Τour body has the ability to adapt and maintain a constant temperature, despite fluctuations in the ambient temperature. Adaptation of body temperature can only be achieved up to a certain limit, beyond which two serious health problems can occur: from heat exhaustion or the heat stroke.
Elderly patients are a special category because their body does not have the same ability to react and adapt to changes in environmental temperature.
Both the Medical and the Nursing team of the rehabilitation centre Euxia highlight the dangers of summer and recommend the following precautionary measures during the heatwave.
- Older people should not be left alone during hot spells. They need the supervision and help of their relatives.
- Choose cool or air-conditioned places for their stay.
- Food is recommended to be light and in small meals with little fat, rich in fruits and vegetables and plenty of water.
- Avoid unnecessary movements under the sun.
- Cool and light-coloured clothes made of natural materials are recommended so that the body can breathe. A hat is essential when walking in the sun.
- Lots of cool showers during the day help to maintain the temperature.
- The elderly patients usually take a lot of drugs. Consult our doctor because you may need to modify the dosage of the medication.
- Measure the elderly person's blood pressure more often.
- Frequent change of underwear and clothing and frequent mobilisation by walking or frequent change of position on the bed or armchair.
What do we mean when we talk about Heat Exhaustion?
Thermal Exhaustion is the transient failure of the cardiovascular system that occurs after prolonged exposure (hours or days) to high temperatures.
The usual symptoms are headache, dizziness, anorexia and sudden short-lived collapse. Blood pressure is low and accompanied by tachycardia. The skin is cold and clammy. The pupils of the eyes are dilated. But the temperature remains normal.
Addressing the situation
Choose a cool environment and provide plenty of water.
If the dizziness and nausea do not subside, call a doctor or take him to hospital.
How is Heatstroke defined?
Heatstroke is the inability of the body to eliminate heat.
Heatstroke occurs when the ambient temperature is too high and the humidity of the atmosphere is above 70% or with prolonged exposure to the sun or heavy meals during hot spells.
The usual symptoms of heat stroke are intense thirst and dryness of the mouth and skin. This is followed by redness of the face, sweating, dizziness, dizziness, headaches, chest pain, body depression, weakness in the legs, muscle cramps, discomfort, shortness of breath and ringing in the ears.
The fever is always stable and can reach 42°C (in the elderly it is not safe to take the temperature from the armpit). Finally, fainting spells occur and the fever sufferer becomes unconscious.
FIRST AID
Immediately move the heat stroke victim to a cool place. Place cool compresses on the body and forehead and remove excess clothing. Plenty of water and small amounts of salt are the key to early treatment.
If he is unconscious, we give him vigorous rubs and inhale vinegar, ammonia or ether and call the ambulance.
