Beat the Heat During Summer!
“Spending time outside can be very beneficial for older adults’ physical and mental health,” says Dr. Lakelyn Hogan, Ph.D., gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead, Inc. “After a year of spending most of our time at home, getting exposure to vitamin D is more important than ever. However, …be aware of potential summer dangers and take proactive safety measures to prevent overheating, overexposure to the sun and dehydration.”
We recommend these 6 tips to help you enjoy summer safely!
Six Summertime Safety Tips to Beat the Heat
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Stay hydrated. Before heading outdoors, make sure older adults hydrate by drinking plenty of water. Pack extra water bottles for all outings, especially when expecting prolonged periods of time spent in the sun. Consuming water-rich foods like watermelon, lettuce, peaches, tomatoes, or strawberries is also a great source of hydration. Be sure to avoid beverages like soda or alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
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Protect your skin and eyes. Stock up on sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and at least 30 SPF to protect exposed skin against UVA and UVB rays. Older adults should wear a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun out of the eyes and off the face. To keep cool and comfortable in the summer heat, opt for light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
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Know when to stay inside. Plan accordingly for a day outside by checking the weather forecast for extreme heat alerts. Keep in mind, the sun is strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so limit outdoor activities to the morning and evening. If it’s too hot, stay indoors in air-conditioned areas, such as shopping malls, movie theaters or libraries…beat the heat from the comfort of home or by visiting local attractions.
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Keep medications properly stored. Rising temperatures may affect medications, as some need to be stored in cool places to work effectively. Additionally, some medications require older adults to stay out of the sun. Consult with a doctor about any concerns and make sure to read prescription labels to keep medications working as they should.
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Run the A/C. Many older adults are tempted to save costs by limiting use of the air conditioner as the outdoor temperature rises. This can be dangerous, even fatal. To stay comfortable and save on the energy bill, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to 78F (26C) when you are home.
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Stay connected. Keep checking in on those you love and let those you love check in on you! For those who enjoy gardening or taking a daily walk, make sure a loved one is aware of the older adult’s routine so they can check-in in the case of an emergency. In addition, make a list of all emergency contacts including family, doctors, and caregivers, so this information is ready if it is needed quickly.
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BONUS TIP: Stay mindful. We are now free to move around and explore outside. Enjoy the summer! But still be mindful of others health and safety. If you or a loved one feels feverish, stay indoors, drink lots of water until you feel better!
Follow these Heat Advisory Tips
• Check on elderly loved ones and neighbors daily
• Remind them to drink water and eat foods like watermelon, lettuce, tomatoes, and peaches
• Offer to take them to a cool, air-conditioned place like the movies, mall, or museum
• Confirm prescriptions are being stored at the proper temperature
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
For more helpful senior safety tips, contact our Home Care office at (858) 277-3722, or visit the rest of our Website!
