Sun Poisoning vs Heat Stroke: What Seniors in Arizona Should Know

Sitting within the Prescott National Forest, Prescott Valley is a beautiful town surrounded by mountains in Yavapai County, Arizona. It offers an incredible mix of nature, modern living, big-city amenities, and a generally mild climate.

Still, summers here can get pretty hot. FirstStreet.org even projects 29 days with temperatures ranging from 90°F to 100°F!

With such heat levels on the horizon, it would be best for older adults to learn more about sun poisoning vs heat stroke. Being familiar with these two heat-related conditions can help them make more informed decisions and avoid putting themselves in harm's way.

So, please join our senior living community, Glassford Place, as we share Arizona heat tips for warm weather health and safety in this guide.

What Is Sun Poisoning?

Sun poisoning is an unofficial term for a severe sunburn that looks like an allergic reaction. The sunburn can be so extensive that it makes a person highly uncomfortable and ill.

Symptoms of Sun Poisoning

Reddening or darkening of the skin is the primary symptom of sun poisoning. It can also cause:

• Peeling or blisters on the skin
• Severe rash
• Intense pain
• Inflammation
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Fevers and chills
• Dizziness

Many of the above symptoms, like skin reddening, darkening, and peeling, are due to direct exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Others, like headaches and nausea, result from dehydration, which can occur as the sun's heat makes a person excrete more fluids through sweat.

How Long Does It Take to Get Sunburned?

The time it takes to get sunburned depends on the UV index, a scale representing the intensity of the sun's UV at a given time. The higher the number, the more intense the sun's UV, and the less time it takes to get a sunburn.

According to Almanac.com, here's how long it takes for one to sunburn based on the UV index:

• 10 minutes: UV index of 11 or higher
• 15 to 25 minutes: UV index of 8 to 10
• 30 minutes: UV index of 6 to 7
• 45 minutes: UV index of 3 to 5
• 60 minutes: UV index of 1 to 2

What About Heat Stroke?

Heat strokes are the most severe form of heat-related illnesses (HRIs) and can be dangerous, even life-threatening. They occur when the body overheats and loses its ability to control and regulate its internal temperature.

What Are the Symptoms of Heat Stroke?

The key symptom of heat stroke is a body temperature of 104°F. Other typical indications include:

• Mental or behavioral changes, such as agitation, confusion, irritability, slurred speech, or delirium
• Profuse sweating (if the heat stroke results from strenuous exercise)
• Skin that's dry and hot to the touch (if the heat stroke is due to extreme environmental heat)
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Skin redness
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Elevated heart and pulse rate
• Headache

How Does Heat Stroke Occur?

According to the National Weather Service, prolonged exposure to a heat index of 90°F can already lead to heat stroke. The risk increases as the "feels like" temperature rises. For instance, heat stroke is highly likely if the heat index reaches 125°F.

Physical activity can further increase a person's risk of heat stroke.

Sun Poisoning vs Heat Stroke: What's More Dangerous?

Sun poisoning and heat stroke are both dangerous. However, heat stroke is always an emergency that warrants a call to 911 or the local emergency service.

On the other hand, not all cases of sun poisoning require immediate professional attention. Many cases, especially if caught early, are manageable and treatable at home, such as with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers. Still, if left untreated, it could progress into an emergency.

Senior Summer Safety Tips for Overheating Prevention and UV Exposure Mitigation

Given the dangers of sun poisoning and heat stroke, it's always best for Prescott Valley seniors to implement preventive strategies (rather than cures). Here are some tips to minimize excessive heat and UV exposure risks.

Monitor the Weather Forecast

Although anyone can get sick from overexposure to the sun's heat and UV rays, the risks are higher among adults 65 and older, says the U.S. CDC. For this reason, seniors in Prescott Valley, AZ, should stay up-to-date with the weather forecast, especially during summer and when planning to engage in physical activity and spend time outdoors.

Knowing the weather conditions (including heat and UV indices) can help older adults better plan their daily activities, keeping safety in mind. Some of the best sources for accurate forecasts are local TV and radio news channels and the National Weather Service website.

Schedule Outdoor Time Earlier in the Morning

Seniors who'd like to exercise or plan to do Mother's Day activities in Prescott Valley's incredible nature should consider doing so in the early morning.

Early morning (before 10 a.m.) is usually cool enough, and the sun's UV rays aren't as intense yet. However, please don't forget to hydrate and use UV protection as needed.

Minimize UV Exposure

To avoid sun poisoning, seniors should use sunscreen (ideally one with SPF 30, especially during prolonged outdoor time). Please apply it half an hour before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours, or right after sweating or swimming.

Older adults should also wear:

• Light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that provide optimal skin coverage
• UV-protective sunglasses
• Wide-brim hats

Seniors should also reconsider outdoor plans if the weather forecast projects high UV and heat indices. Instead, stay in the safety and comfort of the indoors and have fun engaging in senior-centric recreational and social activities, like those we offer here at Glassford Place.

Beat the Heat With These Tips

As you learned in this sun poisoning vs heat stroke guide, both heat-related conditions are dangerous and even life-threatening. Therefore, avoiding them should be a top priority, especially for seniors who live in areas like Prescott Valley, where the summer can get hot.

At Glassford Place, we take the safety and well-being of our residents seriously, which is why we have a 24/7 response system. We also ensure they're safe and comfy in their spacious living spaces and can enjoy many on-site amenities. For example, we offer diverse indoor activities and events to keep them happy and engaged even during days with high heat and UV indices.

Do all that sound great to you? If so, we invite you to explore our Prescott Valley, AZ, senior living community. Call us today to book a tour!