This document summarizes research on the connection between seasonal changes and health issues in elderly populations. It finds that winter is associated with increased mortality from cardiac arrest and suicides, while summer brings more agitation and irritability. The author argues that recognizing these seasonal patterns could help hospitals better protect elderly patients by increasing monitoring and tests when risks are high. However, more research is still needed to fully understand and prove the links between the seasons and human health. The document also provides tips for vitamin D intake, heart health, and signs of cardiac arrest in the elderly.

1. Charles Bluford
Science Intern, Marymount Hospital
Advisor: Peter Flauto M.S., R.N., B.S.N., CNOR
Director of Perioperative and Cardiology Services,
Marymount Hospital

2.  We wanted to know why elderly people
succumb to so many health problems due to
seasonal changes and if there is a connection to
the High mortality rates due to cardiac arrest in
this seasonal frame.

3.  There is limited research on this topic which
makes it highly controversial.
 However, if there is a true connection between
the seasons and human health then we can
better protect our hospitalized patients and any
senior citizens that are in this age range

4.  There are credible sources that point to humans
and the weather being one in the same.
 During the winter months there is a mortality
spike due to suicides. (Banzer et al., 2012)
 Also during the summer months their is a
spike in agitation and irritability (Vorvick et al., 2012)
 It can’t just be a coincidence.

5.  Aging is an inevitability. No matter what you
do to make yourself look young you cannot
escape it.
 So It is important to know what to look out for
once you hit 65.
 There are many tips and bad habits to watch
out for in order for you to live as long as
possible.

6.  Heart Attack/Myocardial Infarction (MI) (When blood flow
is blocked to a portion of the heart.)
 Poor Blood Circulation (When your blood is not flowing
properly to portions of your body.)
 Fatigue ( The difficulty to perform normal movements due
to extreme exertion or tiredness.)
 Vitamin D deficiency ( You are below the level of vitamin D
you should have in your body.)
 Cardiac arrest (Sudden unexpected loss of heart function,
breathing and consciousness.)

7.  At What age does the body start to loose the
ability to contract its muscles and efficiently
and lead to poor blood circulation and
hardened arteries?

11.  To prove that seasonal variations play a role in
human health and take steps to protect our
elderly from the harmful effects by putting
forth more procedures to handle them.
 For example in the winter have more
neurological tests and during the spring have
more heart monitors and tests to protect them
from depression and cardiac arrest. In theory
this should increase patient quality of life and
promote a safer environment for future
patients as well.

12.  A systematic and comprehensive Meta
Analysis and literature search was done
through consulting Medline, Pub med and
Mayo Clinic.

13.  Data was extracted From Peer-Reviewed
articles.
 The criteria was that they had to be from 1999-
2013 and have words suck as seasonal
 Articles that had information on seasonal
changes, heat attacks or cardiac arrest in the
elderly.
 These articles showed key words such as Blood
clots, Seasonal Affection Disorder.
 Also they would have to be able to be traced
back to the author of the article

14.  Based on the compelling evidence I feel that
seasonal changes do effect our psychological
and physiological well-being and that our
bodies respond to weather changes.
 I also think this that this topic requires further
research and analysis to back up our review o
the data collected.

15.  Doctors recommend that for Vitamin D3
Deficiency that you become more active and get
more sun exposure/(Ultraviolet B Raise) to
stimulate the vitamin D receptors. Or if you are not
accustomed to physical activity take a Vitamin D
tablet that will keep your levels healthy. 1,000
IU/day per 25lbs of body weight and 5,000
IU/day. (AccordingtotheVitaminD Council2012)
 For Senior Citizens if you are experiencing chest
pain do not assume that it is part of old age and
see your family doctor immediately. Just because
you haven’t had a history of heart problems does
not mean they can’t occur. (Smithet al.,2012)

16.  For Cardiac arrest it is Continual chest pain.
 Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
 Heart palpitations
 Dizziness
 Numbness or tingling sensations
 sudden loss of consciousness, breathing and
sever chest pain

17.  Notable Muscle contraction weakness is found
to start when you are around 85 years old.

18. 1. Banzer, M. (n.d.). The effects of weather on health and how to prepare. Retrieved from
e:///D:/The Effects of Weather on Health and how to prepare.htm
2. Clinic Staff, M. (2012, 11 15). Sudden cardiac arrest. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sudden-cardiac-arrest/DS00764
3. CMAJ. (1999, 11 16). Elderly most affected by seasonal variation in deaths due to mi, stroke.
Retrieved from http://www.cmaj.ca/content/161/10/1233.2.full.pdf
4. Council, V. D. (2012). How do i get the vitamin d my body needs?. Retrieved from
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/about-vitamin-d/how-do-i-get-the-vitamin-d-my-body-
needs/
5.Copenhagen, U. (2012, 09 24). Vitamin d deficiency increase risk of heart disease. Retrieved
from ew.ku.dk/all_news/2012/2012.9/vitamin-d-deficeincy-increase-risk-of-
heart-disease/
6. Hennie CJP Janssen, Monique M Samson, Harald JJ Verhaar,Vitamin d deficiency,
muscle function, and falls in elderly people1,2. (2001, 9 17). Retrieved from
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/75/4/611.full
7.Smith, R. (7, 25 12). Elderly people suffering from undiagnosed heat problems: study.
Retrieved from
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9423235/Elderly-suffering-
undiagnosed-heart-problems-study.html
8.Vorvick, L. (2, 11 12). Seasonal affective disorder. Retrieved from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001532.htm

19.  I would like to thank Mr.Vawters, Miss.
Sterlekar and Mr. Dressman
 And a Special Thanks to Peter Flauto and
Daniel Pocek.