Spring is officially here, and summer will be here before you know it! In just a couple months we’ll be engaging in cookouts, swimming, gardening, and outdoor entertaining. It’s a great time, but for seniors, it can be very dangerous, because their sweat glands don’t work as well as those for younger people, which means they are at much greater danger from conditions like heat stroke, dehydration, sunburn, and other dangers to their health and well-being.
Because of this, it’s imperative to keep seniors safe in the summer heat. Explore these ways that you can enjoy the summer weather while making sure that your senior loved ones stay safe and sound in the hot rays of the sun.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration may be the single biggest danger for seniors in the summertime. The heat of the sun quickly drains the moisture from our bodies, and drinking plenty of fluids can effectively reduce and even eliminate many other dangers such as heat stroke. Drink fluids regularly while outdoors, rather than waiting till you feel thirsty.
Don’t just drink water, which can cause an electrolyte imbalance if overdone. Eliminate caffeine, which can act as a diuretic and dehydrate the body further!
Dress in Layers
Especially if you will be going inside and out, you should dress in layers that you can don and shed as needed. This will help to make sure you stay comfortable while in the AC, but cool enough when you’re outside. Keep your clothing lightweight, and wear natural fabrics that let your skin breathe.
Wearing brimmed hats and using powerful sunscreen also form important defenses against sunburn and other damaging effects of solar rays, including skin cancer.
Stay Out of the Sun
The simple way to avoid the dangers of seniors and heat is to simply avoid the outdoors on really hot days. Seniors should just stay inside. Go to the movies, head to the mall, or a local senior center or cooling area. The best way to stay safe from heat, after all, is to not expose oneself to the heat.
Enjoy Cool Foods
Why crank up the heat inside by turning on the stove? Go with salads, cold soups like gazpacho, raw veggies, sandwiches, or hard-boiled eggs that were prepared previously. Fruit is another great snack in the hot days. Simply avoid cooking if it’s not necessary.
Cold Showers
A cool shower or bath is an outstanding way to eliminate the unpleasant effects of heat and keep seniors safe in the summer heat. It can quickly bring down their body temperature. If a full bath isn’t in the cards, soak a towel in cool water and drape it around the neck and shoulders, or wear it over the head.
Visit Your Attorney
While you’re thinking about staying indoors and avoiding the brutal summer sun, why not take the time to tackle those estate planning things you’ve been putting off for too long? Give your Ohio estate planning attorney a call and take the opportunity to sit down and go over the paperwork that will be so important as you enter your twilight years.
If you’ve got estate planning or elder law issues you need to tackle in Ohio, turn to the experienced attorneys at Stano Law. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today!
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