With temperatures passing the 100 degree mark, everyone struggles a bit.
But seniors have an especially had time in the heat, and Dr. Alicia I. Arbaje, of Johns Hopkins' Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology has some explanations of why -- and what the older people can do to stay healthy and safe.
She said seniors can feel the heat or cool down as easily and they are less likely to feel thirsty even when they are nearly dehydrated
They also have chronic medical problems such as heart disease and diabetes, and the medicines used to treat them, including water pills, allergy and sinus medications, medicines for depression and anxiety, can compound the problems of heat.
She said 90 degrees is already too hot for seniors. She has the same suggestions for many people who are sensitive to heat: They should stay in air conditioning and strenuous activity, stay hydrated, wear light clothing and hats and make sure their urine in light yellow.
Seniors need to look for signs of dehydration and heat stroke, which include dizziness and confusion, weakness and headache, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, a fast pulse, sweating and passing out.
If someone has these symtoms, they should get out of the heat and consume a sports drink that can replace sodium and potassium chloride. They should switch back to water once they are again in cool air.
Seniors on water pills or blood pressure medications should call their doctors to see if they should lower and stop taking the drugs while they are in the heat. They should weigh themselves to see if they are replacing enough fluids by drinking -- urine flow shold be about 1 to 1.5 cups every 3 or 4 hours.
The doctor also offers this recipe for making your own sweat replacement drink:
• 1 quart (32 oz) or 1 liter water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon table salt
• use orange or lemon juice to flavor
• keep refrigerated
Baltimore Sun file photo/Jerry Jackson