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Hypothermia- A Weather Hazards for Older Adults Cold, chilly temperature can cause the temperature in your body to decrease. And if not treated soon, hypothermia can occur. Hypothermia is a drop in body temperature from staying in a cool place for a long period of time. A decrease in temperature by just a few degrees can make it dangerous for older adults. Irregular heartbeats which could lead to heart problems and even death could occur. It can be hard to tell if an older person has hypothermia because some seniors don't want to complain or might not know how cold it is. Pay attention to the " umbles, stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles" that can indicate if the cold is affecting how well a person's muscles and nerve functions. Be aware of the following: Confusion or sleepiness Weak pulse or low blood pressure Slow, slurred speech or shallow breathing A change in the way a person looks or behaves A lot of shivering, stiffness in the arms and legs Chilly rooms or other signs that a person has been in a cold place Poor control over body movements or slow reactions If you feel like someone is suffering from hypothermia, take his or her temperature with a thermometer. Remember to shake the thermometer so it starts below the lowest point. Some individuals have low body temperatures so it is best to know what is a "normal" body temperature for that person. A good rule of thumb to follow is hypothermia can occur at different stages such as stage 1 if the temperature is 1-2 degrees C below normal body temperature , stage II if the normal body temperature is 2-4 degrees below, and stage III if the temperature is below 90 degrees. While you are waiting for assistance to arrive, keep the person warm and dry. Take the person to a warmer place, if possible. Use blankets, towels, coats, whatever is available to wrap the person in. You can also use your body heat to help by lying close to the individual. You might think to rub the person's arms and legs but the older adult might have thin skin and their skin could easily be torn. What to Do to Help Lower the Risk • Try to avoid cold places. Changes in your body that comes with aging can make it harder to feel as you get colder. Be aware of how cold it is where you are. • Don't forget to eat enough food to keep up your weight. If you do not eat a sufficient amount of food then you will possibly have less fat under your skin which helps keep heat in your body. • Always see your physician to maintain any illnesses. Some illnesses could make it harder for your body to stay warm. Be aware of the following disorders: • Hypothyroidism ( low thyroid hormone) is a problem with your body's hormone system. • Disorders such as diabetes which can prevent blood from flowing normally. • Skin disorders such as psoriasis that allows your body to lose more heat than normal. • At times you might need to use a blanket, put on more clothes or move out of the cold. Health conditions that make it difficult to stay warm include: Severe arthritis, Parkinson's disease, or other illnesses that make it harder to move around. Stroke or other illnesses that can leave you paralyzed and make clear thinking more difficult Memory disorders or dementia. A fall or injury . Wear several layers of loose clothing when it is cold. Layers trap warm air between them. Tight clothing or other types can prevent your blood from flowing freely. This can lead to loss of body heat.
For more information, contact the Health Department at 828-837-7486 on resources that are available to keep your loved ones warm throughout the winter months.
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