat problems. The worker will evaluate what options are possible and resources are available, and work toward helping resolve the problem.

Additional information on preventing heat-related illness is available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' web site at www.dhss.mo.gov.