Monday, January 26, 2009

Help protect seniors during cold weather season

When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal,staying warm and safe can become a challenge, especially forelderly. There are several factors that can put the elderly atrisk during winter storms and lengthy sub-zero periods suchas unexpected power or heating system failure.Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outdoors,can cause serious or life-threatening health problems. TheU.S. Department of Health and Human Services andComfort Keepers have provided these tips for seniors toremain safe during the cold weather season. Other dangers toconsider are icy sidewalks and cold and flu viruses.Through the proper precautions, winter doesn’t have toconfine seniors to their house. They can enjoy these monthssafely by taking additional care and caution. Follow these tipsto protect against illness, body heat loss, and other potentialwinter-related problems.• Be cautious with space heaters – Do not place a space heaterwithin three feet of anything that may catch on fire, such asdrapes, furniture, or bedding, and never cover your spaceheater. In addition to being a fire hazard, space heaters mayalso increase the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.• Consistently check the temperature – Older adults oftenmake less body heat because of a slower metabolism andless physical activity. When over 65 years of age, it isimportant to check home temperatures often especiallyduring severely cold weather. The thermostat should beset to 65 degrees to prevent hypothermia. This will alsoprevent freezing pipes. Often times, seniors will turn theheat down to save money on their monthly bill. Caulkingor plastic sheets can be used to protect windows and keepthe warm air inside the house and bring peace of mind toseniors worried about their energy bills.• Check smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors –CO can be a very dangerous gas emitted by fuel-burningheaters and appliances. Seniors’ bodies can’t dispose ofcarbon monoxide as quickly as younger adults. Check tomake sure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors workwithin the home.• Eat nutritiously – Eating well-balanced meals will helpseniors stay warmer. Also, alcoholic or caffeinated beveragescan cause body temperatures to drop more rapidly(regardless of age). Even though the heat may be gone, it isstill important to drink at least six to eight glasses of watera day. This can help prevent dry skin problems as well asdehydration. A senior’s body isn’t as tough as it once was.It is more important for a 70-year-old to stay hydrated thana 30-year-old. continued on page Safety precautions – If a cane is used to assist in walking, besure to replace the rubber tip to prevent falls. When drivingin the winter be sure to get the car tuned up, keep the gastank near full and check to make sure the car has good tires.• Dress appropriately – Be sure the outer layer of clothing istightly woven, preferably wind resistant, to reduce body-heatloss caused by wind. Using wool, silk or polypropylene asthe inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat thancotton. Mittens are warmer than gloves because your fingersproduce heat when they are touching. Wear a hat to protectagainst heat loss through the head.• Take breaks during outdoor winter tasks – Many forgethow much energy it takes to shovel snow in the driveway orwalkway. The cold weather during the winter months can putadded strain on the heart. It is important to warm up thebody prior to these chores and take frequent breaks toprevent any problems or injuries.• Keep a water supply – Have an extra supply of water storedin clean containers, or purchase bottled water (up to fivegallons per person) in case water pipes freeze and rupture.By preparing a senior’s home for the winter months and takingthe necessary safety precautions, you can reduce the risk ofweather-related health problems. If you know elderly personswho are unable, for any reason, to prepare for extremecold-weather conditions, they should stay with family members or go to available shelter.Drink plenty of replenishing fluids – Alcoholic beveragesand caffeine should be avoided since they can causedehydration. Water is a great option, but does not effectivelyreplace the potassium and sodium (electrolytes) that are lostduring perspiration. Popular sports drinks such as Gatoradeand Powerade are great choices for rehydrating the body.Always be on guard for symptoms of heat exhaustion, whichinclude pale, cold or clammy skin, extreme thirst, lightheadedness,fainting, mild nausea, vomiting, and excessivesweating. Signs of heat stroke include hot, dry skin, a fast,strong pulse, confusion, and a body temperature of 104 degreesor higher. If a person exhibits signs of heat stroke, this is aserious medical emergency and 911 or your local emergencymedical team should be contacted.The good news is heat-related illnesses and injuries arepreventable. If seniors understand the signs and are aware ofthe symptoms, they can beat the heat this summer season. To read more, go to www.comfortkeepers.com

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