As we near the end of summer and have acclimated to the heat and sun, it might be easy to disregard safety.It’s tempting to feel the need to appreciate the last of our season of sunshine by soaking in it all day. But no matter how old you are, sitting in the sun all day isn’t a good idea. For our elders, it can be particularly dangerous.
Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat cramps, heat rash, and dehydration are all potential health threats when it comes to sitting in the sun. Each one of them can send you straight to the ER.
Heat is deceptive. It’s important to consider not just high temps, but also the humidity. Sound familiar? “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” is not cliché, it’s critical.
Humidity prevents perspiration from evaporating off your skin, which is your body’s way of cooling itself: its greatest defense against heat. Weather reporters long ago began defining heat by combining the temperature with the humidity levels to measure the heat index, also aptly described as a misery index.
An already uncomfortable 98 degrees, combined with humidity, can create a heat index that is medically dangerous.* Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, fainting, collapse, cramping, loss of color, headache, cool and clammy skin, fast breathing; sometimes death. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you identify any of these symptoms.
Left untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke, sometimes referred to casually as sunstroke, which can be misleading. Heatstroke is very serious: it occurs when body temperature reaches dangerously high levels and if not treated immediately can result in brain damage or death. Hot, dry, reddened skin, elevated oral temperatures, rapid and pounding pulse, a throbbing headache, confusion, and (unusually) strange behavior are all red alerts when it comes to heatstroke and you should call 911.
Some people can become unconscious when the heat index becomes dangerous. Others can experience uncomfortable muscle spasms, in the abdomen, arms, and/or legs. Cramping and spasms are actually a result of too much perspiring which leaves the body with levels of sodium (or salt) that are too low.
While heat rash is usually more common in children, no one is immune. Excessive perspiration can create heat rash in areas where moisture becomes trapped. Keep these areas (neck, chest, areas where the skin creases) clean and dry.
Avoiding a dangerous heat index altogether is the best strategy for a safe summer and it is fairly easy to do if you are careful.
Drink a lot of fluids, even if you aren’t thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Stay out of direct sunlight, particularly between the hours of 11 and 2. Head for the mall or a movie, and if needed, find a friend or relative who has air conditioning or seek out a nearby heat-relief shelter.
Wear light-colored, loose clothing. Use an umbrella, wear a hat, use sunglasses and apply sunscreen. Sunscreen is particularly important for our elders if they are taking certain medications which can cause skin to be more sensitive to the sun. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if that is a concern.
Well ventilated shoes are important but sacrificing the safety of a good sturdy shoe is never a good idea. Keep feet dry and toenails clipped. After going barefoot check your feet for small cuts and potential infections.
* It’s important to note the heat index can be dangerous for our seniors, but also for young children, and for people with medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or conditions which require certain medications.
