 |
 |
June 24, 1998 Company Press Release Summer Heat Could be Deadly for Elderly http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/980624/beth_abrah_1.html BRONX, N.Y.--(BW HealthWire)--June 24, 1998--With the onset of sweltering temperatures, the number of seniors who could potentially die of heat stress is also on the rise. According to Dr. Joseph Scarpa, Medical Director at Beth Abraham Health Services, there were nearly 100 elderly heat stress related deaths last year. Scarpa predicts that this summer could be equally as deadly. He claims the old are especially vulnerable. ``Twenty percent of the elderly use diuretics which drain them of fluids which are needed during these hot months,'' Scarpa said, ``They don't recognize thirst quite as readily as younger patients and they become dehydrated. This compounds the stress of the summer heat even more. ``Many medications also affect the body's ability to withstand the heat. Those who use antihistamines, antidepressants, blood-pressure medications, beta blockers, tranquilizers and certain PARKINSON'S disease medications should be especially cautious during the hot weather.'' <snip> -- Judith Richards, London, Ontario, Canada [log in to unmask]