{"id":3670,"date":"2024-08-28T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/concordia3.wpenginepowered.com\/cabot\/blog\/understanding-heat-related-risks-in-seniors\/"},"modified":"2024-08-28T10:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-08-28T14:00:00","slug":"understanding-heat-related-risks-in-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/blog\/understanding-heat-related-risks-in-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Heat-Related Risks in Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summer 2024 brought a lot of heat \u2014record-setting heat, even. Extreme heat poses a significant risk to seniors. Concordia\u2019s experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/community_services\/concordia-visiting-nurses\/\">home and community services<\/a> teams regularly train and watch for the risks, signs and symptoms associated with heat-related illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-heat-related-illnesses\"><strong>Heat-Related Illnesses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heat can cause some scary and possibly life-threatening conditions. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Centers for Disease Control (CDC)<\/a>, the most common are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Common-Heat-Illnesses-1.jpg\" alt=\"A graphic showing the different symptoms between heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.\" class=\"wp-image-3666\" style=\"width:601px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Common-Heat-Illnesses-1.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Common-Heat-Illnesses-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Common-Heat-Illnesses-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/Common-Heat-Illnesses-1-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both heat cramps and heat exhaustion might be resolved easily. On the other hand, if someone exhibits heat stroke symptoms, it\u2019s an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brittany Swartzlander, a registered nurse and staff educator for <a href=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/community_services\/concordia-visiting-nurses\/\">Concordia Visiting Nurses<\/a> (CVN), trained her colleagues in July about the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as elderly heat intolerance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf someone has any type of heat exhaustion, you need to treat it right away,\u201d Brittany said. \u201cIf you let it go, it could turn into a heat stroke which could lead to neurological issues. That could cause permanent damage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lack-of-air-conditioning\"><strong>Lack of Air Conditioning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Though residents of Concordia\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/locations\/concordia-village-of-tampa\/#RetirementLiving\">retirement living<\/a> and other <a href=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/lifestyle-options-services\/\">inpatient services<\/a> enjoy a climate-controlled environment, not all seniors have this comfort. Many seniors still live at home, and some lack air conditioners. With average peak temperatures nearing 90\u00b0F, that\u2019s enough heat to make a home\u2019s interior stifling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Throughout July 2024, the U.S. experienced an average temperature of about 75.7\u00b0F, according to data from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncei.noaa.gov\/access\/monitoring\/monthly-report\/national\/202407\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Centers for Environmental Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/community_services\/concordia-visiting-nurses\/\">CVN<\/a> clinicians keep temperatures in mind while visiting patients in their home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTo keep our patients safe, we have to talk to them. We have to see if they\u2019re comfortable and assess their environment,\u201d Brittany said. \u201cAt times when we have heat advisories, office staff will call to check on patients.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chronic-conditions\"><strong>Chronic Conditions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Extreme heat sneaks up on people, especially those with chronic medical conditions. People with existing conditions sometimes struggle to adapt to higher temperatures. These conditions could include heart disease, mental illness, poor blood circulation and obesity, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These seniors may fail to sense temperature shifts. Also, the medicines they take may affect their body\u2019s temperature regulation. <a href=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/community_services\/concordia-visiting-nurses\/\">CVN clinicians<\/a> must remain vigilant and mindful of these existing conditions as part of their routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIn an instance of heat stroke, the person may get confused, disoriented or have trouble balancing,\u201d Brittany said. \u201cThe patient might not know to tell us about these symptoms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brittany said her team trains to look at the big picture, especially when working with patients with existing cognitive impairment. She said nurses in the field often pair the patient\u2019s words with their vitals to paint that picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\";width: 100%; max-width: 100%\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"936\" height=\"588\" data-id=\"3667\" src=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/03-Sumner-Retirement-Living-Walking-Bridge-bb2a4db8ed-1.jpeg\" alt=\"A couple walk along a sidewalk on Concordia at Sumner's campus.\" class=\"wp-image-3667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/03-Sumner-Retirement-Living-Walking-Bridge-bb2a4db8ed-1.jpeg 936w, https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/03-Sumner-Retirement-Living-Walking-Bridge-bb2a4db8ed-1-600x377.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/03-Sumner-Retirement-Living-Walking-Bridge-bb2a4db8ed-1-768x482.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 936px) 100vw, 936px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Concordia at Sumner<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-outdoor-activities\"><strong>Outdoor Activities<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many seniors love outdoor activities, including those on Concordia\u2019s campuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At some locations, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/locations\/concordia-at-cabot\/\">Concordia at Cabot<\/a>, green-thumbed residents garden for their neighbors\u2019 benefit. Many locations, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/locations\/concordia-at-sumner\/\">Concordia at Sumner<\/a>, feature sidewalks suitable for leisurely strolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people sweat more while working and playing outside on a sunny day. Seniors tend to sweat less. They also tend to wear more layers of clothing. In general, seniors tend to hold more heat and may not even realize it, especially when focused on a task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, some people may increase their risk through their behavior. While an iced coffee, cold beer or sunbathing sounds appealing on a nice summer day, all three could elevate the risks of heat-related illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEveryone has their own limits,\u201d Brittany said. \u201cKnowing your limits is important.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beat-the-heat\"><strong>Beat the Heat<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drink plenty of water! Though it seems obvious, this applies to any instances of extreme heat. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/nutrition-and-healthy-eating\/in-depth\/water\/art-20044256#:~:text=So%20how%20much%20fluid%20does,fluids%20a%20day%20for%20women\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mayo Clinic<\/a>, even during normal conditions, people should drink about 13.5 cups of water every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For those working or playing outside, they should continue hydrating with water or sports drinks throughout exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cDon\u2019t push yourself to get the last thing planted or painted,\u201d Brittany said. \u201cGo inside and take a break.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For those relying on fans, run them early in the day while also keeping blinds and curtains closed. Additionally, seniors should avoid using stoves and ovens extensively, and they should consider taking a cool mid-day shower or bath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a senior is struggling to cool themselves at home, they could hit the road: &nbsp;enjoy an air-conditioned car ride; visit a mall or other stores; stop by a senior center; or visit a cooling center often set up by county agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"910\" height=\"501\" src=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/NWS-HeatRisk-Map-1.png\" alt=\"A National Weather Service HeatRisk map showing high temperature areas for Thursday, Aug. 29.\" class=\"wp-image-3668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/NWS-HeatRisk-Map-1.png 910w, https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/NWS-HeatRisk-Map-1-600x330.png 600w, https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/08\/NWS-HeatRisk-Map-1-768x423.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 910px) 100vw, 910px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A National Weather Service HeatRisk map showing hot weather forecasted for Wednesday, Aug. 29. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-summer-s-still-here\"><strong>Summer\u2019s Still Here<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">August sometimes brings cooler temperatures, often referred to as false fall. It\u2019s still possible people across the country may see more days in the 90-degree range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone, and especially seniors, should keep heat-related illnesses in mind when the temperatures climb. But when they do, people can help keep seniors safe by checking in with them periodically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To learn more about Concordia Visiting Nurses, which prioritizes keeping patients safe in their own homes, <a href=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/home-community-service\/\">click here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or, if you are looking to take extreme heat out of the equation for your living situation, learn more about Concordia\u2019s comfortable, worry-free options in retirement living, personal care, skilled nursing and memory care, by <a href=\"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/lifestyle-options-services\/\">clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Summer 2024 brought a lot of heat \u2014record-setting heat, even. Extreme heat poses a significant risk to seniors. Concordia\u2019s experienced home and community services teams regularly train and watch for the risks, signs and symptoms associated with heat-related illness. Heat-Related Illnesses Heat can cause some scary and possibly life-threatening conditions. According to the Centers for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3669,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25],"tags":[19,57,23,66,73,31,71,32],"class_list":["post-3670","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-concordia-blog","tag-concordia-at-cabot","tag-concordia-at-sumner","tag-concordia-family","tag-concordia-visiting-nurses","tag-cvn","tag-retirement-living","tag-senior-care-home","tag-senior-living"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3670","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3670"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3670\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3669"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3670"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3670"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/concordialm.org\/cabot\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3670"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}