Heat stroke is a common affliction for seniors who live in places that have very hot weather. Seniors and very young children are both at risk of developing heat stroke much more easily than other age groups. However, there are several ways to prevent this as a senior living in Centennial. Keep reading to find out how to avoid heat stroke, and how to recognize the symptoms.

Preventing Heat Stroke

Preventing heat stroke as a senior is not difficult; but it does require a little planning ahead, and keeping up with the weather. Here are some easy ways to be proactive about beating the heat:

Stay inside during the hottest part of the day. Contrary to popular belief, the hottest hours of the day do not start at noon. Usually, the really hot times in the summer are between 3pm and 5pm.

Wear sunscreen, and carry shade with you. If you are planning on having a day out in the sun, make sure you have plenty of sunscreen, and reapply it as needed. You should also consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat, loose fitting clothes that are lightweight and cover your arms and legs at least partially, and sunglasses.

Never sit in a parked car for any length of time. The temperature rises quickly in a vehicle in the summer. This is especially true if it is turned off with the windows up, creating a “greenhouse effect” that quickly raises the temperature. If you are driving or being driven in the summertime, make sure the air conditioning is in working order before you get inside.

Drink plenty of water. In the summer, you may need more water than usual, due to the heat and possibly sweating. Keep in mind that the minimum amount of water you should be drinking is half your body weight in ounces. So for example, if you weigh 100 pounds, you need at least 50 ounces of water every day if you are not exerting yourself, or spending time in the heat.

Recognizing Heat Stroke Symptoms

Knowing what to look for when it comes to heat stroke can help you be more self aware; as well as helping you keep an eye on your loved ones. Here are some warning signs to watch out for, so you can be more aware of when heat stroke could be happening:

A sudden spike in body temperature. A temperature of 104 or above is the most common sign of heat stroke. The skin will also look very flushed as well.
Hot, dry skin. Unless heat stroke is caused by strenuous activity, the skin will usually feel hot and dry to the touch. If it is caused by extreme exercise, the skin could feel hot and moist, and sometimes dry.
A sudden increase in heart rate and breathing. If you or a loved one suddenly starts to breathe heavily with a fast heart rate, this could be a sign of heat stroke.
Headache, nausea, and/or vomiting. While these can also be a sign for many other things, heat stroke can still be a possibility. So make sure you seek air conditioning, and professional help when needed.

Our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living Centennial has to offer. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, MorningStar at Applewood provides outstanding independent living in Centennial.