Preventing Heat Stroke In The Elderly

Heat stroke is the worst heat induced sickness. Heat stroke happens when you body is out in the heat for an extended period of time. At this point the body is not able to release the heat by its normal actions, which is sweat, making the body's normal temperature rise very quickly. This makes the body unable to sweat and in turn can not cool itself down at all. Did you know that your body's temperature can go to levels of 106 degrees or even more in a very short time outside. At this point your brain starts to shut down, and either you can go in to a coma or become brain dead all together. Not getting this taken care of immediately can be fatal or cause permanent brain damage that is of course unable to be fixed.

In elderly persons you have to take proper precaution in making sure they are safe as possible out in the sun. Elderly bodies are not as strong in fighting heat stroke off as it would be for some one at a younger age. As the bodies of the elderly are older and a bit more frail there are ways of preventing heat stroke in the elderly

9 Signs Of Heat Stroke

1. Skin that becomes very hot
2. The skin will become dry
3. Your heart will beat a great deal faster then normal
4. Your muscles will become cramped and tight
5. You will experience a sick feeling and may vomit
6. The brain will not work right, making you confused and disoriented
7. You might notice breathing becomes faster and much more shallow
8. You might experience dizziness
9. Fainting will happen

How To Prevent Heat Stroke In Seniors

• Keep yourself hydrated with a good deal of fluids. Not alcohol, caffeine or very sugary drinks. The best thing you can drink is a lot of water
• If you are on medications that tell you not to be in the sun, then follow the directions on that bottle
• Get an adequate amount of rest. If you start to feel sluggish from the sun come in and lay down
• Get yourself into cool water somehow whether it is a shower, bath, pool or take a cool rag and wipe yourself down
• Find somewhere that has air conditioning. If your home has an air conditioner, great relax in some cool air. If you do not then head to a friend's house, mall, shopping store or anywhere else you can go to get some cool air. You can also have a few box fans around the home
• Never wear clothing that sits heavy on the body. Try to find something light fitting and light in color. As we all know black and other real dark colors draw attention to you from the sun, making you hotter
• If the heat index outside is way too hot then do not even consider going out into the sun
• If you have elderly family that lives on their own, you can go and visit them periodically, checking in to see how they are fairing

I hope this article has helped you better understand what heat stroke is, how to prevent heat stroke as well as signs to look for if you have suspicions of someone having heat stroke. Again do not wait until the last minute, because this could very well be the last time you wait to do anything. Immediately go to the emergency room and they will begin to find the root of what is going on.