While summertime for many seniors brings back fond memories of family vacations, the smell of freshly cut grass, and chasing lightning bugs on a warm summer night, it also carries with it the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Seniors are especially vulnerable to these heat-related illnesses. Courtesy of Assisting Hands Home Care serving Boston Northwest, here are seven summer safety tips for seniors that will keep you protected as the heat index rises.
Stay hydrated
Even if you’re not thirsty, drink plenty of water. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Increasing your water intake and minimizing caffeine and alcohol consumption will keep you hydrated. Fresh fruits and veggies also contain water that will help.
Use sunscreen
Even on cloudy or hazy days, use sunscreen with SPF-15 or higher when you go outdoors. Make sure the sunscreen blocks both kinds of harmful rays (UVA and UVB). Reapply sunscreen if you go in the water. And, check the expiration date on the sunscreen you bought last year, as ingredients deteriorate over time and may no longer provide the protection you need.
Wear light clothing
Put away the heavy, dark winter clothes and put on your light, bright summer wardrobe. Wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothes to stay comfortable and keep cool. Cotton and other natural fabrics will help you stay nice and cool, instead of synthetic fibers.
And, don’t forget to wear a hat. A hat will shade your face and protect the top of your head from getting sunburned. If you start overheating, remove your hat, which will help your body expel some of the heat a hat contains.
Review your meds
Many medications can cause side effects when you’re exposed to sunlight, including increased sensitivity to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Protect your eyes
Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can irritate and damage your eyes and impair your vision. When you’re outside, be sure to wear sunglasses. Check the tag when you buy them and make sure the manufacturer specifies that they block UV rays.
Avoid the midday heat
If you like to get outside and exercise during the summer, be an early bird or wait until dusk. Limit your outdoor activities to the morning and evening and avoid the sun’s peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm.
Know the symptoms of Heat Stroke
Staying safe during the summer means being aware when your body is signaling a problem caused by too much exposure to the sun. Signs of heat stroke include:
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Dry skin
- Excessive fatigue
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Headache
- Rapid pulse
If you or someone you know begins experiencing these symptoms, move to the shade or indoors and seek medical attention immediately.
Our Caregivers Keep Seniors Safe
The caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care to keep seniors living in Bedford and the surrounding area safe outdoors and indoors.
Our caregivers are trained specifically to provide in-home care and have successfully passed extensive background checks. In addition, they are insured, bonded, and trained in CPR. This training and certification allow them to identify and escalate concerns and keep our clients healthy at home and out of the hospital.
Contact us today to learn more about the compassionate care and in-home services we provide seniors in Boston Northwest. We’re here to help and keep you or your senior loved one safe and content in the place they most want to be – their home.
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