Friday 19 July 2013

Why is Hot Weather a Danger for our Senior Population?

Seniors are prone to heat stroke and heat exhaustion, as the ability to notice changes in our body temperature decreases with age. Many seniors also have underlying health conditions that make them less able to adapt to heat. Many medications that seniors take can also contribute to dehydration.
A few simple precautions are all that's needed to keep safe, such as:
1.               Drinking plenty of liquids - Dehydration is the root of many heat related health problems. Drink plenty of water even if you're not thirsty. But remember to avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, as they can actually contribute to dehydration.
2.               Wearing appropriate clothes - When it's hot out, wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat.
3.               Staying indoors during the hottest part of the day - During periods of extreme heat, the best time to go out and about is before 10am or after 6pm, when the temperature tends to be cooler.
4.               Taking it easy - Avoid exercise and strenuous activity, particularly outdoors, when it's very hot.
5.               Seeking an air conditioned environment - Seniors without convenient access to any air conditioned place should consider a cool bath or shower to help cool down.
6.               Knowing the warning signs of heat-related illness - Dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, fainting and breathing problems are all warning signs that medical help should be sought immediately. 

Wednesday 17 July 2013

June is Brain Injury Awareness Month. How could your Awareness of Brain Injury Assist a Senior?

Falls are the leading cause of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) for seniors and are often missed or misdiagnosed; watch for these signs and symptoms if you know or suspect a senior has fallen or has a fall-related injury, such as a hip fracture.

Symptoms of Mild TBI
·         Low-grade headache that won’t go away - Getting lost or easily confused - Sleeping much longer than before or having trouble sleeping - Loss of balance or feeling light-headed or dizzy - Blurred vision - Loss of sense of taste or smell - Ringing in the ears – Easily irritated or listless

Symptoms of Moderate or Severe TBI
·       A headache that gets worse or does not go away - Repeated vomiting or nausea - Convulsions or seizures - Inability to fully wake up from sleep - Dilation of one or both pupils - Slurred speech - Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs - Loss of coordination - Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation

If you see any of these above symptoms in a senior that you know or suspect may have fallen, you should ensure that they receive immediate medical attention. Seniors taking blood thinners should be seen immediately if they have a bump or blow to the head, even if they do not have any of the symptoms listed above.