Risk of heat-related  health problems increases with age

Summer often brings excessive heat, which can lead to heat-related problems caused by  hyperthermia, an abnormally high body temperature. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible to hyperthermia and are at high risk for heat-related death. The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, has some tips to help older people avoid the hazards of hot weather.

Hyperthermia is caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body to deal with the heat coming from the environment. Heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after prolonged exposure to the heat), heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are forms of hyperthermia. These conditions can pose special health risks for older adults, and can increase with the combination of outside temperature, general health and individual lifestyle.

Factors that may increase hyperthermia risk include :

• Dehydration.
• Alcohol use.
• High blood pressure or other health conditions that require changes in diet. For example, people on salt-restricted diets may be at increased risk. However, salt pills should not be used without first consulting a doctor.
• Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever.
• Use of multiple medications. It is important, however, to continue to take prescribed medication and discuss possible problems with a physician.
• Reduced perspiration, caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure drugs.
• Age-related changes to the skin such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands.
• Being substantially overweight or underweight.

Lifestyle factors increasing risk for hyperthermia in hot weather can include not drinking enough fluids, living in housing without air conditioning, lack of mobility and access to transportation, overdressing, visiting overcrowded places and not understanding how to respond to the weather condition. Older people, particularly those with chronic medical conditions, should stay indoors on hot and humid days, especially when an air pollution alert is in effect. People without air conditioners should go to places that do have air conditioning, such as senior centers, shopping malls, movie theaters and libraries. Cooling centers, which may be set up by local public health agencies, religious groups and social service organizations in many communities, are another option.

If you suspect that someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:

• Get the person out of the heat and into a shady, air-conditioned or other cool place. Urge the person to lie down.
• If you suspect heat stroke, call 911.
• Encourage the individual to shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water.
• Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists, neck, armpits, and/or groin. These are places where blood passes close to the surface of the skin, and the cold cloths can help cool the blood.
• If the person can swallow safely, offer fluids such as water, fruit and vegetable juices, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening form of hyperthermia. It occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. Heat stroke occurs when someone's body temperature increases significantly (generally above 104 degrees Fahrenheit) and has symptoms such as mental status changes (like confusion or combativeness), strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering or coma. Seek immediate emergency medical attention for a person with any of these symptoms, especially an older adult.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) within the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services helps eligible households pay for home cooling and heating costs. People interested in applying for assistance should contact their local or state LIHEAP agency or go to:  http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap or http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/brochure/brochure.html

For a free copy of the NIA's AgePage on hyperthermia in English or in Spanish, contact the NIA Information Center at 1-800-222-2225 or go to http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hyperthermia-too-hot-your-health or http://www.nia.nih.gov/espanol/publicaciones/hipertermia (Spanish).

The NIA leads the federal effort supporting and conducting research on aging and the medical, social and behavioral issues of older people. The Institute's broad scientific program seeks to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. For more information on research and aging, go to www.nia.nih.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health

PEORIA, Ill. (July 1, 2013) – Whether someone is among the 39 percent of the U.S. population with type O positive blood or the 2 percent with B negative, the American Red Cross is looking for eligible donors of all types to give blood this summer to help avert a shortage.

Those with O negative, A negative and B negative are especially urged to donate, as their blood types are often in high demand because they can potentially be transfused to both Rh negative and positive patients. O negative is the universal blood type and can potentially be transfused to any patient.

Vacations, activities and holidays contribute to a decrease in donations during the summer, but patients don't get a break from needing blood. Visit the Summer of Stories campaign website, redcrossblood.org/summer, to make an appointment to donate, then share why you give blood and watch videos about people whose lives have been touched by donors.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Clinton County

July 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clinton Ericksen Center, 1401 - 11th Ave. North in Clinton, Iowa
July 29 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at Elvira Zion Lutheran Church, 2207 380th Ave. in Clinton, Iowa

Henry County

July 23 from 1-6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 214 NW Second Ave. in Galva, Ill.
July 24 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.

Mercer County

July 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at VFW Hall, 106 SW Third Ave. in Aledo, Ill.
July 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aledo Genesis Medical Center, 409 NW Ninth Ave. in Aledo, Ill.
July 27 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. at Sherrard Fire House, 101 E. First St. in Sherrard, Ill.

Muscatine County

July 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at U.S. Bank, 1800 Park Ave. in Muscatine, Iowa

Scott County

July 29 from 12-4 p.m. at Bettendorf Courtyard by Marriott, 895 Golden Valley Drive in Bettendorf, Iowa

The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood.™

Back pain is one of the most common health issues in the United States, with up to 80 percent of the population suffering the condition at some point in one's life.

"But this exceedingly high number is just the beginning of the problem, because multiple studies indicate that roughly 70 percent of back surgeries fail," says Jesse Cannone, a back-pain expert and author of "The 7-Day Back Pain Cure," (www.losethebackpain.com). "It's so common that there's a name for it - failed back surgery syndrome, or FBSS."

One recent study monitored 1,450 patients in the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation database; half of those on disability endured back surgery, half did not. After two years, only 26 percent of those who had surgery returned to work. Additionally, 41 percent of those who had surgery saw a drastic increase in painkiller use.

"The success rate for the most common treatments is pathetically low, so it's no surprise people often struggle years or decades with back pain, with few ever finding lasting relief," Cannone says. "The majority of back surgeries are not only ineffective, but most could have been completely avoided."

He reviews seven common mistakes made by back-pain sufferers:

• Continuing a treatment that doesn't work: One of Cannone's clients experienced 70 treatments with a chiropractor, resulting in no relief. "Here's a general rule to follow," he says. "If you see no improvement after going through a three-month period of treatment, consider making a change."

• Failing to solve the problem the first time: Take pain seriously the first time. Cannone's own mother suffered a significant bout of back pain, which subsided after a few days. But two years later it came back, and the second time was so debilitating she couldn't work. "If she had taken the first bout more seriously, she probably would have prevented the second, more debilitating bout."

• Thinking you're too healthy or fit to have back pain: Staying in shape is always a good idea, but it does not make you invulnerable. People who train their body can be more prone to back pain because they often push their body's limits, says Cannone, who has been a personal fitness trainer since 1998.

• Treating only the symptoms: Cortisone shots, anti-inflammatory drugs, ultrasound and electrical stimulation only address pain symptoms. "You may get rid of the pain, but the problem causing the pain will persist if not addressed," he says. "If you want lasting relief, you must address the underlying causes, and it's never just one."

• Not understanding that back pain is a process: In most cases, back pain, neck pain and sciatica take weeks, months or even years to develop; the problem may exist for quite a while before the sufferer notices it, except for rare one-time trauma incidents like automobile accidents. Most people sit for hours at a time, yet the body was developed for diverse movements throughout the day. "Think of a car with steering out of alignment; eventually, tires will wear down unevenly and there will be a blow out," Cannone says. "The same is true with your body." Just as the damage was a process, recovery is the same and can be time-intensive.

• Believing there are no more options left: Not only does back pain hurt and prove physically debilitating; it also tries the morale and determination of the patient. A sufferer can run the gamut of treatments. But, often, it takes a cocktail of treatments that address all of the underlying causes. "Remember, you can't really treat the root of pain until you know what's causing it," Cannone says. "In so many cases, this is precisely the problem."

• Failing to take control: Doctors and other specialists are ultimately limited to what they know and what they're used to. If you have a debilitating back problem, it should be among your top priorities to learn all you can about it, and how to fix it. Get a second, third and fourth opinion if treatment isn't working; try out alternative therapies, and consider a healthy mix of treatment. Most importantly, take control; it's your back, your body and only you can heal it, with help from others.

"I may be critical of how most handle back pain, but that's because I've proven to patients that there are flaws in the traditional approaches as well as more effective alternatives," Cannone says. "I also feel that I'm offering a hopeful message because of my high success rate in helping to cure the back pain from my clients."

About Jesse Cannone

Jesse Cannone is a leading back pain expert with a high rate of success for those he consults. He has been a personal trainer since 1998, specializing in finding root causes for chronic pain, and finding solutions with a multidiscipline approach. Cannone publishes the free email newsletter "Less Pain, More Life," read by more than 400,000 worldwide, and he is the creator of Muscle Balance Therapy™.

CHICAGO - Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will visit two different projects on Chicago's south side on Saturday that are promoting sustainable practices and healthy lifestyles. Simon will visit the 61st Street Farmers Market and Blackstone Bicycle Works program at the Experimental Station and participate in Come Unity Day at the Bronzeville Community Garden by painting her handprint on the garden's wall. Simon chairs the Governor's Rural Affairs Council which has been working to expand access to fresh, locally-grown food to all Illinoisans.

Saturday, June 22

EVENT: Blackstone Bicycle Works and 61st Street Farmers Market visit

TIME: 11 a.m.

LOCATION: Experimental Station, 6100 S. Blackstone, Chicago

EVENT: Bronzeville Community Garden visit

TIME: 11:45 a.m.

LOCATION: Urban Juncture, 51st St. and Calumet Ave., Chicago