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Some senior citizens live without or have substandard Air Conditioners

These individuals are at special risk during the summer

Circulating air helps cool the body & lower body temperature

YOU CAN HELP: DROP-OFF or DONATE TODAY!

DROP-OFF: at 1700 Buckner, Shreveport. We accept new electric fans during regular business hours. [M-F, 8a-3p]

HELP CADDO SENIORS BEAT THE HEAT

Heat Stress in the Elderly

  • People 65 years and older are more prone to heat stress than younger people for several reasons:
  • Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
  • They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
  • They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or inhibit perspiration.

Heat Stroke

Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s: temperature rises rapidly, loses its ability to sweat, and it is unable to cool down. Heatstroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Warning signs vary but may include the following:

  • An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
  • Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Throbbing headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

Warning signs vary but may include the following:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Paleness
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fainting
  • Skin: may be cool and moist
  • Pulse rate: fast and weak
  • Breathing: fast and shallow

Help Protect Elderly Relatives & Neighbors

Help them protect themselves from heat-related stress:

  • Visit older adults at risk at least twice daily and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
  • Drink more fluids, regardless of their activity level.
  • If their doctor limits the amount of fluid they drink or they are on water pills, they will need to ask their doctor how much they should drink while the weather is hot.
  • Take them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems.

What To Do for Someone With Heat Stress

If you see any signs of severe heat stress, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency.

Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the affected person.

Do the following:

  • Get the person to a shady area.
  • Cool the person rapidly, using whatever methods you can.
    • For example, immerse the person in a tub of cool water place the person in a cool shower
    • spray the person with cool water from a garden hose
    • sponge the person with cool water
    • if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously
  • Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101°–102°F
  • If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
  • Do not give the person alcohol to drink.
  • Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

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