It was one year ago this month when the column discussed the issues that seniors face during the hot summer months. The hot weather can cause grave risk for older adults and each year The National Safety Council (http://www.nsc.org/) promotes their guidelines to outsmart the sun's heat. Their advice offsets the serious health risks that adults with chronic medical conditions deal with this time of year.
The health risk factors of a heat-related illness:
I'm a year older and honestly experience my body less able to cope with the extremely hot temperatures. And these days when I walk, it's in the early morning hours but even then, I have to prepare by taking a few steps to offset discomfort.
I've learned there's a reason why folks my age are at risk during this time of year, we are more prone to overheating and for heat stroke because our bodies can't adjust to high temperatures. For instance, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature because we don't sweat as much as younger adults, which is one of the body's most important heat-regulating systems. Plus, we store fat differently, which complicates the process even more.
It is a serious matter and here's why, as the temperatures go up, so does the internal body temperature, especially when exposed to the direct sun or hot environments. It's why we suffer from heat stroke. But since some of us enjoy the outdoors, I've discovered some things to do to better prepare my body before hitting the sidewalks.
Discuss with your doctor before changing your exercise regimen, especially before taking it outdoors.
Carol Marak, aging advocate, and editor at Seniorcare.com. She's earned a Certificate in the Fundamentals of Gerontology from UC Davis, School of Gerontology.
