Elderly much more likely to get heat stroke

Guam - It's said that elderly people are more prone to heat stress than younger people. Because May marks Senior Citizen's Month, we'll tell you how our man'amko can avoid it altogether.

People aged 65 and older are more susceptible to getting heat stress for a number of reasons. According to the Centers for Disease Control, elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature. Because we live on a tropical island, it becomes even more difficult for our man'amko to deal with the heat. This age group is also more likely to have chronic medical conditions that change normal body responses to heat and they're more likely to take prescription medication that could impair the body's ability to regulate its temperature.

If not careful, one can get heat strokes which are considered the most serious heat related illness. The body is then unable to control its temperature, losing the ability to sweat and unable to cool down. Heat strokes can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment isn't provided. Signs and symptoms of a heat stroke include extreme high body temperature, red and dry skin, rapid pulse, dizziness, and nausea.

You could protect your loved ones by practicing prevention. Drink cool beverages daily, get some rest, take cool showers, stay indoors during the heat of the day, and wear lightweight clothing. If the elderly person you know is limited to the amount of fluid they drink, they would need to ask their doctor how much they should drink while the weather is hot. If you see any signs, you may be dealing with a life threatening emergency.

While you call for medical assistance, get the person in a shady area, spray the person with cool water or wrap the person in a cool wet sheet and fan him or her. Monitor body temperatures, and make sure keep them in a shady area.

If medical personnel aren't there on time, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.

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