It's July in New Mexico, where the monsoon season begins, and the average temperature is 92 degrees. This is the time of year where it's important for all of us, especially older adults and people with chronic medical conditions to be aware of heat-related illnesses.

We talked about them in this column last month, focusing on the effects heat-related illnesses have on the very young, but older New Mexicans are also vulnerable to the category of heat-related illnesses, also known as hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia is defined by the National Institutes of Health as an abnormally high body temperature caused when the heat-regulating mechanisms in our bodies fail to deal with the heat coming from the environment. Heat stroke, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat fatigue are common forms of hyperthermia. Any one of us can be at increased risk for these conditions, depending on our overall health, our lifestyle and, of course, the temperature outside.

Older people, particularly those with chronic medical conditions, should stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day, preferably with air conditioning or at least a fan and air circulation. Living in a home without air conditioning, not drinking enough fluids, lack of mobility and more are all factors that increase the risk for seniors of hyperthermia.


NIH reports the risk for hyperthermia may increase may increase for older New Mexicans from:

• age-related changes to the skin such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands

• alcohol use


• being substantially overweight or underweight

• dehydration


• high blood pressure or other health conditions that require changes in diet.

• reduced perspiration, caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure drugs.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening form of hyperthermia. It happens when bodies are overwhelmed by heat and can't control their temperature. Heat stroke happens when someone's body temperature rises too high. Symptoms include rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, changes in our mental state (such as irritability or confusion), staggering, or fainting. Seek immediate emergency medical attention for a person with any of these symptoms, especially an older adult.

The Department of Health and NIH recommends if you suspect someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:


• If you suspect heat stroke, call 911.


• Help the individual to bathe or sponge off with cool water.


You can find more information on heat-related illness can be found on
