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Newsletter Briefs
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) National Center for Health Statistics released a report on June 13 showing that the overall death rate in the United States was down in 2006, due in large part to a milder flu season. Significant declines were seen in 8 of the top 10 leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, and stroke; the largest decline was for influenza/pneumonia, which dropped 12.8%. Alzheimer's disease was the only one to show growth and has become the sixth leading cause of death. The preliminary data show 72,914 Americans died of Alzheimer's disease.
BE A HEALTHY CAREGIVER--TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!
There are seven simple steps you can take to ensure that you are a healthy caregiver:
1. See your physician regularly
2. Get screened for stress and depression
3. Get plenty of rest
4. Eat well-balanced meals
5. Exercise regularly
6. Accept help from others
7. Call Alzheimer’s Arkansas
TAKE PRECAUTIONS IN SUMMER HEAT
We are in the midst of another hot Arkansas summer. High temperatures and humidity can combine to create deadly conditions, especially for high-risk populations such as the very young, the very old and the people weakened by chronic illness or other health conditions. It is important to check on elderly family members and neighbors regularly to be sure they are not suffering from the effects of high temperatures.
The elderly and the chronically ill are especially vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. They perspire less and are more likely to have health problems requiring medications that can impair the body’s response to heat. Check with the doctor or pharmacist to find out if your medications fall into this category. Some of these medications include anti-psychotics, major tranquilizers, antihistamines, over-the-counter sleeping pills, antidepressants, heart drugs and some antiparkinson agents.
Older adults, particularly those with dementia, are less sensitive to thirst signals and may drink less than they need. Remind them to maintain a steady intake of fluids when taking part in outdoor activities, even if they do not feel thirsty. If they are on medications that alter the body’s processing of fluids, be sure they check with their physicians to determine the proper amount of fluid intake. Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It may also lead to increased confusion due to an imbalance in electrolytes.
Heat-related illness occurs when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but when the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly.
Hints for preventing heat-related illness:
- Watch for warning signs of heat-related illness, such as
light-headedness, mild nausea, sleepiness
- Increase your fluid intake; drink more liquid than your
thirst indicates. If urine is dark colored, drink more water
- Drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids such as
water and juice throughout the day
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
and a hat
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully, preferably before noon or in the evening
