Medical City North Hills offers heat safety for older adults
North Richland Hills, Texas — As North Texas enters the hottest months of the year, Medical City North Hills experts are encouraging families, caregivers and communities to take extra steps to protect older adults from heat-related illness.
“Older adults and people with chronic conditions are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness,” says Curtis H. Johnson, MD, medical director of emergency services at Medical City North Hills. “Additionally, certain medications can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature. During extreme heat, stay hydrated, spend time in air-conditioned spaces and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults 65 and older, people with chronic medical conditions and those without access to air conditioning are at increased risk of heat-related illness.
Medical City North Hills medical experts are offering the following steps to help older adults stay safe during extreme heat:
- Plan ahead. Check local forecasts and heat alerts before outdoor activities, appointments or errands.
- Stay cool. Spend time in air-conditioned spaces.
- Hydrate often. Drink water throughout the day, even before feeling thirsty.
- Limit outdoor activity. Schedule errands and necessary outdoor time for the cooler parts of the day.
- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use sun protection.
- Review medications. Some medicines can increase the risk of dehydration or overheating.
- Check in. Call or visit older family members, friends and neighbors
People experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms — heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, weakness, muscle cramps, nausea or fainting — should move to a cooler place, loosen clothing, sip water and seek medical care if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs of heat stroke can include confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, very high body temperature, hot skin or profuse sweating. Call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler place and begin cooling them with water or cold towels while waiting for help.
Learn more about emergency services at Medical City North Hills.