Xiaoxiao is one of the 24 solar terms, marking the beginning of a hot summer.
High temperatures pose a great challenge to the health of the elderly, especially those over 65 years old, who are weaker and more susceptible to heat waves.
Aunt Wang's experience of heat stroke
Aunt Wang, 68 years old, is a retired primary school teacher for many years, and usually likes to get up early and exercise in the morning.
One day during the summer vacation last year, Aunt Wang went out to exercise at 6 a.m. as usual.
However, the temperature was unusually high that day, and the sun was already feeling scorching hot as soon as it rose.
During the exercise, Aunt Wang gradually felt dizzy and sweaty, and finally fainted from heat stroke on the way home, and was sent to the hospital for emergency treatment by passers-by in time.
The doctor told her that this heat stroke was closely related to the hot weather and improper travel time.
High temperature period: three dangerous time periods
In order to avoid heatstroke and other heat-related diseases, doctors recommend that the elderly should pay special attention to the following three high-temperature danger periods during the summer heat and try to avoid outdoor activities.
1. 11 p.m. to 3 p.m
Between 11 p.m. and 3 p.m. is the hottest time of the day, when the sun shines directly and the surface temperature rises sharply.
2. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m
Many people think that the temperature will drop after 5 p.m., but in reality, the surface temperature is still high between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., and the air humidity is high.
3. 9 p.m. to 5 a.m
Although the temperature is lower at night, the high humidity and heat island effect at night in summer can still have an impact on the health of the elderly.
Health advice for seniors traveling in the summer
To help seniors survive the summer in hot weather, doctors offer the following health tips:
Choose the right time to travel
Older people should try to travel between 6 and 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m., when the temperature is cooler and suitable for walking and exercise.
But even during this time, overwork and prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided.
Wear breathable, lightweight clothing
Choose light, breathable, light-coloured clothing and avoid dark-coloured and tight-fitting clothing when travelling in summer.
Light-colored clothing reflects sunlight and lowers skin temperatures, while breathable clothing helps sweat evaporate and keeps the body cool.
Carry heatstroke protection with you
When you go out, you should always carry sunscreen such as parasols, hats, sunglasses, etc., and avoid direct sunlight.
At the same time, you can bring a kettle to replenish water at any time and avoid dehydration.
It's also a good idea to bring some cooling oil or wind oil essence in case you need it.
Maintain adequate hydration
In hot weather, the elderly are prone to dehydration, so they should pay attention to drinking more water to maintain the balance of water in the body.
You can choose cool drinks such as plain water, light salt water or mung bean soup, but avoid sugary drinks and caffeine drinks to avoid aggravating dehydration.
Pay attention to your diet
The summer diet should be light and easy to digest, and eat more water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cucumber, winter melon, etc.
Avoid greasy, high-salt, high-sugar foods to reduce the burden on the stomach and intestines and prevent heat stroke.
Monitor your physical condition regularly
Older adults should regularly measure vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate, especially in hot weather.
If you experience dizziness, chest tightness, palpitations and other uncomfortable symptoms, you should stop activities immediately, find a cool place to rest, and seek medical attention in time.
Spend the summer safely, starting from the details
Through Aunt Wang's experience of heat stroke, we realized that hot weather is a serious threat to the health of the elderly.
As the summer heat is approaching, the elderly over the age of 65 should pay special attention to their travel time and try to avoid going out during the three dangerous periods of 11 noon to 3 pm, 5 pm to 7 pm and 9 pm to 5 am.
At the same time, it is important to take appropriate measures to prevent heatstroke, maintain a healthy diet and adequate water intake, and regularly monitor your physical condition to spend the summer safely and protect your health.
It is hoped that through the reminder of this article, everyone can pay more attention to the health of the elderly in hot weather, take scientific heatstroke prevention measures, and avoid unnecessary health risks.
Spend the summer safely, starting from the details, let us work together to escort the health of the elderly.
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