Summer Heat Safety for the Seniors in our Care in Troy, MO

1. What causes Heat Injuries?
The body gains heat continuously from various sources and gains even more heat with activity in a hot and humid environment. People are at greatest risk for heat related injuries if they:
 do not adjust to an increase in temperature
 do not drink enough fluids
 have poor physical health
 are obese
 have an acute OR chronic illnesses
2. What are the types of heat related injuries?
- Heat Cramps occur with profuse sweating. Sweating causes both the loss of salt and water, which results in leg cramps, usually in the thighs and calves.
- Heat Exhaustion is a more severe form of heat injury. There is a significant loss of water from the body. Signs and symptoms are weakness, exhaustion, headaches, dizziness, and profuse sweating with elevated temperature.
- Heat Stroke is the most serious form of heat injury. The bodies core temperature is 105.8F or above. Signs and symptoms could be confusion, aggressive behaviors, and even a comatose state.
- This is a medical emergency.
3. What is the cause of dehydration?
Dehydration is the reduction of body water content below a normal and safe level for the body to function. Water is most often lost through sweating.
 Caffeine and alcoholic beverages cause more urination which
increases the possibility of dehydration.
 Heat, wind, and dry air increase the body’s requirement for water.
 At high altitudes there is an increase in the rate of breathing
and often the atmosphere is drier, leading to decrease thirst.
 If a person is under stress in a hot environment, they may not
recognize the early signs of dehydration.
4. What are signs of dehydration?
- Skin: Less elastic; if you pinch the skin & it returns to its original shape slowly.
- Urine: Concentrated in color and smell, with decrease volume and frequency
- Sweat: Large amount that stops suddenly
- Endurance: Reduced physical ability and fatigue
- Heart Rate: Faster
- Appetite: Decreased, nausea, vomiting
- Mental Changes: Lethargy, difficulty concentrating, less alert, confusion
and irrational behaviors
5. How can you prevent heat related injuries?
 Drink water until you are no longer thirsty and then a little more
 Rest well before and in-between strenuous exercises and activities
 Loosen your clothing while at rest
 Avoid too much exercise / activity if you have any illnesses
 Look for symptoms of heat injuries and react
 Rest in a cool spot in the shade
 Reduce the body temperature as quick as possible
 Re-hydrate slowly if showing signs and symptoms of heat related injury
 Get medical help if there is no response to re-hydration or you have
heat stroke symptoms.