Be wary of "heated" health problems.

• Position: The Elderly

Summer is here and it is blazing hot. It is important to be aware of the health risks that higher temperatures can bring. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible to hyperthermia and other heat-related illnesses. Knowing the signs and recognizing the dangers to avoid problems is essential. The National Institute on Aging offers advice to help combat the dangers of hot weather.

Heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are forms of hyperthermia, which is caused by a failure of the body's heat-regulating mechanisms to deal with a hot environment. The combination of individual lifestyle, general health, and high temperatures can increase older adults' risk for heat-related problems.

Lifestyle factors can include not drinking enough fluids, living in housing without air conditioning, lack of mobility and access to transportation, overdressing, visiting overcrowded places, and not understanding how to respond to hot weather conditions. On hot and humid days, older people, particularly those with chronic medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes, should stay indoors in cooler spaces, especially during an air pollution alert. People without air conditioners should go to places that do have air conditioning, such as senior centers, shopping malls, movie theaters and libraries. Cooling centers--which may be set up by local public health agencies, religious groups, and social service organizations in many communities--are another option.

There are many things that can increase risk for hyperthermia, including dehydration; age-related changes to the skin, such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat production; use of multiple medications (it is important, however, to continue to take prescribed medication and discuss possible...