Newswise — As the population ages, a growing number of people become more vulnerable to extreme summer heat. In 2003, a heat wave was blamed for 14,800 deaths in France. The July issue of the Harvard Health Letter offers tips for the elderly to beat this summer's heat. In addition to heading for the air conditioning, staying out of the sun, and wearing loose, light clothes:
REVIEW YOUR MEDICATIONSPainkillers, for example, can reduce awareness of the heat. Talk to your doctor about your medications if temperatures are climbing, especially if you're not protected by air conditioning. Older people are also more likely than younger folks to be taking medications that cause fluid loss (and therefore dehydration), including some laxatives, furosemide (Lasix) to counteract water retention, and other diuretics for blood pressure control.
CHECK UP ON A NEIGHBORSocial isolation is a major risk factor for heat-related illness and death.
STAY HYDRATEDThirst declines with age, and older sweat glands don't produce as much sweat as they used to. The sweat that is produced tends to contain more salt, and lack of salt in the body can lead to sudden drops in blood pressure.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODYMuscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, impaired concentration, confusion, lightheadedness, nausea, labored breathing, chest discomfort, and a rapid or erratic pulse can all be signs of trouble. If you feel ill — even just a little — get to a cool place, drink plenty of cool water, and seek medical help if you don't improve promptly.
Available for interviews:Anthony Komaroff, MD, editor-in-chief of Harvard Health Publications and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital; and Suzanne Salamon, MD, associate director of gerontology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School.
HARVARD HEALTH PUBLICATIONSHarvard Health Publications is a division of Harvard Medical School. The goal of all of our publications is to bring the public the most current practical, authoritative health information by drawing on the expertise of the 9,000 faculty physicians at Harvard Medical School and its 18 affiliated hospitals. Working with partners in the publishing industry, Harvard Health Publications publishes information about health and wellness through newsletters, books, special health reports, and a website (http://www.health.harvard.edu).
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