These 4 Signs Indicate a Heat Stroke

Summer is my favorite season. I spend most of my days lazing at the beach and tend to adopt more of a relaxed lifestyle. One thing I do miss though are my long runs and weekend hikes. But, at this time of year, when temperatures and humidity levels soar, our risk of heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke, increases. And while this is a likely concern for a woman my age, the heat can take its toll on the young too. 

 

Heat stroke is a life-threatening issue if you suffer from conditions like high blood pressure, thyroid disease or diabetes. It also means that you're more susceptible to a heat stroke, as well as other issues like eating disorders or a high BMI. Taking medications with stimulants may also put you at risk of heat stroke. 

 

As such, scorching summer temperatures do not guarantee that you will have a heat stroke, however, the closer the outside temperature gets to your body temperature, the higher your risk is. At this time of year, it is therefore better to exercise with the air-conditioner on, particularly when heat levels soar to the 90s or 100s. Nevertheless, it is always useful to know how to prevent an emergency such as this, as typically, someone doesn't just have a heat stroke out of the blue in a matter of minutes. 

 

These warning signs will tell you to slow down: 

 

1. Your body temperature soars

You may be familiar with heat exhaustion, which is worrisome, but less extreme when compared to heat stroke. Whereas the latter body temperature usually maxes out at 102°F, someone suffering from a heat stroke will likely have their body temperature at 105°F or higher! As your temperature rises, your skin may flush red and your heart could start racing as it tries to cool your body down. 

 

2. Your organs start to fail

Once your body temperature soars to 105 and over, your organs can shut down. The kidneys, the liver, the heart and the brain can be affected. If your kidneys start to fail you may spot red urine. 

 

 

3. You feel nauseated

One of the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion is feeling queasy, accompanied by other signs such as fatigue and vomiting. If recognized early, head to a cool place and replenish lost fluids and electrolytes by having a sports drink.

4. You're confused

 

 

Another marker of a heat stroke are changes in mental status, confusion and delirium. The changes also indicate that you have moved from heat exhaustion to a life-threatening heat stroke. 70% of people who get to this stage can die from it. By this point, you won't be able to converse or think clearly enough to step away from the heat and get the help you need. If you ever feel slightly woozy, move indoors as soon as possible. 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

This Side Effect Is Often Confused for Dementia in Seniors

As we age, the list of medications we have to take on the daily to maintain a healthy and active life begins to lengthen. At the same time, the ability of the body to compensate for the side effects of these medications decreases with age, and some medications may start making us more confused, drowsy and apathetic - a side effect known by the name ‘medication fog’. 

 

The problem is that many patients, caregivers, and even doctors can overlook the probability of medication fog, and tend to link the above-mentioned symptoms with a neurodegenerative disease that exhibits identical symptoms - dementia. To learn more about medication fog and how to distinguish it from dementia, continue reading. 

 

What Is Medication Fog?

Many common medications have an anticholinergic effect on the brain, meaning that they reduce or interfere with the way our nerves function. When we’re young, our nerve cells are capable of compensating for those effects, and so we don’t feel like our brain is essentially “slowing down”, but with age, we notice the effect of medication on our cognitive health more and more.

Several of these medications, even those we could previously take, can manifest themselves in the following symptoms: 

 

Difficulty concentrating 

 

Dizziness 

 

Confusion 

 

Drowsiness. 

 

These side effects together create the medication fog. 

 

Unfortunately, with age, one’s risk of dementia also increases, and many cases of medication side effects end up being misdiagnosed as dementia. Note that some of these medications can also worsen dementia symptoms in those who do suffer from the condition.

As you may imagine, pinpointing “medication fog” can be difficult, especially if you’re on several medications already. And most seniors are. The average American senior between the age of 65 and 69 takes 14 different prescription medications, and this number rises to 18 in the age range of 80-84. These statistics are very similar in other countries, and it makes sense because many older adults are in dire need of daily medication. However, with such a high number of pills and other treatments one needs to take daily, it becomes increasingly difficult to track the side effects of each medication.

Still, there are ways you and your doctor will be able to distinguish medication fog from dementia. To do so, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Did you start feeling worse once you started a new prescription medication or increased the dose of a medication you're used to taking?

2. Are your symptoms more pronounced shortly after you've taken an over-the-counter medicine, such as a painkiller or allergy medication?

3. Does a specific combination of medications you take on a specific day make you feel worse than usual?

If you answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, medications may be the cause of your cognitive symptoms. Consider discussing a specific medication or a combination of medications (even if they're over-the-counter) with your doctor. They will be able to help you replace the medication in question or adjust the dosage to make you feel better.

Which Medications Are Capable of Causing Medication Fog?

Anticholinergic drugs (those that treat an overactive bladder, lung issues, excessive sweating, etc.) are the main culprit behind medication fog, according to the recently updated list of such medications by the American Geriatrics Society, but many other meds, even those available over-the-counter and nutritional supplements can cause this side effect. These medications include: 

 

 Painkillers 

 

 Sleep medications 

 

Antidepressants 

 

Antihistamines and allergy medications 

 

Muscle relaxants Stomach acid treatments, and others.

To access a certain drug's capacity to affect your cognitive health, you can look at the listed side effects of the medication on the leaflet that comes with the medicine or search for the information on medical apps and websites. You can also discuss the question with your doctor: simply compile a list of the meds you're currently taking (including OTC medications and supplements) and tell your doctor about the symptoms you're experiencing. Chances are that adjusting the dosage or replacing some medication could improve your cognitive health and decrease the symptoms of medication fog.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

Is It Dementia or 'Medication Fog'?

As we age, the list of medications we have to take on the daily to maintain a healthy and active life begins to lengthen. At the same time, the ability of the body to compensate for the side effects of these medications decreases with age, and some medications may start making us more confused, drowsy and apathetic - a side effect known by the name ‘medication fog’.

The problem is that many patients, caregivers, and even doctors can overlook the probability of medication fog, and tend to link the above-mentioned symptoms with a neurodegenerative disease that exhibits identical symptoms - dementia. To learn more about medication fog and how to distinguish it from dementia, continue reading.

What Is Medication Fog?

Many common medications have an anticholinergic effect on the brain, meaning that they reduce or interfere with the way our nerves function. When we’re young, our nerve cells are capable of compensating for those effects, and so we don’t feel like our brain is essentially “slowing down”, but with age, we notice the effect of medication on our cognitive health more and more.

Several of these medications, even those we could previously take, can manifest themselves in the following symptoms:

    Difficulty concentrating
    Dizziness
    Confusion
    Drowsiness.

These side effects together create the medication fog.

Unfortunately, with age, one’s risk of dementia also increases, and many cases of medication side effects end up being misdiagnosed as dementia. Note that some of these medications can also worsen dementia symptoms in those who do suffer from the condition.


As you may imagine, pinpointing “medication fog” can be difficult, especially if you’re on several medications already. And most seniors are. The average American senior between the age of 65 and 69 takes 14 different prescription medications, and this number rises to 18 in the age range of 80-84. These statistics are very similar in other countries, and it makes sense because many older adults are in dire need of daily medication. However, with such a high number of pills and other treatments one needs to take daily, it becomes increasingly difficult to track the side effects of each medication.

Still, there are ways you and your doctor will be able to distinguish medication fog from dementia. To do so, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Did you start feeling worse once you started a new prescription medication or increased the dose of a medication you're used to taking?
2. Are your symptoms more pronounced shortly after you've taken an over-the-counter medicine, such as a painkiller or allergy medication?
3. Does a specific combination of medications you take on a specific day make you feel worse than usual? 

If you answered 'Yes' to any of these questions, medications may be the cause of your cognitive symptoms. Consider discussing a specific medication or a combination of medications (even if they're over-the-counter) with your doctor. They will be able to help you replace the medication in question or adjust the dosage to make you feel better.

Which Medications Are Capable of Causing Medication Fog?

Anticholinergic drugs (those that treat an overactive bladder, lung issues, excessive sweating, etc.) are the main culprit behind medication fog, according to the recently updated list of such medications by the American Geriatrics Society, but many other meds, even those available over-the-counter and nutritional supplements can cause this side effect. These medications include:

    Painkillers
    Sleep medications
    Antidepressants
    Antihistamines and allergy medications
    Muscle relaxants
    Stomach acid treatments, and others.

To access a certain drug's capacity to affect your cognitive health, you can look at the listed side effects of the medication on the leaflet that comes with the medicine or search for the information on medical apps and websites. You can also discuss the question with your doctor: simply compile a list of the meds you're currently taking (including OTC medications and supplements) and tell your doctor about the symptoms you're experiencing. Chances are that adjusting the dosage or replacing some medication could improve your cognitive health and decrease the symptoms of medication fog.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.      https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations   https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes     https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

The Old Teacher and The River- A wonderful lesson to learn

 

 

 

 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                      FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                    

                                https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

Be Aware of the 4 Symptoms of a Heat Stroke

Summer is a favorite season for many. Many spend most of their days lazing at the beach and tend to adopt more of a relaxed lifestyle. One thing people do miss though are the long runs and weekend hikes. But, at this time of year, when temperatures and humidity levels soar, our risk of heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke, increases. And while this is a likely concern for a woman my age, the heat can take its toll on the young too.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening issue if you suffer from conditions like high blood pressure, thyroid disease or diabetes. It also means that you're more susceptible to a heat stroke, as well as other issues like eating disorders or a high BMI. Taking medications with stimulants may also put you at risk of heat stroke.

As such, scorching summer temperatures do not guarantee that you will have a heat stroke, however, the closer the outside temperature gets to your body temperature, the higher your risk is. At this time of year, it is therefore better to exercise with the air-conditioner on, particularly when heat levels soar to the 90s or 100s. Nevertheless, it is always useful to know how to prevent an emergency such as this, as typically, someone doesn't just have a heat stroke out of the blue in a matter of minutes.

These warning signs will tell you to slow down:
 1. Your body temperature soars
You may be familiar with heat exhaustion, which is worrisome, but less extreme when compared to heat stroke. Whereas the latter body temperature usually maxes out at 102°F, someone suffering from a heat stroke will likely have their body temperature at 105°F or higher! As your temperature rises, your skin may flush red and your heart could start racing as it tries to cool your body down. 

2. Your organs start to fail
Once your body temperature soars to 105 and over, your organs can shut down. The kidneys, the liver, the heart and the brain can be affected. If your kidneys start to fail you may spot red urine. 

3. You feel nauseated
One of the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion is feeling queasy, accompanied by other signs such as fatigue and vomiting. If recognized early, head to a cool place and replenish lost fluids and electrolytes by having a sports drink.

 4. You are confused
Another marker of a heat stroke are changes in mental status, confusion and delirium. The changes also indicate that you have moved from heat exhaustion to a life-threatening heat stroke. 70% of people who get to this stage can die from it. By this point, you won't be able to converse or think clearly enough to step away from the heat and get the help you need. If you ever feel slightly woozy, move indoors as soon as possible. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                      FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                    

                                https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com