Extreme Heat Survival Guide: The "At-Risk" A Growing Crisis
One in Three Americans are "At Risk" to Heat Illness.
According to recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 115.3 million US adults are estimated to have hypertension and are taking anti-hypertensive medication, representing around 44.7% of the adult population with hypertension defined as systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg. In Canada, 23% of the population are estimated to have hypertension.
In 5 Years, More Than 20% of Americans And Nearly 25% of Canadians Will Be Over 65
As countries become more industrialized advancements in healthcare and nutrition and higher living standards result in lower birthrates, higher life expectancy, older adults working, more active and productive retired seniors will result in not only a greater percentage of our population being seniors but a more actively involved senior population in our world. Currently Europe has one of the oldest populations with the median age at 42-47 years old, while North American population median age is 39-41 years old. In 2030 more than 20% of Americans will be over 65 and nearly 25% of Canadians will be seniors.
95% of All Adult Americans Aged 60+ Have At Least One Chronic Disease
According to the National Council on Aging and the CDC, approximately 95% of all adult Americans aged 60 and older have at least one chronic condition, and nearly 80% have two or more. From Canada.ca, statistics of all adult Canadians aged 65 and older, show that 73% have at least one of ten common chronic diseases, with 83.4% having hypertension, 42.0% with Ischemic heart disease and 27.3% with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Some may also be on medications that impair their ability to stay hydrated or regulate body temperature. Seniors make up a significant portion of the individuals with pre-existing health conditions and many have one or more chronic diseases: Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis are widespread. (COPD)
How Extreme Heat Affects The "At Risk"
Hypertension: Hypertension is an indicator of an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other health complications. Hypertension medications or Diuretics - removes salt and water from the body and can cause dehydration. Hypertension and hypertensive medication may hinder the body’s ability to regulate temperature and make it harder to cool down. A weaker heartbeat and already challenged circulatory system can cause a slower and less effective response to cooling as blood vessels are slower in directing blood flow to the skin. The body's thermoregulatory system can be easily strain and overwhelm an already weakened heart. According to data from the CDC, over 70% of people aged 60 and older in the United States have hypertension; in Canada, statistics show a similar trend, with 65% of seniors diagnosed with hypertension. The majority of Americans and Canadians over age 60 are at risk of heat illnesses and issues due to hypertension.
Hypertension and Heart Disease - Beta-blockers: According to the CDC, 26 million Americans are on beta-blockers. Beta-blockers decrease thirst which can lead to dehydration, reduce heart rate, make it harder for the body to regulate temperature, relax blood vessels impairing circulation and lowering its effectiveness in responding to heat stress. Beta-blockers can strain the heart, hinder body's ability to respond to the heat and make the body sensitive or intolerant to heat.
Obesity: Adipose tissue insulates the body and traps body heat, also generates additional heat. 40% of Americans are considered obese while 30% of Canadians are obese.
Elderly: Seniors those 65 years and over are among the most vulnerable to extreme heat. Aging reduces the body’s ability to regulate temperature efficiently, making it harder for seniors to cope with heat stress. Additionally, many elderly individuals suffer from chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or respiratory issues, which can be exacerbated by high temperatures. Elderly individuals face the following challenges in dealing with heat: 1) Obesity, Muscle loss (sarcopenia) and Frailty from lower activity levels, causing trapped body heat and reduced mobility to seek cooler area slower activity levels; 2) Reduced Thermoregulation to cool as the body’s ability to regulate temperature declines; 3) Impaired Sweating Response as aging lowers the water content in the body, and sweat glands become less active, reducing cooling efficiency; 4) Decreased Thirst Sensation is common in older adults even when dehydrated, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion; 5) Slower Circulatory Response as heartbeat blood vessels take longer to respond to heat stress, making it harder for blood to flow to the skin.
Diabetes: According to American Diabetic Association, in 2021, 38.4 million Americans, or 11.6% of the population had diabetes, with 16.5 million of them seniors. Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the US. 9.4% of Canadians, or 3.7 million people, had diagnosed diabetes in 2023. Sweating: Diabetes complications can damage sweat glands, making it harder to cool the body. Dehydration: People with diabetes can become dehydrated more easily, and dehydration can raise blood sugar levels. Insulin: High temperatures can change how the body uses insulin. Blood sugar: Hot weather can make it harder to maintain a steady blood sugar level.
Respiratory Diseases (COPD, Asthma): Airway constriction: Hot air can make airways constrict, which can trigger asthma attacks. Energy use: When exposed to extreme heat, the body uses extra energy to cool down, which can affect breathing. Stagnant air: Extreme temperatures can cause air to become stagnant, trapping pollutants in the air.
Chronic kidney disease: Dehydration: High temperatures can easily lead to dehydration, which puts additional strain on the kidneys to filter waste products. Reduced blood flow: Heat exposure can cause a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, impacting their ability to function properly. Oxidative stress: Heat stress can trigger oxidative stress within the kidneys, contributing to further damage.
Medication: Anti-depressants and anti-psychotics affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. While sedatives reduce awareness and responsiveness to overheating symptoms.
Pregnant Women: Heat can place added stress on the heart and cardiovascular system, which is already undergoing normal physiologic changes during pregnancy, including increased blood volume, cardiovascular output, and heart rate. (CDC) Heat exposure in any trimester has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including pre-term births, stillbirths, and low birthweight infants. In addition, heat exposure during the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of certain birth defects. Commonly prescribed medications in pregnancy, including those use to treat high blood pressure, can amplify effects of heat exposure including electrolyte and fluid imbalance and dehydration.
Children under 4 years old: Children generally heat up much faster than adults due to their smaller body size, larger surface area relative to their body weight (higher surface to mass ratio), which means they heat more rapidly by absorbing heat faster. (Irving Medical Center) Children have less developed sweat glands and less developed thermoregulation systems, making them more vulnerable to heat stress in hot environments.
Preventing Heat-Related Illness
Staying safe in extreme heat requires proactive measures.
Follow these key strategies:
1. Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
Drink water every 15–20 minutes, even if not thirsty.
Consume electrolyte-rich drinks to replace sodium, potassium and magnesium lost through sweat.
Avoid excessive caffeine, heavy meals and alcohol, which contribute to dehydration. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
2. Wearing Heat-Resistant Clothing
Use light-colored, loose-fitting, moisture-wicking fabrics.
Wear wide-brimmed hats for shade.
Carry and have available cold therapy at all times.
3. Taking Frequent Breaks
Rest in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Follow OSHA’s recommended work-rest cycles based on temperature and workload.
Use cooling stations with fans and misting systems.
4. Pre-Cooling, Midday Breaks and Recovery Cooling Strategies
Apply cold packs to target core body zones (neck, underarms, groin areas) before going out in the heat.
Use the cooling system during breaks to lower core temperature.
Minimize physical exertion and prolonged sun exposure.
Recovery from Heat Exposure with Cold Therapy
Even with precautions, you may still experience heat stress. Cooling down quickly is essential to prevent long-term health risks. Krazy Kool TechnologyTM cold therapy solutions target the body core zones and is designed to give quick, all day effective heat prevention and protection against Heat Exposure. See Krazy Kool Science.
1. Rapid Cooling with Cold Packs
Applying cold packs to target core body zones can quickly reduce body heat. Our revolutionary Krazy Kool TechnologyTM Cold Cores and Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System were specifically designed to provide super long-lasting cold therapy throughout the day and are easy to use during cooling breaks, post-workout or post-workshift recovery.
2. Cold Therapy for Muscle Recovery
Heat stress can lead to muscle fatigue and inflammation. Using Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System cold therapy on sore muscles help reduce the cardiovascular load from overheating, reduce pain, swelling, and recovery time.
3. Wearable Cooling Solutions for On-the-Go Relief
Our innovative Krazy Kool TechnologyTM System offers versatile cold therapy to individual core body zones for continuous temperature regulation and stabilization and help you minimize the risks, stay cool and comfortable.
