Rising temperatures attributed to climate change affect elderly and those with medical conditions – what can be done?

By Gene Lambey
Special to the AFRO

Having a cold beverage, sitting in an air conditioned environment or eating a cold dessert might not be enough to beat the summer heat for some people. The elderly and individuals in the Black community suffering with medical conditions like diabetes or cancer, may find it challenging to withstand the hot weather and humidity. 

Over the last week and through the July 4, weekend, temperatures have reached over 97 degrees. The coming week is forecast to reach triple digits. This year’s season marks the second hottest recorded summer since 2010.

The AFRO spoke with Perina Gaines, DMV chapter president of the Black Nurses Rock organization. She offered ways to beat the summer heat. 

Gaines encourages people with diabetes to “take extra precautions to manage their condition effectively.” She recommends drinking bottled water throughout the day and avoiding sugary beverages and alcohol. 

“Staying hydrated is important because high temperatures can cause dehydration, which can affect blood sugar levels. Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature and blood glucose,” said Gaines. She added that diabetics must monitor their blood sugar levels frequently as the heat can affect blood glucose levels, also reminding them to “keep your glucose meter and other supplies in a cool place to ensure accurate readings.”

Gaines recommends for diabetics, young and old, to wear “lightweight” and “breathable” clothing to reduce overheating. She said they should avoid peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reduce the chance of heat illnesses, so outdoor activities should be scheduled in the morning or later in the evening.

Gaines said those with diabetes should eat small well-balanced meals of lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. She said this would “help maintain stable blood sugar levels.” She does not recommend large meals as the body tends to overheat post meal. She recommends exercising and staying active in a cool environment or swimming as well.

For the elderly, especially those with diabetes, Gaines acknowledged that these groups of people need the utmost care. “Elderly patients with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to hot temperatures,” said Gaines. 

Gaines acknowledges how crucial it is for the elderly stay cool and hydrated to prevent heat illnesses and exhaustion. “You want to take action,” she said. The elderly have a “reduced stability” in regulating body temperature due to their aging as well as “sweat production” and “circulation.” Diabetes further reduces these natural functions, increasing the odds of heat-related illnesses. 

Gaines said the elderly tend to have a “diminished sense of thirst,” meaning they tend to not drink enough water, which could lead to dehydration. 

“Dehydration can exacerbate existing health conditions, including diabetes and lead to kidney damage, urinary tract infections and other complications.” 

She encourages caregivers and family members of the elderly diabetic person to encourage drinking water or eating hydrating fruits regularly and to maintain cardiovascular health.

“This is important because both diabetes and aging are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The added strain of hot temperatures can increase the risk of heat-related issues. Staying cool reduces the cardiovascular effect on the body.” 

Keeping medication stored securely, cooled and accessible is important as well, especially insulin. Gaines insists that caregivers and family members should be attentive to their elderly family member or patient throughout the summer.

The AFRO asked Gaines about the effectiveness of cooling centers around D.C. She said a percentage of the elderly who are homeless and those that do have homes have access to these centers if they do not have an AC unit or fans. 

In her final comment, Gaines recommends elderly and diabetic patients to speak with their primary care doctors and endocrinologists in case of complications. 

Dr. Kerri Layman, chair of Emergency Medicine, from Georgetown University Hospital talked about what the emergency department does to help patients suffering from heat-related illnesses. 

“For us in the emergency department, we care for patients who didn’t necessarily realize that they would experience a heat-related illness…We have to work with our dietary department to make sure that we have the proper amount of ice needed and then have our nurses trained so that we can rapidly cool a patient in case we need to in the emergency department.”

Dr. Layman mentioned the increasing number of heat-related cases occurring so far this summer. She noticed this was a similar pattern to what was experienced in past summers during a stream of heat waves.

She agreed cooling centers are effective for the elderly and those most susceptible to the intense heat and humidity.”Just getting out of that hot air allows your body to regulate,” she said. In the case of a diabetic person, Dr. Layman said sweating, due to the heat, can lead to dehydration, “making your sugar higher than it normally would be,” as mentioned previously.

Mayor Bowser released a statement on July 8, declaring an Extended Heat Emergency and setting forth a plan to confront this current heat wave. The statement urges residents to decrease their hours of being outside and to be aware of warning signs of heat illnesses.

“It is important for residents to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke. Symptoms may include dry red skin, convulsions, throbbing headaches, disorientation, chills, delirium and coma. The onset of heat stroke can be rapid; a person can go from feeling apparently well to a seriously ill condition within minutes.”

Bowser’s statement urges agencies like the Department of Human Services (DHS), the United Planning Organization (UPO), the Interagency Council on Homelessness, and the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) to provide “welfare checks and encourage individuals” to stay inside in a cool environment. Cooling centers such as buses are stationed around D.C. to accommodate the elderly and the vulnerable individuals to the heat. Local pools and recreation centers have extended their hours as well. 

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