Heat Stress
Heat is a killer. It is a particular concern for seniors and adults with disabilities. Heat stress is the burden that hot weather places on your body, especially your heart. If the burden is too great, heat can make you very sick or even kill you.
Facts About The Heat
- Temperatures 90°F and above can be very dangerous, especially when the humidity is also high. Crowded living conditions increase this danger.
- Your body needs time to adjust to hot weather. A sudden increase in temperature, especially in the early summer, is particularly dangerous because your body is unprepared for the strain.
- It doesn’t take a “Killer Heat Wave” to kill you. If you are feeling hot and uncomfortable, take steps to avoid heat stress.
- Heat stress can cause many medical problems including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart failure and stroke. Proper precautions can make you more comfortable, prevent illness and even save your life.
Watch Your Step
Your chances of getting sick in hot weather are increased by:
- A Weak or Damaged Heart
- Hypertension
- Problems with Circulation
- Diabetes
- A Previous Stroke
- Overweight
- Infection or Fever
- Diarrhea
- Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
- Skin Diseases or Sunburn which may reduce sweating
Medications
Many medications can make you much more vulnerable to the heat. If you take medicine for high blood pressure, nervousness, depression, poor circulation or sleeplessness, check with your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Warning Signs
- MILD SIGNS:
Hot weather makes most people feel uncomfortable, and can cause a lack of energy or slight loss of appetite. These are MILD SIGNS of heat stress, and unless they last a long time, there is no need to be alarmed. - SERIOUS SIGNS:
Heat stress can also cause more serious physical and mental changes. These changes are important signals that your body is in danger.
If you experience any of the following SERIOUS SIGNS during hot weather, call your doctor or seek other medical help!!- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Mental Changes
- Chest Pain
- Nausea
- Cramps
- Great Weakness
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Breathing Problems
- Throbbing Headache
- Dry Skin (No Sweating)
Pay attention to the Early Warning Signs of heat illness.
Heat stress can be fatal, and the Serious Signs mean that you are losing the battle.
How to Keep Cool
- KEEP COOL
Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings, such as a cooler room in your home, an air conditioned shopping mall, senior center, public library or movie. - AIR CONDITIONING
can provide lifesaving relief from heat stress, especially if you have a medical condition like heart disease. - COOLING WITH FANS
Fans can draw cool air into your home at night or help to provide good indoor air circulation during the day. Air movement reduces heat stress by helping to remove extra body heat. (When it is extremely hot, a fan may cause you to gain body heat by blowing very hot air over your body.) - BATHS AND SHOWERS
Cool baths or showers (with water temperature around 75°F) provide amazing relief from the heat. Cool water removes extra body heat 25 times faster than cool air. - CLOTHING
Wear as little as possible when you are at home. Lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing is more comfortable in hot weather. Cotton is very comfortable. Wear a hat or use a parasol or umbrella to protect your head and neck when you are outdoors. - DRINK OFTEN
- In hot weather, your body needs more water. Don’t wait until you are thirsty, because your body needs more fluid than thirst will indicate. By the time you feel thirsty you may already be dangerously low on water.
- Drink often and in reasonable amounts. Don’t try to drink a lot of coffee or tea. They are alright in moderation, but water is your best bet.
- If you have a disease, a medical condition, or a problem with body water balance, check with your doctor for advice on how much water you should drink in hot weather.
- SLOW DOWN
Take it easy, especially at the start of hot weather when your body is less prepared for the heat. Physical activity produces body heat. - WATCH WHAT YOU EAT
Avoid hot foods and heavy meals. They add heat to your body. Try using your range less. Cook your meals during the cooler part of the day. - WATCH SALT INTAKE
Check with your doctor before you increase the amount of salt or potassium in your diet. Don’t take “salt tablets” without your doctor’s permission. - AVOID ALCOHOL
Alcohol interferes with your body’s fight against heat stress. It can put a strain on your heart.
Places to Stay Cool
East Towne Mall -2350 East Mason
Bay Park Square – 303 Bay Park Square Mall, Off of Oneida Street
This information is courtesy of the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County, 300 S Adams St, Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 448-4300, TTY: 711 WI Relay
