It’s no secret that living in Louisiana means two things: Heat and Humidity. But did you know humid weather can trigger health events in some people with certain conditions? Research proves that humid weather in conjunction with soaring temperatures can present serious health risks in individuals with high blood pressure and heart disease.
High Blood Pressure And Humidity
As residents of Louisiana, we are no stranger to humid weather. The real risk starts to occur at temperatures over 70 degrees or at 70% humidity. When it’s hot or humid outside, our hearts have to work much harder to pump blood throughout our body. In fact, your body may even need to pump twice as much blood as it does on an average day during these conditions.
Also, humidity makes it hard for the body to cool down. The excessive water in the air makes your sweat less likely to evaporate—so you stay hotter for longer and you sweat more frequently. This can lead to dehydration and loss of fluids, especially in seniors. Altogether, these factors culminate greater stress on the heart. This is especially risky for seniors with high blood pressure or heart disease.
Risk Factors To Keep An Eye On
Windsor Senior Living is a retirement community in Covington who’s specially trained staff knows how to look for signs of heat exhaustion. We are well versed in the risk factors that can put our seniors in harm’s way because their needs are our priority. We make a conscious effort every day to look after the health and wellbeing of our seniors. Some signs we look out for during a hot and humid afternoon include:
- Headache
- Lack of energy
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Rapid pulse
- Nausea
- Issues with sweating
- Cold & clammy skin
- Muscle cramps
3 Simple Steps To Avoid Health Crisis
Of course, you can’t just spend your entire summer months indoors. But luckily, there are a number of ways to keep yourself or loved one safe in the hotter months.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Drink even if you do not feel thirsty—especially on hotter days. Medical experts agree eight glasses of water a day is a must, but perhaps even more, considering heat and humidity. Consuming certain foods might also help with hydration such as berries, watermelon, cucumber, and most fruits.
- Cover up. Wearing light clothes that block the majority of UV light is imperative to staying healthy and hydrated in the heat. If you must be out in the sun on a hot day, consider wearing a light, breathable shirt and a wide-brim hat that relieves some of the harmful effects of the sun.
- Avoid heat! By staying indoors or in shaded areas during the hottest times of day, a senior can lower their risk for heat-related health problems. Whenever possible, schedule errands and outdoor tasks like taking a stroll or gardening, for early morning or evening.
Stay Cool At The Windsor Retirement Community In Covington
At The Windsor Senior Living Community, our residents benefit from a 24/7 support staff, wellness programs to support community health, and a multitude of air-conditioned environments. We make our seniors’ health a priority. Want to learn more about what we have to offer? Contact us today at 985-624-8040 or online to send us any of your questions. Schedule your tour and see what The Windsor has to offer.