Summer Safety Tips - Preplanning for All Ages!

Preplanning is the key to maintaining good health over the hotter months!

The summer is often a time for picnics, fun on the beach, barbecues with family, swimming, camping, and more! Learn how to plan ahead effectively to maximize the fun and stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors and summer festivities! Please note some of our summer safety tips!

Hot, humid weather can present significant health challenges for many. Many people do not realize that hot weather causes more U.S. deaths than any other weather-related hazard.

This is because on higher humidity and temperature days our body must work harder and goes into overdrive to maintain a normal temperature. Older adults and those with chronic conditions are at greater risk for health challenges on these days and need to take some additional steps to stay hydrated and cool as heat related challenges can be prevented!

1. Keep Cool and Protected!

• Use sunscreen daily and avoiding activity outside during peak sun hours.

• When outdoors seek out shade and limit sun exposure safely.

• When possible limit or avoid strenuous or high-energy activities on hotter days.

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored, protective clothing. Many clothing item have UV protection.

• Consider wearing a hat with a wide brim when in the sun.

• Stay in air-conditioned locations as much as possible. If your home is not air conditioned find places in your community that are air conditioned.

• Find out if your community has a cooling center available during hot months.

• Don’t stay in a hot car for any period of time and don’t leave pets in a hot car or outside for prolonged periods.

• If you are outdoors, take breaks from the heat, especially during the hottest part of the day.

• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.

• Cover your windows with blinds or drapes to keep out the direct sun.

• Consider using attic fans to clear hot air from the home.

• Note: When the temperature outside is over 95 degrees electric fans can create a false sense of cooling and comfort, although cooling the skin surface they often do not reduce body temperature. Evaporation of sweat causes one to feel cooler, but does not result in a reduction of body temperature!

2. Keep ahead of Hydration!

• Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Alternate between water and an electrolyte based beverage.

• Do additional reminders for those with cognitive impairment to drink every hour while awake.

• Alcohol can create challenges quickly in hot weather as in combination they can contribute to dehydration.

• Alcohol is a diuretic, increasing fluid loss - hot weather causes sweating as a mechanism to cool down the body and further fluid depletion. So moderation and mindfulness is key in this regard.

• Seek out hydrating foods such as watermelon, cold soups, smoothies, etc.

• If you are on a special diet - especially if you have end-stage kidney disease or advanced congestive heart failure, ask your doctor about how to best stay hydrated safely within the parameters of your health!

3. Watch for Signs of Overheating!

On hot days, watch for signs of heat related illness! Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible on hot days. Signs of heat related illness include:

• Headache, nausea, or vomiting

• Muscle pains, leg cramps, or spasms

• Paleness, weakness, dizziness

• Confusion, fainting or unconsciousness

• Increased body temperature (over 103 degrees) with dry skin (not sweating)

• Rapid pulse

Finally with the 4th of July celebrations approaching it is important to be even more mindful of warm weather safety and staying ahead of hydration! Many people when hosting family or having parties become busy, forget self care, and then have challenges. Keeping a cup out for drinking as a reminder and ensure that ample beverages are out and accessible for others is important.

As usual, planning well and proactive interventions are the key to maintaining health across the summer and all year long!