The Richmond Register

Lifestyles & Community

July 15, 2009

Extreme heat and aging

Summertime in Kentucky comes with the dangerous combination of extreme heat and high humidity. When a person’s body cannot properly cool itself and adjust to the heat, heat-related illnesses are likely to strike. High body temperature is dangerous and may cause damage to the brain and other vital organs. One common heat-related illness to which older adults are particularly susceptible is hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia refers to extremely high body temperature. Body temperatures soar when the body absorbs or produces more heat than it can get rid of. Extreme forms of hyperthermia are referred to as heat stroke or sunstroke.

Older adults are vulnerable to hyperthermia for a variety of reasons. The numbers of sweat glands diminish in old age and do not function as well. This reduces a person’s ability to perspire, which allows the body to regulate temperature. Normal changes in the skin cause older adults to have more difficulty regulating their body temperature and adjusting to extremes temperatures. Certain medical conditions common to old age can decrease the body’s ability to perspire. Such conditions include heart, kidney, and central nervous system diseases, dehydration, diabetes and certain medications.

It is important to protect yourself and others from the heat. While it is critical to stay indoors on hot and humid days, it is important to note that sometimes electric fans are not enough to prevent heat-related illness when the temperatures are high. If air conditioning is not available, try to take cool baths or showers or go to an air-conditioned place. Even a few hours in air conditioning can help the body stay cooler when it is time to go back into the heat.

To protect yourself from the heat, cut down on exercise and limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Wear light-weight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. Protect yourself from the sun with wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen. Take breaks in shady areas as much as possible when outdoors. Never leave anyone or stay in a closed, parked vehicle.

If you are an older adult or know someone who is older, remind yourself that both of you are at increased risk for heat-related illnesses. It is important that you can check on those you know and to have people who can regularly assure your own summer safety.

(Source: Amy F. Hosier, Extension Specialist for Family Life, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture)

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Text Only
Lifestyles & Community
  • Dr.-Jack-Rutherford.jpg Is MSG (monosodium glutamate) harmful?

    Monsodium gluatamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer often added to Chinese food, soups, processed meats and canned vegetables. The use of MSG remains controversial despite a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) statement that it is safe. Because of this, the FDA requires that whenever MSG is added, that it be listed on the label.

    February 5, 2012 1 Photo

  • Don-McNay-.jpg Common-sense job hunting

     I spent a day with a high-powered and high-profile friend who mentioned that he has more than 700 people a year ask him to help get a new  job.
    He’s not in the employment business, but is super well connected.  
    Every now and then, he gets the right person to the right job.

    February 5, 2012 1 Photo

  • Anthony-Phelps-c.jpg It’s a love thing

    “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” — Romans 8:35-39

    February 4, 2012 1 Photo

  • Brandon-Sears-c.jpg Managing the calving season

    Providing sound management during the calving season can mean more live calves.
    Excessive losses can mean the difference between a year’s profit or loss for a beef producer.
    It is important to have a short calving period to allow frequent observation and assistance if needed.

    February 1, 2012 1 Photo

  • Frank-food-dude-mug-c.jpg Spinach: It’s not just for Popeye anymore

    A spinach-loving reader recently approached me to request a column on things to do with her favorite vegetable.
    “Favorite vegetable?” You may ask, and rightly so.
    When many of us were growing up …and we’re talking Baby Boomers here, the only spinach product known to us was the stuff that came in a can, and it was, in a word, horrible!

    February 1, 2012 1 Photo

  • Amanda-Sears-c.jpg Topping trees is a bad practice

    Topping damages hundreds of trees each year in Kentucky.
    Many people are unaware of the detrimental effects of this practice.
    Topping involves the drastic removal or cutting back of large branches in mature trees leaving stubs.
    Topping can make a tree hazardous and reduce its life.

    February 1, 2012 1 Photo

  • GinaNoemugpic.jpg Tips offered for better credit

    Many people are aware that their credit score is important, but do not really understand what it is or how to build a strong credit score.

    February 1, 2012 1 Photo

  • Donna-Moberly.jpg Josh Logan to perform in Kirksville

    Hello everyone. Josh Logan will perform at Kirksville Community Center on Saturday from 6:30 to 11 p.m. and will entertain you with some great music.

    January 26, 2012 1 Photo

  • Rose-Miller.jpg Church group to discuss ‘Bad Women of the Bible’

    Tates Creek Baptist Church is having a special Coffee Talk Bible Study to discuss “The Bad Women of the Bible” on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 11 a.m. in the church, located on Boonesborough Road.

    January 26, 2012 1 Photo

  • 01.26-WACO-Cain-pic.jpg Preschool screenings and birthday surprises

    Hi!
    ... and the wind blew and blew. Perhaps this is the windy season!
    Where is the snow? Students are starting to do snow dances, hoping they can coax enough snow to fall so they can make a proper snowman.
    (I'm sure they hope it will fall on a weekend so they won’t have to miss school! lol)

    January 26, 2012 2 Photos

Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
AP Video
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
Poll

Have you ever attended a meeting of a local government agency or taxing district?

Yes
No
     View Results