Health safety precaution tips for our senior citizens |
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Written by Dr. Niru Prasad, M.D. |
Thursday, 25 August 2011 15:57 |
Introduction
As we are growing older,
it is very important for all of us to follow some guidelines for staying
healthy. With this in mind, I have prepared some tips and guidelines since I
have always believed in preventative medicine. 1.
Healthy way of living. 2.
Prevention of disease by proper immunizations. 3.
Avoid summer related injuries. 4.
Recognize early signs of dehydration and heat related illnesses. 5.
Planning safe summer vacations. 6.
Avoid insect bites and stings. 7.
Thinking positive and about the bright side of aging. Prevention
of disease by proper immunizations 1. Cholesterol
screening every year. 2. Influenza vaccine
every year. 3. Tetanus booster
every 5 to 10 yrs. 4. Pneumococcal vaccine
every 5 yrs. 5. Regular dental checkups
every year. 6. Hearing and vision should be checked every
year. 7.
Periodic checkups for hypertension, diabetes, and breast exam with routine mammogram
as advised by your physician. 8.
Routine pelvic exam with Pap smear in females, as well as prostate check up in
males, and routine annual colonoscopy to detect colon cancer. Protection
against summer related illnesses 1.
During extreme hot and humid weather, we
suffer heat illnesses due to poor thermoregulatory mechanism. Drink plenty of
fluids including balanced electrolytes such as Gatorade because sweating can
lead to loss of Salt and potassium from body. 2.
Try to stay indoors in air conditioned
facilities or shaded areas. 3.
Dress in light, loose and layered
clothes. 4.
Wear hats and sun glasses to protect
yourself against strong sunlight. 5.
Avoid drinking carbonated drinks and
alcohol since drinking alcohol during extreme hot weather can lead to vasodilatation
leading to low blood pressure and dizzy spells. Excess carbonated drinks can
lead to abdominal cramps and nausea. 6.
Know the medications you are taking
since certain medicines such as thyroid pills, hypertension medicines, antihistamines,
anti-anxiety pills, and antibiotics such as tetracyclines have adverse effect
on you during hot weather. 7.
Recognize the warning symptoms of
dehydration such as dry tongue, dizziness spells, and try drinking plenty of
fluids. 8.
Heat cramps are due to loss of potassium
and electrolytes from the body from sweating and can be corrected by fruit
juices and balanced electrolytes solutions. 9.
Heat syncope is fainting spells due to
volume deficit and vasodilatations leading to peripheral pooling of blood
causing low cardiac output. 10.
Recognize
the early signs and symptoms of heat syncope such as cool moist skin, weak pulse, low
blood pressure and dizziness spells and seek medical help immediately. How to stay cool inside your home 1. Close blinds, shades, and drapes so hot sunlight does not penetrate. 2. Eat light to avoid indigestion and stomach cramps. A good insulation will keep cool air. Inside for a longer period. Planning
your summer vacation 1.
Make sure Hotels and airlines know your
personal needs. 2.
Notify your travel agents of your health
conditions so they are prepared for any medical emergency. 3.
Always carry your medications,
immunization card, allergies and your physician contact as well your health
insurance cards in your purse or wallets. 4.
Before making hotel reservations make
sure hotel is equipped with proper handicapped equipments as needed. 5.
Driving precautions. 6.
Maintain good health; know your limits
as to how much driving you can do without problem. 7.
If your driving skills are impaired due
to poor vision, arthritis, or any disabilities ask for help. 8.
Lastly, know the details of your car
such as brakes, adequate gasoline, adjustable steering etc before you start
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Last Updated on Thursday, 25 August 2011 16:06 |