Seniors Site

Hyperthermia: Knowing When It’s Too Hot

By now, half of the senior population must already be feeling the heat and I’m telling you, it only gets hotter and hotter every year! Some say, it has something to do with climate change and weather is bound to get crazier still.

So where does that leave us seniors? Well, literally homebound and locked up where the good AC wind blows! I don’t know if my body temperature is directly affected by my wrinkly skin which I suspect, gets thicker by the hour, but there’s no way I can stand the heat especially during its so-called peak hours, that is 10am to 3pm, sometimes, even longer than that.

Actually, as a fact, hot temperature puts seniors at risk for hyperthermia. It is when the body can no longer stand the heat and just shuts off the body’s natural heat regulators which can lead to several heat related health conditions ranging from life threatening heat stroke to mild sunburn. Doubly so are the active seniors who prefers to work outside of home and engage in activities which will require them to be at the sun’s mercy. This includes gardeners, cycling junkies and those who just love to be outdoors all the time.

Hyperthermia is basically a general term for all heat related conditions. Apparently, it affects babies and seniors the most since their bodily functions are not at its best–yet or anymore. In a way, it is the cooling and heating mechanism of the body that is usually impaired and not functioning properly in a senior’s body that gets us in trouble. Also, those carrying excess weight—okay, more than what’s acceptable for an aging body—are at greater risk as well as those who consume alcohol on a regular basis.

As far as those with existing illnesses are concerned, those with diabetes should avoid extreme temperatures due to poor circulation. A person with diabetes has a body that doesn’t really adjust well to heat making them vulnerable to hyperthermia. Aside from that, seniors with diabetes tend to be more sensitive to heat than those without it. Health care providers strongly suggest that early precautions be given attention before it’s too late.

The simplest way to avoid hyperthermia is drinking lots of water as it effectively cools down the body. Better yet, go for ice cold water and double your water intake during summer. While you’re at it, try to avoid those with caffeine as it dehydrates your body. Cooling foods can also help you keep your body’s temperature at normal level. Examples of which are: melon, peaches, watermelons, cucumbers and lettuce.