{"id":9767,"date":"2016-08-26T07:00:01","date_gmt":"2016-08-26T12:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senioradvisor.com\/blog\/?p=9767"},"modified":"2016-08-16T10:40:43","modified_gmt":"2016-08-16T15:40:43","slug":"what-seniors-need-to-know-about-heat-related-illness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/d30braiqprupoq.cloudfront.net\/blog\/2016\/08\/what-seniors-need-to-know-about-heat-related-illness\/","title":{"rendered":"What Seniors Need to Know about Heat-Related Illness"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Seniors Need to Know about Heat-Related \"WhatIllness<\/strong><\/h1>\n

This summer is shaping up to be hotter than normal across nearly all <\/strong><\/a>of the continental US, and that means everyone needs to know the signs of heat sickness. Heat exhaustion can catch anyone off guard, especially seniors, because they can become dehydrated quickly. Here\u2019s how to protect yourself from heat stress and what to do if you or someone you know develops heat-related illness.<\/p>\n

What is heat-related illness?<\/h2>\n

There are two types of illness directly related to overheating: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion<\/strong> occurs when a person gets too hot and becomes fatigued, nauseated, faint, or weak. A headache, dizziness, and profuse sweating can also be symptoms of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can rapidly turn into a potentially fatal heat stroke<\/a><\/strong>, which happens when a person\u2019s body temperature rises above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, has a seizure, or lapses into a coma.<\/p>\n

Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke are medical emergencies, especially for older adults, because they tend to get dehydrated faster than younger people.<\/p>\n

Treatment for heat-related illness<\/h2>\n

Anyone over age 65 who shows heat exhaustion symptoms should get medical help right away, according to<\/a><\/strong> the Centers for Disease Control. Heat stroke symptoms warrant a call to 911. While you\u2019re waiting for help:<\/p>\n