The National Institute on Aging issued a special release late last week to heighten awareness about seniors’ heat-related health risks.
The NIH release focuses on hyperthermia – abnormally high body temperature that results when the body’s heat-regulating mechanisms can no longer deal with the heat coming from the environment. “Heat fatigue, heat syncope (dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are commonly known forms of hyperthermia,” says the NIH release. “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.”
Heat stroke, its symptoms, and strategies for treating an individual with heat stroke also are included in the NIH materials, which the agency provides for free on its Web site. These materials and others may also be valuable resources to share with family members.
For a free copy of the NIA’s AgePage on hyperthermia in English or Spanish, contact the NIA Information Center at 800.222.2225, or visit their website in English or view their website in Spanish. For additional information about NIH resources, visit the agency’s home page.
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