AllRefer Health - Caring for your Well Being  

Home | About | FAQs | Contact Us

AllRefer Channels :: Yellow Pages | Reference | Health  

Health & Medical News  
 Diet & Nutrition
 Diseases & Conditions 
 Health News
 Injuries & Wounds
 Poisons & Overdoses
 Surgery & Procedures 
 Symptoms Guide
 Special Topics
 Tests & Exams
 Pictures & Images
 Medical Encyclopedia

November 2009
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930 

 News Topics
 News Archive
Google
  Web health.allrefer.com   

You are here : AllRefer Health > Health News

Extreme Heat a Deadly Risk for Older Adults
Their bodies don't cool quickly, so caution should rise with temperatures.

Tue Jul 01, 2008, 17:00

Story Tools

Printable version

Jul 01, 2008 News


Related News Categories

Safety & Public Health: Misc

Safety & Public Health

Heat- / Sunstroke

Exercise: Misc

Emergencies / First Aid

Death & Dying: Misc

Cramps: Muscle

Aging: Misc


Related News

Doctors Spending More Time Now With Patients - Nov 09, 2009

Retirement Brings Most a Big Health Boost - Nov 09, 2009

Hot-Tub Injuries on the Rise - Nov 09, 2009

Most Who Want Swine Flu Shot Can't Get It - Nov 06, 2009

Simple Steps Get Walkers Moving - Nov 06, 2009

Swine Flu Virus Dominant Strain Worldwide: WHO - Nov 05, 2009

Doctors Point Out Gaps in U.S. Health Care - Nov 05, 2009

Gene Therapy for Fatal Brain Disorder 'Just the Beginning' - Nov 05, 2009

Without Job Stress, Retirees Sleep Better - Nov 05, 2009

School Violence Drops With Federal Program - Nov 05, 2009

FDA Initiative Seeks to Reduce Accidental Overdoses - Nov 04, 2009

Rest Easy. When It Comes to Swine Flu, Your Pet Is Safe - Nov 05, 2009

CDC Urges Patience As More Swine Flu Shots Arrive - Nov 03, 2009

FDA Issues Warning for Diabetes Drug - Nov 03, 2009

Trauma Deadlier for Kids Without Insurance - Nov 06, 2009

TUESDAY, July 1 (HealthDay News) -- As the temperatures rise, older adults become more vulnerable to heat-related health issues because their bodies don't cool down as quickly as younger people.

"Sometimes, older people may not feel hot when the temperature is dangerously high and are also less likely to feel thirsty, which means their bodies have lost too much water," Dr. John B. Murphy, president of The American Geriatrics Society, said in a prepared statement.

Most of the 200 Americans who die of health problems caused by high heat and humidity are age 50 or older. To help seniors stay safe this summer, Murphy suggested:

  • Stay in the air conditioning, whether home or out and about.
  • Fans do not adequately cool down the body during intense heat waves.
  • Avoid extended periods of sun exposure, walking long distances, lifting heavy objects or other strenuous activities.
  • Drink plenty of water and other nonalcoholic, non-caffeinated clear beverages. If one's urine is a light yellow color, enough water is being taken into the body, but if it's darker, the body needs more water.
  • Take cool showers, baths, or sponge baths.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and hats.

Common heat-related health problems to watch for include:

  • Dehydration: Signs include weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion and passing out.
  • Heat stroke: A body temperature of or above 103 degrees; red, hot and dry skin; a fast pulse; headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, confusion and passing out.
  • Heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about protecting yourself from extreme heat.

SOURCE: American Geriatrics Society, news release, June 2008

Copyright © 2008 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.


Today's Top News Stories

Teen Obesity Ups MS Risk in Women - Nov 10, 2009, 09:00
Researchers suspect lower vitamin D levels may be to blame.

Early Use of NSAIDs Might Prevent Alzheimer's - Nov 10, 2009, 09:00
Study in mice finds anti-inflammatories don't help those with existing disease.

Acceptance of Chronic Illness Helps People Move On - Nov 10, 2009, 09:00
Hoping for recovery may actually prevent happiness, researchers say.

Doctors Spending More Time Now With Patients - Nov 09, 2009, 16:00
Quality of care increases with longer doctor visits, researchers add.

To Feel Better, Low-Fat Diet May Be Best - Nov 09, 2009, 16:00
Comparison of plans finds differences in mood despite similar weight loss.







Featured Topics

Alzheimer's Disease

High Blood Pressure

Crohn's Disease

Impotence

Overactive Bladder


Content Provided by HealthDay

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
Copyright © 2009 Par Web Solutions All Rights reserved.
Health Topics: A-Al Am-Az B C-Cj Ck-Cz D E F G H I J K L M N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sl Sm-Sz T U V W X Y Z 0-9
About Us | Help | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
Contact Us | Link to Us | User Satisfaction Survey | Healthopedia.com

The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
Page Last Updated: 10 Nov, 2009