Page 11 - NBY News January 2019

~ Hypothermia - When Are We Too Cold~

Hypothermia: A Cold Weather medicines, including over-the-counter cold · If possible, let others know when you’re website or order free copies by calling
Hazard remedies. For an older person, a body planning to spend time outdoors and NIA’s toll-free number 1-800-222-2225.
NIH offers tips to keep older adults safe in temperature of 95°F or lower can cause carry a fully charged cellphone.
winter weather many health problems, such as heart · Make sure your home is warm enough. About the National Institute on
Living in California does not rhythm disturbances, kidney Set your thermostat to at least 68 to 70 Aging: The NIA leads the federal
preclude us from this possibility. problems, liver damage, or worse. degrees Fahrenheit (F). Even mildly cool government effort conducting and
As the winter months approach, it is Warning signs of hypothermia homes with temperatures from 60 to 65 supporting research on aging and the
important to understand risks that cold include slowed or slurred speech; degrees F can lead to hypothermia in health and well-being of older people.
exposure can pose for older adults and sleepiness or confusion; shivering or older adults. The Institute’s broad scientific program
those with chronic medical conditions. stiffness in the arms and legs; poor control · To stay warm at home, wear long seeks to understand the nature of aging
Older adults can lose body heat quickly, over body movements; slow reactions, a underwear under your clothes, along with and to extend the healthy, active years of
and changes in the body as we age can weak pulse, or a core body temperature of socks and slippers. Use a blanket or life. For more information on research,
make it harder to recognize a drop in 95 degrees F or lower. If you think afghan to keep your legs and shoulders aging, and health, go to www.nia.nih.gov.
body temperature. The result can be a someone has the warning signs for warm and wear a hat or cap indoors.
serious condition called hypothermia. hypothermia, call 9-1-1 right away and try States, territories, tribes, and tribal About the National Institutes of Health
Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in to move the person to a warmer place. organizations may be able to help eligible (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research
core body temperature. It can occur To help older adults understand the households pay for home heating and agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers
when it is cold inside or outside and the risks, the National Institute on Aging cooling costs. People interested in and is a component of the U.S. Department
body is unable to produce the heat it (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health applying for assistance should contact of Health and Human Services. NIH is the
needs to function. Even a relatively (NIH) has some tips to avoid some of the their local or state social services agency. primary federal agency conducting and
short exposure to cold conditions can dangers and prevent hypothermia: The NIA has free information about supporting basic, clinical, and
result in hypothermia. · When going outside in the cold, hypothermia in a brochure Cold Weather translational medical research, and is
Older adults are especially wear a hat, scarf, and gloves or mittens to Safety for Older Adults,and a fact sheet in investigating the causes, treatments, and
vulnerable to hypothermia because prevent loss of body heat through your Spanish La hipotermia: un peligro del clima cures for both common and rare diseases.
their bodies’ response to cold can be head and hands. Wear several layers of You can find these and other free For more information about NIH and its
diminished by chronic medical loose clothing to help trap warm air publications on healthy aging on the NIA programs, visit www.nih.gov.
conditions and by use of some between the layers.

Medical
Fitting Exercise and Physical ~ Try being active first thing in the listening to music while you garden or
Activity into Your Day morning before you get too busy. wash the car. Appointment
Don’t let a busy day stop you from Protocol
exercising! There are many ways to ~ Join a gym that’s close to your Make it happen. Plan to be active in Make the most out of your next medical
squeeze a little physical activity into home and easy to get to. many places and many ways. appointment. Be prepared to discuss your
your day. To get the most out of ~ Be realistic based on how current symptoms, medications and dietary
exercise and physical activity, they ~ Take one or more flights of stairs physically active you are now. supplements, healthy habits, and any other
need to be a regular part of your life. up and two down. concerns you may have.
Here are some ideas to help you fit ~ Be specific in the details. Share your symptoms
physical activity into your day: Make it social. Many people agree
that an “exercise buddy” keeps them ~ Include a weekly Be clear and concise when describing
going. your symptoms. This helps the doctor
Make it a priority. Remember that worksheet that details your activities. identify the problem. A physical exam and
being active is one of the most ~ Take a walk during lunch with medical tests provide valuable information,
important things you can do each coworkers. Quick Tip but your symptoms point the doctor in the
day to maintain and improve health. ~ Try a dance class—salsa, tango, right direction. Take the time to make some
square dancing—it’s up to you. Try scheduling just 30 minutes of notes about your symptoms before you call
Make it easy. You are more likely to ~ Use family gatherings as a time exercise every day. Mark it on your or visit the doctor. Write down when your
exercise if it’s a convenient part of to play team sports or do outdoor calendar. symptoms started, what time of day they
your day. activities. happen, how long they last (seconds?
If you are feeling unsteady on your
~ Walk the entire mall or every feet, chair aerobics are a great way to days?), how often they occur, if they seem
aisle of the grocery store Make it fun. Do activities you enjoy to do something to keep the blood to be getting worse or better. Do they keep
when you go shopping. make exercise more fun, if you love the circulating and your muscles engaged. you from going out or doing your usual
outdoors, try biking or hiking, or try activities?

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