|
Hypothermia And A
Healthy Heart
By
Joan Wright |
 Norwell
- February is Healthy Heart Month. So what does
hypothermia have to do with a healthy heart? One, this
winter has been unusually cold, thus increasing the risk of
hypothermia. Two, as the body ages, the risk for hypothermia
increases. And three, hypothermia may cause an irregular
heartbeat, which in turn can lead to heart problems and
death.
When we think of hypothermia, we think of being out in the
elements, stuck in a snow bank somewhere without gloves and
hat. But hypothermia can occur even when seemingly safe in
one’s own home. For instance, advancing age challenges the
body’s ability to endure prolonged periods of cold, so if
the house temperature is set too low, the older person’s
body temperature could be compromised. Certain conditions
such as diabetes, and even some medications – including
over-the-counter cold remedies, can also affect the body’s
response to the cold. So one’s body temperature can drop
unknowingly.
Because of the increased risk of hypothermia particularly
this year, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have
released key facts about hypothermia, how to prevent it, and
how to recognize it. This information can be found on the
NIA’s website at www.nia.nih.gov. Here are some tips for
preventing hypothermia:
Layer your clothing - whether indoors or outside!
Wearing several layers of loose clothing allows the warm air
to be trapped close to the body.
Avoid tight clothing - which keeps the blood
from flowing and can lead to loss of body heat.
Wear long underwear under your clothes – again,
whether indoors or outside. Keep socks and slippers on. Wrap
throws around your shoulders and/or legs when sitting for
periods of time.
Keep the house thermometer - between 68 and 70 when
outside temperatures are so low. The NIH reveals that
“mildly cool homes with temperatures from 60 to 65 can
trigger hypothermia in older people.”
Ask your doctor - if any of the medications you take
– prescription or over the counter – might increase your
risk for hypothermia.
When outdoors - wear a hat, scarf, gloves or mittens.
Yes, your mother was right – a hat protects against the loss
of a significant amount of heat through your head. Also,
hands and feet are the first body parts to get cold.
How do you tell if someone has hypothermia? - Is the
person confused or overly sleepy? Is their speech slow or
slurred? Is there stiffness in the arms and legs (that would
be abnormal for the person), or slow reactions in their
movement? Does the person have a weak pulse? If you suspect
hypothermia, take the person’s temperature. If it’s 96
degrees or lower, call 911 for emergency help.
A heart-healthy lifestyle not only includes good nutrition,
avoiding tobacco, and increasing one’s activity and
exercise. It also includes using good common sense when the
weather challenges us. For more information about healthy
hearts, visit the American Heart Association’s website at
www.americanheart.org. |
About The Author
Joan Wright is Community Development Coordinator for the
Norwell Visiting Nurse Association. In addition to
co-facilitating the Norwell VNA’s support group for
caregivers of mid-stage Alzheimer’s, Joan is a member of the
Geriatric Care Management Team of Norwell VNA Works. For
more information on the Norwell VNA and all of its programs,
please call (781) 659-2342.
|
|
