Elderly people urged to take precautions during hot weather

Doha: Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has emphasized that during periods of intense heat and humidity, elderly individuals face an increased ri...

Doha: Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has emphasized that during periods of intense heat and humidity, elderly individuals face an increased risk of heat-related illnesses, necessitating special care and attention. 

Hot weather can challenge the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, especially for older people who may struggle to adapt to sudden temperature changes compared to others.

In addition, older persons are more susceptible to chronic conditions that can affect the body’s responses to temperature, as well as medications that can alter the body’s ability to control temperature or sweating.  

Dr. Qamar Manzalji, family medicine consultant at Mesaimeer Health Center, has highlighted that heatwaves are a common phenomenon during summer, resulting in elevated temperatures. These hot conditions can affect health and potentially lead to serious illnesses like heat exhaustion, heatstroke, sunstroke and heat stress. 

As temperatures rise, older people should follow certain recommendations to protect themselves from heat and sunstroke, enabling them to relish summer safely and comfortably without experiencing the risks of excessive heat.