July Frenzy - July 29, 2015 - Extreme Heat and Medications: Dangerous Dose for Seniors

A potentially deadly danger lurks in the medicine cabinets of local seniors this summer. Did you know that heat when combined with certain medications, can seriously harm seniors? That’s why SYNERGY HomeCare recommends that families pay special attention to seniors that are taking any medications this summer. Considering the fact that some 80-86% of seniors suffer from a chronic condition or disease that requires medication, the summer heat can pose significant challenges! The National Weather Service even suggests that there are more heat-related fatalities in the United States than there are during frigid arctic outbreaks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Seniors are more prone to heat stroke and heat-related stress because their bodies can’t adjust to sudden changes in temperature.
• Seniors who take certain prescription medications are more susceptible to heat-related injuries and illnesses.

“During the hot summer months, families really need to pay special attention to their elderly loved ones who are taking medications and may not understand the health risks,” says Peter Tourian, Founder and CEO of  SYNERGY HomeCare. “We strongly urge families to consult with their doctor or pharmacist regarding the potential impact of heat on any medications.”

We checked with physicians to find out what types of effects heat and medications can have on seniors. 

Prescription for Trouble

• Antidepressants and antihistamines act on an area of the brain that controls the skin’s ability to make sweat. Sweating is the body’s natural cooling system. If a person can’t sweat, they are at risk for overheating.
• Beta-blockers reduce the ability of the heart and lungs to adapt to stresses, including hot weather. This also increases a person’s likelihood of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
• Amphetamines can raise body temperature.
• Diuretics act on kidneys and encourage fluid loss. This can quickly lead to dehydration in hot weather.
• Sedatives can reduce a person’s awareness of physical discomfort which means symptoms of heat stress may be ignored.
• Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine found in over the counter decongestants decrease blood flow to the skin and impact the body’s ability to cool down.

SYNERGY HomeCare also has a cool idea to take the heat off seniors and keep them thriving. It’s called the SYNERGY HomeCare Fan Club. Certain local SYNERGY HomeCare offices will be giving away a limited number of special mini fans to area seniors. 

The battery-powered fans allow for portable cooling. The fans also have a flashlight and a cord, enabling them to be worn around the neck. This necklace feature is especially convenient for seniors who use walkers,  canes, and wheelchairs and need both hands to help them get around.

The aim of the SYNERGY HomeCare Fan Club is to provide seniors, whether they are clients or not, with a low-cost and low-energy means to alleviate summer heat and prevent heat-related illness. Some seniors do not have air conditioning, and those that do may not be able to run their air conditioners for fear of the expense on their utility bills, especially those who live on fixed incomes. We are excited to provide this simple yet effective device to local seniors as a way for them to bear the heat.