Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Summer safety

Summer weather can pose special health risks to older adults and people with chronic medical conditions.

Hyperthermia is caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body. Heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are forms of hyperthermia. Older adults are at risk for these conditions, and this risk can increase with the combination of higher temperature, individual lifestyle and general health.

Lifestyle Risks:

Seniors seldom drink enough fluids. Other risks include living in housing withou...