{"id":5010,"date":"2022-07-04T08:00:14","date_gmt":"2022-07-04T12:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/125\/?p=5010"},"modified":"2023-10-25T10:28:54","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T14:28:54","slug":"summer-safety-tips-for-seniors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/68\/bostonnw\/massachusetts\/blog\/summer-safety-tips-for-seniors\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Summer Safety Tips for Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"

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<\/a> serving Boston Northwest, here are seven summer safety tips for seniors that will keep you protected as the heat index rises.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Stay hydrated<\/h2>\n

Even if you\u2019re not thirsty, drink plenty of water. By the time you feel thirsty, you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

Use sunscreen<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Wear light clothing<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

And, don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Review your meds<\/h2>\n

Many medications can cause side effects when you\u2019re exposed to sunlight, including increased sensitivity to the sun\u2019s ultraviolet rays. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.<\/p>\n

Protect your eyes<\/h2>\n

Overexposure to the sun\u2019s UV rays can irritate and damage your eyes and impair your vision. When you\u2019re outside, be sure to wear sunglasses. Check the tag when you buy them and make sure the manufacturer specifies that they block UV rays.<\/p>\n

Avoid the midday heat<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm.<\/p>\n

Know the symptoms of Heat Stroke<\/h2>\n

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:<\/p>\n