SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – With cold air in place for the next few days, health experts say now is a good time to check on elderly neighbors.
“Extreme weather on either end is significantly challenging for our elderly population in the area,” said Dr. Mark Griesemer with Mercy Springfield.
While frostbite and hypothermia are common cold-weather concerns, the senior population may have medical conditions that raise additional concerns during arctic temperatures.
“Chronic medical conditions, medications that block the body’s natural response to respond to those extremes in temperature,” said Dr. Griesemer.
Diabetes, Thyroid problems, Parkinson’s, arthritis, and memory problems are just some of the chronic conditions that can make it harder to stay warm.
“It puts them at an increased risk, not only for the cold and cold injuries specifically for this time of year, but also affects their balance and coordination when they are out on the ice and different things like that,” said Dr. Griesemer.
Home safety recommendations
According to the National Institutes of Health, 20 percent of injuries related to cold exposure occur at home.
Health officials recommend setting the heat to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Even mildly cool homes, with temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees, can lead to hypothermia in older adults.
“Go and knock on their door, make sure they are ok, make sure the temperature in their house is set to between 68 and 72 degrees. Ask them if they need help with anything,” said Kevin Evans with SeniorAge.
Other safety measures include placing rolled towels in front of doors to keep out drafts, keeping blinds and curtains closed, and using weather stripping or caulk around windows to keep cold air out.
“These are dangerous conditions for everyone, even if you are healthy,” said Evans.
Additional precautions for seniors
Experts advise dressing warmly on cold days, even when staying inside. This includes wearing socks and slippers and using throw blankets.
When sleeping, seniors should use extra covers, wear long underwear under pajamas, and consider wearing head coverings. Maintaining adequate food intake to preserve body weight is important, as some body fat is necessary for maintaining body heat.
Health officials recommend avoiding or limiting alcohol intake, as alcoholic drinks can cause the body to lose heat.
“It is important as an older adult that we eat real food during these times. During a snowstorm, it is easy to become dehydrated, because we want to cozy up in our nice warm blanket and not do anything,” said Evans.
Cold weather health risks
The University at Buffalo reports that according to the National Institutes of Health, extreme cold increases the risk of heart attacks by up to 30 percent. The Impact of Extreme Weather Events on Public Health reports that cold contributes to 2,000 additional cardiovascular deaths each year.
“Folks that aren’t quite as active in the fall and have cardiovascular disease, then the snow hits, and they get out and shovel their sidewalks or driveway and put that extra stress and strain on the heart,” said Dr. Griesemer.
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