July 2010 is on track to become the hottest month since weather data has been recorded, according to the National Weather Service. To find out if July 2010 beats the current record set by July 1936, we'll have to wait until the Weather Service releases its data on August 9.
Hot weather can be especially hard on seniors who live without air conditioning and are not able to get to a library, senior center, shopping mall, or movie theater to find relief from the heat.
When the temperature climbs, seniors are at risk for hyperthermia, a condition caused by the body's inability to cope with hot temperatures.
According to the National Institutes on Aging (NIA), hyperthermia, a failure of the body's normal heat-regulating mechanisms, can result in heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. People who are in poor general health are more at risk to develop hyperthermia.
The NIA lists these lifestyle factors that put seniors at increased risk for hyperthermia:
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Living in homes without air conditioning
- A lack of mobility
- Illness or medical conditions
- Being seriously overweight or underweight
- Not having access to transportation
- Wearing too much clothing in hot weather
- Visiting overcrowded places
- Not understanding how to respond to hot weather conditions, which includes staying indoors during the hottest part of the day or when air pollution alerts are in effect.
If you know seniors who may be at risk for hyperthermia, encourage them to spend as much time as possible in places that have air conditioning. In addition to the locations mentioned above, many communities set up cooling centers at community centers or religious organizations to help people cope with the heat.
The NIA offers more information about hyperthermia. Call the NIA Information Center at (800) 222-2225, or look online for the NIA hyperthermia information page in English or Spanish.
Photo: Getty
Good advice, especially for those without family close by. Please, please, PLEASE! Check on your senior neighbors and make sure they’re okay, especially during August, our hottest month in WI.