Common Sense Living

HYPERTHERMIA: TOO HOT FOR YOUR HEALTH
Heat-Related Illness Advice for Older People

Hot summer weather can pose special health risks to older adults. The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, has some advice for helping older people avoid heat-related illnesses, known as hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body to deal with the heat coming from the environment. Heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are commonly known forms of hyperthermia. Risk for these conditions can increase with the combination of outside temperature, general health and individual lifestyle.

Lifestyle factors can include not drinking enough fluids, living in housing without air conditioning, lack of mobility and access to transportation, overdressing, visiting overcrowded places and not understanding how to respond to hot weather conditions. Older people, particularly those with chronic medical conditions, should stay indoors on hot and humid days, especially when an air pollution alert is in effect. People without air conditioners should go to places such as senior centers, shopping malls, movie theaters or libraries. Cooling centers, which may be set up by local public health agencies, religious groups and social service organizations in many communities, are another option.

Health-related factors that may increase risk include:
– Being dehydrated.
– Age-related changes to the skin such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands.
– Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever.
– High blood pressure or other conditions that require changes in diet. For example, people on salt-restricted diets may increase their risk. However, salt pills should not be used without first consulting a doctor.
– Reduced perspiration, caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure drugs.
– Taking several drugs for various conditions. It is important, however, to continue to take prescribed medication and discuss possible problems with a physician.
– Being substantially overweight or underweight.
– Drinking alcoholic beverages.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening form of hyperthermia. It occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. Someone with a body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit is likely suffering from heat stroke and may have symptoms of confusion, combativeness, strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering, possible delirium or coma. Seek immediate emergency medical attention for a person with any of these symptoms, especially an older adult.

If you suspect that someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:
– Get the person out of the sun and into a shady, air-conditioned or other cool place. Urge them to lie down.
– If you suspect heat stroke, call 911.
– Encourage the individual to shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water.
– Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists, neck, armpits, and/or groin, places where blood passes close to the surface of the skin, and the cold cloths can help cool the blood.
– Offer fluids such as water, fruit and vegetable juices, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.

For a free copy of the NIA’s AgePage on hyperthermia in English or in Spanish, contact the NIA Information Center at 1-800-222-2225 or go to <http://www.niapublications.org/agepages/hyperther.asp> or <www.niapublications.org/agepages/hyperther-sp.asp> for the Spanish-language version.

The NIA leads the federal effort supporting and conducting research on aging and the medical, social and behavioral issues of older people. For more information on research and the aging, go to <www.nia.nih.gov>.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation’s Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit <www.nih.gov>.

Not because the bird might fly into the pan and get burned or killed – but because the fumes from your non-stick cookware can kill it.

Seriously, there is a warning on a non-stick pan from a well respected manufacturer -

“*Keep small children away from the stove while you are cooking. Nonstick cookware can emit fumes harmful to birds. Never cook with birds or small pets in or near the kitchen..”

Anodized cookware is supposed to be safe, but I heard a lot of complaints about handles getting hot and surfaces scratching easily, even though they’re not supposed to, and pans not looking so good after a year. And that stuff isn’t cheap either.

I have missed my waterless cookware ever since my ex-husband took my waterless cookware in the divorce. Can you believe it? And that stuff costs a left lung.

I was really happy to find this set, and for that price? I had to ask “Whats wrong with it?” I went into the reviews and there was only one negative review from a lady who apparently got a defective one. All of the other reviews were great.

I guess its our lucky day! Woo-Hoo!

Image via Wikipedia

If you haven’t heard, there has been a recall on all Slim Fast drinks in cans. For more information on the Slim Fast Recall >>>

I’m assuming that if you read this blog – you don’t have any, right?

Why? It’s milk, sugar, and chemicals. If you want a safe way to lose weight that actually works >>>

  Microsoft, of all people, has put up a flu assessment test that will give you advice on whether you have flu, whether you need to just say home and get some rest, or whether you need to see a doctor. The concern is that people will be flooding doctor’s offices and hospitals because of the swine flu scare, and most probably won’t need it. Plus, the more you’re out and about when you don’t need to be, the longer it takes to recover – not to mention the bigger the chance of spreading around even more. I think it’s a brilliant idea, and a useful tool. Here’s the link – https://h1n1.cloudapp.net/Default.aspx Don’t forget to do the most you can to prevent getting sick in the first place. Part of the reason you haven’t heard from me is there is this bug, or 2 going around at the spa. I’m the last one standing. There was one stomach flu going around, and now a second different one seems to be making the rounds. And it spreads fast. I went back in to cover for my boss tonight, and the other girl started feeling bad. They had been working together for a couple of hours. I’m in serious attack mode eating immune boosting foods and taking extra vitamin C. I think I’m even going to make a pot of chicken soup. Review this artcle and make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep you and your family healthy – Swine Flu – 20 Ounces of Prevention Take care of yourself!

Image via Wikipedia

I’ve always said that cell phones are bad for your mental health. This always connected frenzy is just plain not good for you on a number of levels. It is fully expected that you will have your cell phone on you and have it on at all times. You are to be at the beck and call of your boss, your clients, your kids, and whoever else feels they must have immediate access to you.

I say bull. Yes, I have a cell phone. It is for emergencies – car problems or my daughter needs a ride. If you want to talk to me, you call me on my house phone.

Turns out that my being a dinosaur is a healthy attribute again. (you remember my aversion to packaged foods, right?)

There is quickly mounting evidence that cell phone usage is connected to a rise in brain cancers.

Read this mans story -

My name is Enrico Grani and I presently live in Australia. I used cell phones for ten-plus years extensively on-and-off, and because of this I developed a brain tumor! Read the rest of his story >>>

Like Enrico, I have discussions with my daughter about her constant cell phone use. I take some comfort in the fact that the kids don’t actually talk on their cell phones much, instead they choose to text, which was always beyond me! But I guess carpal tunnel is better than a brain tumor.

As the evidence mounts, the question needs to be asked – will you give up your cell phone?