Summertime Danger Puts Seniors at RISK [ALERT]

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 5, 2023

One of the difficult things about growing older is adjusting to our new limits.

We can’t work as hard or as long as we used to. Eating the way we used to is off the table, too.

And our bodies don’t always function as we expect anymore, affecting everything from blood pressure to digestion.

But there’s one change that almost no one knows about aging.

And during a boiling hot summer (like this one), NOT knowing it could be dangerous… even deadly.

This past July was the hottest on record. We’re ALL feeling the effects of the heat. And we all need to take care of ourselves as the mercury soars.

But as we age, our bodies become MORE sensitive to temperature changes.

The trouble is, most of us have no idea it’s happening. So we don’t take steps to protect ourselves because the heat doesn’t FEEL unbearable.

But the fact of the matter is—if you’re over 65, you’re at a higher risk for heat-related problems.

There are various reasons for this: chronic medical conditions, prescription medicines, and bodies that just don’t work as well as they used to are all on the list.

That means if you’re a senior, you should pay close attention to rising temperatures and take EXTRA care to keep cool during the summer months.

And I have some tricks that can help you do PRECISELY that…

• Stay Hydrated: Every system in your body that cools you uses water to get the job done. The most obvious one is sweat. When you sweat, heat is pulled away from your body, helping to control your body temperature. Staying hydrated is CRITICAL to keep this cooling process flowing. It doesn’t matter how you get your water. Just make sure you’re getting at least a liter daily (more if you’re being active).
• Get IN Water: When the temperature is soaring, taking a cool shower several times a day can help keep YOUR temperature down. Wet hair boosts the cooling effect. As the water evaporates from your hair, it cools your entire body.
• Cold Washrags: I keep a wet washrag in the refrigerator in a plastic storage bag and pull it out occasionally to cool myself down. Put the washrag on the back of your neck or your wrists for instant relief.
• Box or Ceiling Fans: Getting air moving across your body is one of the best ways to cool down. You notice this effect when you’re outside. Even on a hot day a breeze will make the heat feel far more manageable. We have one near our kitchen, and turn it on every time we use the oven later in the day.
• Close the Windows: While it is tempting to leave the windows open during the day, you will stay much cooler if you close up the house and switch on the air conditioning for a few hours. Wait until the temperature outside drops at night before opening them.
• Block the Sun: Blocking sunlight from entering your house will keep your home much cooler. A long-term solution is planting trees and bushes to add shade. But simply closing blinds and curtains during the hottest hours will help too.
• Plan Ahead: If you must go out when the temperatures are soaring, plan your trip to avoid the hottest time of the day. Also, if you don’t have air conditioning at home (or want to save some cash on the electric bill), keep in mind many public places, including malls, grocery stores, libraries, and movie theaters, have air conditioning. So make them a destination spot between 2 to 8 p.m. and enjoy the AC on someone else’s dime.
• Cotton Sheets: While high-thread-count sheets are nice, simple low-thread-count cotton sheets are MUCH cooler. Save the good sheets for fall and winter, and stock up a few cheap sets to get you through the summer.
• Head to the Basement: If you have a basement, use it. You can even sleep there on the hottest days if you have an extra bed or a comfortable couch.
• Cook in the Morning: Nothing heats up a house faster than using the oven. Plan for this by making dinner first thing in the morning. Then quickly heat it up again in the evening if needed.

Folks over 50, overweight, or have heart issues are ALSO at a higher risk for heat-related problems and should take extra precautions when it’s hot out.

Common signs of heat-related illness include muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, or vomiting. If you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms on a hot day, get medical help right away.

You can’t do anything about the outside heat, but with a few tricks, you can outsmart the sunshine and stay cool all day and night.

P.S. Heat isn’t the ONLY summertime danger we need to avoid. THIS sneaky summer illness is spreading in the USA. CLICK HERE for what you need to know.

Source:

“Heat and Older Adults,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc. gov

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND