More Than Temperature Puts Elderly at Risk in Heat (HealthDay)

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

Factors that may increase the risk of heat-related illnessesinclude:

• Age-related changes to the skin such as poor blood circulation andinefficient sweat glands.
• Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causesgeneral 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 forheat-related illnesses. However, salt pills shouldn't be used withoutfirst consulting a doctor.
• The ability to sweat can be impaired by medications such as diuretics,sedatives, tranquilizers and by certain heart and blood pressuredrugs.
• Taking several drugs for various conditions. However, it's importantto continue taking prescribed medications and discuss possible problemswith a doctor.
• Being substantially overweight or underweight.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages.
• Being dehydrated.

The risk of heat-related illnesses can also be increased by lifestylefactors 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 indoorson hot and humid days, especially when there is an air pollution alert ineffect, the NIA recommends. Those without fans or air conditioners shouldgo to air-conditioned places such as shopping malls, movie theaters,libraries or cooling centers operated by social service agencies andsenior citizen centers. If possible, older adults should get family orfriends to give them rides to air-conditioned locations.

If you suspect someone is suffering from a heat-related illness, theNIA recommends the following:

• Get the person out of the sun and into an air-conditioned or othercool place. Have them lie down and rest.
• Offer fluids such as water, fruit and vegetable juice. Don't offeralcohol or caffeinated beverages.
• Encourage the person to shower, bathe or sponge off with coolwater.
• Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists and/or neck, places wherearterial blood passes close to the surface and can be cooled by the coldcloths.

More information

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more about .