2024-07-11 19:20:15
Reminded the most important rules
Edita Kircūniene, the family doctor of the seniors’ home located in Vievija, is well aware of the health problems of the elderly, especially when the summer heat begins. The doctor constantly reminds the elderly, whom she consults and treats, that when the thermometer column reaches 25 degrees or more, they should pay more attention to their health and well-being: during the hours when the sun is most active, stay in cooled rooms, darken the windows, especially on the south side.
Of course, it is equally important to drink more fluids – plain or non-carbonated mineral water, avoid coffee and black or green tea, which promote fluid excretion. It is important to drink water regularly, not only when you feel thirsty.
It is recommended for seniors to drink about 2 liters of water. Those who are restricted in their fluid intake should also drink more water, especially if they sweat profusely. On hot days, it is recommended to eat more vegetables, fruits, and avoid sweet, fatty foods.
The doctor advises to plan outdoor activities until 11 am or from around 6 pm, especially if you are going to work in the garden or greenhouse.
If seniors do go outside at noon, it is important to wear light, natural fiber clothes, a hat, and apply sunscreen. The skin of the elderly is thin, more vulnerable, and therefore more prone to sunburn.
Heat is most dangerous for patients with arterial hypertension, heart failure or other heart diseases. It’s true that blood pressure drops more often than it rises during the heat, so older people often decide to simply stop taking their prescribed medications. E. Kircūnienė warns that it is particularly dangerous to stop taking medicines or adjust their dosage without consulting a doctor.
“After arbitrarily stopping the use of antihypertensive drugs, the blood pressure may rise suddenly – a hypertensive crisis may begin. If the health condition worsens, it is recommended to consult a doctor by phone or go to a treatment facility. The most important thing is not to self-medicate,” warns the interviewer.
If the senior does not refuse to work in the garden or other activities on hot days, it is important to observe whether signs such as intense sweating, when electrolytes and minerals are lost, heart beats more often, reddened or pale face, increased temperature, in some cases – up to 40 degrees, have not appeared. These symptoms may indicate that a person is overheated in the sun. Overheating in the sun can cause a drop in blood pressure, impaired blood circulation in the brain, a person can no longer orientate in the environment, feel weak, and may lose consciousness.
More time – in cooled rooms
When the temperature reaches 30 degrees or more, it is especially difficult to properly care for seniors living in nursing homes. Many of them simply do not have the ability to cool the premises.
“Hot weather is a serious challenge for older people, especially those with co-morbidities or other health disorders. “Seniors tolerate the heat more difficult and unevenly, they often complain of weakness, headaches or blood pressure disorders, so the possibility to adjust the temperature in the rooms individually, taking into account the health condition of the seniors, is a real salvation for us,” commented Valė Samanavičiūtė Abromavičienė, director of “Gemma” Vievios home.
The current hygiene standards set a maximum indoor temperature of 27 degrees, which, according to the interviewee, is not suitable for older people, knowing that high heat has a negative effect on health, especially for those with cardiovascular and other chronic diseases.
Family doctor E. Kircūnienė agrees that the indoor air conditioner often becomes a real lifesaver during the summer, she just reminds us to cool down safely: do not set the temperature too low, try to stay away from the air conditioner. Almost the main rule: the temperature inside and outside should not differ by more than 4-6 degrees.
2024-07-11 19:20:15