More Than Temperature Puts Elderly at Ris... ( Medications lifestyle are also contri...)

More Than Temperature Puts Elderly at Risk in Heat

Date:8/10/2008

Medications, lifestyle are also contributing factors to hyperthermia, agency warns

SUNDAY, Aug. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Because aging affects the body's ability to respond to summer heat, older adults are particularly at risk for heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat fatigue, heat cramps and heat exhaustion, according to the U.S. National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Factors that may increase the risk of heat-related illnesses include:

Age-related changes to the skin such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands.
Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever.
High blood pressure or other conditions that require dietary changes. For example, people on salt-restricted diets may be at increased risk for heat-related illnesses. However, salt pills shouldn't be used without first consulting a doctor.
The ability to sweat can be impaired by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and by certain heart and blood pressure drugs.
Taking several drugs for various conditions. However, it's important to continue taking prescribed medications and discuss possible problems with a doctor.
Being substantially overweight or underweight.
Drinking alcoholic beverages.
Being dehydrated.

The risk of heat-related illnesses can also be increased by lifestyle factors such as hot living quarters, lack of transportation, overdressing, visiting overcrowded places, and not understanding weather conditions.

Older adults, particularly those at special risk, should stay indoors on hot and humid days, especially when there is an air pollution alert in effect, the NIA recommends. Those without fans or air conditioners should go to air-conditioned places such as shopping malls, movie theaters, libraries or cooling centers operated by social service agencies and
'/>"/>

0

GOOD

Page: 1 2
Related medicine news :

1. Summer Temperatures Linger, Extend Threat of Parasites
2. New buffer resists pH change, even as temperature drops
3. Iowa State University researchers work on gender, temperature link in reptiles published in Nature
4. Changes in narcoleptics skin, core body temperatures affect their vigilance and sleepiness
5. More than Seventy Percent of Top US Hospitals Control Patient Temperature with High-Tech Arctic Sun(TM)
6. ThalesNano Announces the Launch of X-Cube Flash(TM), its Next Generation High Temperature and Pressure Continuous Process Reactor
7. FDA Approves NOVO NORDISKs NovoSeven(R) RT (Coagulation Factor VIIa [Recombinant] Room Temperature Stable) for Hemophilia Patients With Inhibitors
8. Adroit Medical Systems Awarded Premier Supplier Contract for Temperature Therapy Systems
9. Medical Director for Renowned Los Angeles Jewish Home Offers Top Tips to Elderly in Coping With Searing Temperatures Across U.S.
10. Cool, air blown under football shoulder pads reduces body temperature and heart rate, research finds
11. Cool, Dry Air Blown Under Football Shoulder Pads Reduces Body Temperature and Heart Rate, New Research Finds

Post Your Comments:

More Than Temperature Puts Elderly at Ris...( Medications lifestyle are also contri...),Health