Heat

As temperatures begin to rise in southwest Ohio, it is time to be mindful of the potential affects of high temperatures on older adults. The elderly, people with chronic health conditions, and those who are taking certain medications, are at risk for heat- related illnesses.

People aged 65 years and older are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons:

Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that upsets normal body responses to heat.
They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.

The risk for heat-related illness may increase among people using the following drugs: (1) psychotropics, which affect psychic function, behavior, or experience (e.g. haloperidol or chlorpromazine); (2) medications for Parkinson’s disease, because they can inhibit perspiration; (3) tranquilizers such as phenothiazines, butyrophenones, and thiozanthenes; and (4) diuretic medications or "water pills" that affect fluid balance in the body. (Source: CDC)

The body normally cools itself by increasing blood flow to the skin and perspiring. Heat-related illness and mortality occur when the body’s temperature control system becomes overloaded. When this happens, perspiring may not be enough. High levels of humidity can make it even harder for the body to cool itself.

Heat exhaustion or heat stress occurs when our bodies overheat because we've lost a lot of water. This can happen if we've been exposed to hot temperatures for an extended period of time, or if we haven't been getting enough fluids or dietary salt intake.

Anyone can develop heat exhaustion during hot weather, but older adults and people who have chronic medical conditions or who are taking certain medications are at a greater risk and should take precautions. Certain situations can also put us at an increased risk for heat illnesses: long stretches of hot days, recent illness, heavy/restrictive clothing, or working in a hot environment.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion:

Heavy sweating
Paleness
Muscle Cramps
Tiredness
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting
Cool and moist skin
Fast and weak pulse
Fast and shallow breathing

Anyone affected by heat exhaustion should get out of the sun and move to a cooler location immediately. Loosen or remove clothing, apply ice packs to the neck, groin and armpits, and drink 1 to 2 quarts of fluids. Never use salt tablets or alcohol rubs.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to regulate its temperature, causing it to rise rapidly.

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke:

Heat stroke is a medical emergency, call 911 immediately! Move the victim out of the sun, loosen clothing, give 1-2 quarts of fluid, and apply ice packs to the neck, groin, and armpits. Never give the victim salt tablets or alcohol rubs.

Prevention

Air conditioning is one of the best protections against extreme heat. Even just a few hours a day in air conditioning can prevent heat stroke and other adverse conditions. Unfortunately, many older adults don't have access to - or can't afford - air conditioning at home. Depending on where you live, help may be available. Call Council on Aging's Community Resources & Information Department for help: (513) 345-8643.

These self-help measures are not a substitute for medical care but may help you recognize and respond promptly to warning signs of trouble.

You can follow these prevention tips to protect yourself from heat-related stress:

Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages. You should also avoid caffeine and beverages with lots of sugar. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink when the weather is hot. Also, avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause cramps.
Rest.
Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath. Try a cold compress on your forehead and wrists.
If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment. If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off. Fans will help air circulation, but do not prevent heat related injury when the temperature reaches 90 degrees.
Wear loose fitting, light-weight and light colored clothing.
If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.
Do not engage in strenuous activities.

If you have elderly relatives or neighbors, you can help them protect themselves from heat-related stress:

Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Take them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems.
Make sure older adults have access to an electric fan whenever possible.

Information and Resources

If you are looking for help for an older adult, contact Council on Aging's Community Resources & Information Department at (513) 345-8643. Staff can answer questions about the type and amount of help available, depending on where you live

Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program

The Ohio Department of Development, Office of Community Service will again fund the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Summer Crisis Program. The Summer Crisis Program is designed to help qualified households pay for summer cooling. This program applies to electric utilities only and is available from July 1 through August 31.

To qualify, households must have a gross annual income of 175 percent of the 2008 federal poverty guidelines or below and meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for the Summer Crisis Program: Have a member of the household who is at least 60 years old; or provide physician documentation of medical necessity.

Households may receive a one-time payment assistance of up to $100. The payment must result in continuation of electric utility service for 30 days and/or receipt of a fan or air conditioning unit (one air conditioning unit per household, for households that have not received an air conditioning unit in the last 3 years).

For more information about the Summer Crisis Program and to see if you qualify, call your local community action agency:

Butler County - Supports to Encourage Low-Income Families (SELF): (513) 868-9300

Hamilton County - Cincinnati/Hamilton County Community Action Agency: (513) 569-1850