Mr Johnson is preparing for next summer

Last summer, Mr. Johnson, a retired schoolteacher in his late 70s, experienced a frightening episode of heat stress. Living alone in a small apartment without air conditioning, he found himself overwhelmed by the sweltering temperatures. As summer approaches again, Mr. Johnson is determined to take proactive measures to prevent a recurrence of last year's ordeal.

Background: Mr. Johnson's susceptibility to heat stress is compounded by his age and pre-existing health conditions, including hypertension and arthritis. He lives in a region where summers are particularly intense, with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F (32°C). Despite being aware of the risks associated with heat exposure, he underestimated the impact it could have on his health. Mr.Johnson is obese (BMI: 33), and he finds it hard to do enough physical exercises on his own. Besides, his memory has been falling somewhat short lately. This makes him forget to drink enough during the daytime. Whenever he drinks, he favours a good, strong coffee.

Past Experience: Last summer, during a severe heatwave, Mr. Johnson began experiencing symptoms of heat stress, including dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Initially attributing these symptoms to his age, he neglected to take adequate precautions. However, as his condition worsened, he realized the seriousness of the situation and sought medical attention. Fortunately, prompt intervention prevented the situation from escalating into a medical emergency. Having learned from this, he now resolves to take measures that will prevent him from getting sick again in the coming summer.

 In this, he could use some good advice.

Mr. Smith's Cooling Dilemma

Mr. Smith, a 75-year-old retiree, resides in a region known for scorching summers. With temperatures soaring to uncomfortable levels, Mr Smith is determined to find a solution to combat the relentless heat waves that leave him feeling exhausted and drained. Concerned about his health and well-being during the hot months, he contemplates purchasing cooling equipment to alleviate his discomfort. He is in doubt whether he should by an air conditioning unit or an evaporative cooler.

Mr. Smith is not very rich but has no debts. He just can get by with his small pension. Although he suffers from some arthritis, he manages to take care of himself, sometimes with the help of friendly neighbours. 

As a start, he asks you to help him with this decision. Could you provide him with 3 pro’s and con’s of air-conditioning and of evaporative coolers?

Mrs. Anderson

  • Name: Mrs. Anderson
  • Age: 78
  • Living Arrangement: Lives alone in her own home
  • Medical History: Hypertension, Osteoarthritis
  • Social Support: Limited, occasional visits from neighbours and family

Presenting: Mrs Anderson, a 78-year-old woman living alone, has recently been experiencing discomfort due to high temperatures in her home. With the onset of summer, the indoor temperature has become increasingly unbearable for her. Mrs. Anderson is unsure about how to handle the situation and is seeking guidance. She has difficulties sleeping at night due to the high bedroom temperature. Furthermore, she is concerned about the effects of the heat on her health. She asked you to come over and give her some advice about how to deal with the heat. 

Background Information: Mrs. Anderson has lived independently for about ten years. She manages her daily activities with minimal assistance and relies on her neighbour for occasional help with grocery shopping and other errands. Due to osteoarthritis, mobility is a challenge for her, making it difficult to make quick adjustments in her home environment. She is somewhat overweight and has a mild form of heart failure. Mrs. Anderson is not wealthy, but she manages to get around with a small pension.

What would your advice be? Plus: what can she do for herself, and what can others do?

Last modified: Thursday, 21 November 2024, 2:23 PM