Summer is a happy season, with the sun and warm weather and activities like picnics, bike rides, hiking, beach trips, and swimming. For seniors with chronic conditions, the summertime heat also brings unique challenges. Managing diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory issues can become more complicated when temperatures soar.
The Impact of Heat on Chronic Conditions
Heat vulnerability increases with chronic conditions for a number of reasons. For example, medications to help with the medical issue may make the effect of the heat worse. In addition, the chronic condition itself may make it harder for the body to sense and respond to hotter temperatures. The heat can also cause flare-ups of chronic conditions.
Specifically:
- High temperatures can affect blood sugar levels, making it harder to control diabetes. Heat can also lead to dehydration, which can elevate blood glucose levels and increase the risk of hyperglycemia.
- Heat puts extra strain on the cardiovascular system. For those with heart disease, the body has to work harder to cool itself, which can exacerbate symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
- Conditions such as asthma, COPD, or other respiratory issues can be aggravated by hot, humid weather. Poor air quality, which often accompanies high temperatures, can also trigger respiratory problems.
- Hot weather can stress the kidneys, making it harder for bodies to filter waste and fluids – jeopardizing the health of people with kidney disease.
- Heat stress coupled with a lack of sleep because of high temperatures can worsen mental health conditions like anxiety and depression; research shows that heat negatively impacts conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Staying Healthy in the Heat
So, what should you and your loved ones do to manage health in hot weather, especially if you have one or more chronic conditions that may increase risk? Here are some key tips.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a common risk during summer, especially for seniors. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Water is the best choice, but herbal teas and diluted fruit juices can also help keep you hydrated. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.
- Dress appropriately. Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing helps keep the body cool. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are preferable as they allow the skin to breathe. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also protect against the sun’s harmful rays.
- Monitor blood sugar levels. For those with diabetes, it’s crucial to check blood sugar levels more frequently during hot weather. High temperatures can affect how your body uses insulin, so adjustments to your medication or insulin may be necessary. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes.
- Take it easy. Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need to be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors with air conditioning. Remember, physical exertion increases your body’s heat production, which can be dangerous in hot weather.
- Stay cool indoors. Air conditioning is one of the best ways to stay cool. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, consider spending time in public places like shopping malls, libraries, or community centers. Taking cool showers or baths can also help lower your body temperature.
Additional Safety Measures
Beyond beating the heat, here are some other actions to keep everyone safe.
- Regular check-ins. Stay connected with family, friends, or neighbors. If you’re caring for an elderly loved one, make sure to touch base with them frequently to ensure they are coping well with the heat.
- Emergency plan. Have an emergency plan in place in case of extreme heat or power outages. Know where you can go to stay cool and keep a list of emergency contacts handy.
- Medication management. Some medications can increase sensitivity to heat or interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Review your medications with your healthcare provider to understand any potential side effects and how to manage them.
Managing chronic conditions in the summer heat requires extra vigilance and proactive measures. Embrace the summer safely, and don’t let the heat keep you from enjoying the season!
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Sources: HeatReadyCA; CDC; STATNews; CA Dept of Public Health; SAMHSA; HealthInAging