In July, the average daily high temperature in Melbourne, FL, is 91 degrees. That’s hot by anyone’s standards. During the summer, it is essential to be aware of the heat, the activities you engage in, and how long you are in the sun. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible for people of any age, and they are particularly dangerous for seniors.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are both heat-related illnesses in which a person’s body becomes overheated. This results in a myriad of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, fainting, confusion, headache, seizures, and more. Both of these illnesses are particularly dangerous to seniors who are less capable than younger adults of regulating their body temperature.
Victoria Landing is a senior living community located on the shores of the Indian River. We have been providing a beautiful, vibrant community for local seniors for almost two decades. We firmly believe in helping seniors live their best lives. That includes sharing valuable information to enrich their lives and inform them of important matters like the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke which will be discussed further in this article.
What Is Heat Exhaustion?
Most people refer to illness brought on by heat as heat stroke, but heat stroke is severe and not always the result of overexposure to heat. Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats. Heat exhaustion occurs during high temperatures, especially when accompanied by humidity. It generally occurs when one is partaking in physical activity in the heat. It is basically a precursor to heat stroke which can occur if heat exhaustion is not promptly and effectively treated.
“As a child of about 12 years old, I was walking to the store with a friend in the heat of the day in summer. By the time we got there, I was exhausted. I kept sitting down, trying to catch my breath. When we got back to my house, I began vomiting. I was a normal, active kid who had walked to the store many times, but that day, the heat overtook me.”
Anyone can be affected by the heat, but it can be particularly dangerous for seniors who may already be experiencing other health conditions. Heat exhaustion is dangerous and must be treated immediately.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Goosebumps
- Fatigue
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Faint/Dizzy
- Weak, but rapid pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Headache
Dangers of Heat Exhaustion
The above list of symptoms are included in the dangers of heat exhaustion. Nobody wants to feel faint, nauseous, vomit, and have a headache! Vomiting and excessive sweating can also lead to dehydration which is dangerous, as well. Most significantly, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke which can be fatal.
What is Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is the body’s inability to control its temperature. It occurs when the body’s temperature rises rapidly and the sweating mechanism fails. The body is subsequently unable to cool down. Like heat exhaustion, it is brought on during the heat, usually while performing a physical activity. However, even the normal act of walking, can bring on heat stroke in the right circumstances.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- High body temperature
- Excessive sweating or no longer sweating at all
- Seizures
- Rapid pulse
- Headache
Dangers of Heat Stroke
We cannot emphasize enough how dangerous heat stroke is as it can lead to death. If heat stroke is not treated in time it can damage your brain, kidneys, muscles, and heart. Heat stroke can also cause heart arrhythmias and even cardiac arrest, resulting in death. You don’t just get over heat stroke. It must be treated as quickly as possible to avoid permanent damage or death.
Why are Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke So Dangerous for Seniors?
While heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous for anybody of any age, they are particularly dangerous for seniors. After the age of 65, your central nervous system begins to deteriorate. Your body is less able to cope with changes in body temperature. In heat stroke, your body temperature rises rapidly. With a decreased ability to handle this sudden change in body temperature, you are at greater risk for heat stroke.
What Should You Do If Someone Is Experiencing Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?
Immediately call for medical help if someone is experiencing heat-induced illness. While awaiting medical assistance, try to help the person’s body cool down. Get them inside or into the shade if you can’t get them inside. Give them a cold drink to sip. If you have ice, ice packs, or any kind of cooling cloths, place them on their head, face, neck, armpits, and groin. You can also cool them with a hose if one is nearby. Remove unnecessary clothes to help cool them too, such as socks and shoes. Take care to not get overheated while helping the other person.
Victoria Landing Offers a Safe Environment for Seniors
Of course we can’t guarantee you won’t suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke by living at Victoria Landing. But, we can offer you a wonderful, safe environment, however. We have licensed nurses on staff. We have a sparkling pool to enjoy the summer while staying cool. We offer plenty of indoor activities to enjoy when it is too hot outside for your well-being.
If you are looking for fun, safe retirement community to enjoy as a senior, then we truly believe Victoria Landing is the right place for you! Come check us out for yourself! In the meantime, please take this article to heart, stay inside when it’s hot, and be well!
