Summer can be great fun, but summer can be dangerous as well. Following these 5 summer safety tips for seniors and their caregivers will ensure that your summer fun is not cut short.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can affect anyone of any age, can be very serious, and may even lead to heat stroke. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, dizziness, headache, pale skin, and fainting. You can avoid heat exhaustion by saying cool and hydrated.
The simplest way to do this is to stay inside, in the air conditioning. However, if you want to be out in the glorious summer sun, try to stay in the shade, try to go outside earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest hours, go outside for shorter periods instead of extended periods. Hydration is essential, as well. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times. Avoid alcoholic beverages, as they aid in dehydration.
Skin Care
The summer sun can be very harmful to your skin. Protect yourself from sunburns, sunspots, and skin cancer by wearing long sleeves, pants, and a hat (with a brim large enough to shade both the face and ears) when out in the sun. If this attire is not suitable to your liking, you can still protect your skin by adequately applying and reapplying sunscreen. Be sure to apply sunscreen before you go outside and allow it time to soak in. Additionally, make sure you reapply every few hours or after excessive sweating or participation in water activities.
Fall Prevention
Summer fun is often associated with water play. Water play can result in wet and slippery surfaces. Always be aware of the surface you are walking on to avoid falls. Additionally, rubber soled shoes with a good grip will help reduce falls.
Bug-Borne Illnesses
Unfortunately, mosquitoes often tend to be associated with summer fun. Mosquitoes are carriers of illnesses such as West Nile Virus and the recently, media-popular Zika virus. Wearing long sleeves and pants can help reduce mosquito bites. Applying wearable bug repellent on exposed skin can also help reduce the risk of bites.
Vision Protection
The sun's rays can be very bright and detrimental to your eyes. Protect your vision by wearing UV blocking sunglasses when going outside.
Following these tips can help keep you safe by protecting you from a variety of summer dangers. If we can help you or your loved one, please contact Caring Senior Service. To learn more about caregiving resources download our free Caregiver Toolkit. Access our free content library by first locating the Caring Senior Service near you.
