Tips To Stay Safe In the Summer

Author

Oasis Senior Advisors of Southwest PA

Posted on

Jul 14, 2022

The summer sun has begun to shine in the United States. While naturally, this is an exciting time for children ready to take on the beach during their summer breaks, with the heat estimated to hit record-breaking highs, we must follow safety protocols and remember that the sun is something we need to treat with respect. Summer heat and a high UV index can be hazardous for everyone, but especially for our senior citizens. As age-related changes impact the skin and circulatory system, our senior population is more likely to be harmed by the heat during the summer months. 

We often forget seniors cannot endure the heat as much as younger people. As we age, our bodies do not process the temperature changes as efficiently as they did when we were younger. While out and about in the summer days, here are some tips that will help our seniors enjoy the summer sun just as much as anyone else:

  • Stay Hydrated: During hot days, the body continuously loses fluids through sweat, and it’s important to drink the suggested amount of water. According to John Hopkins, people over the age of 60 are particularly susceptible to dehydration. On average, a person should drink eight to ten glasses of water a day just to stay hydrated, according to the Center for Disease Control. If you spend more time in the heat than usual, the recommendation is one cup of water every 15- 20 minutes. Drinking water at shorter intervals is more effective than drinking a lot of water at once more infrequently. In addition to water, people can consume foods with high water content, such as popsicles, Jell-O, diced fruit cups, apple sauce, Italian ices, and some fruits.

  • Keep Cool:  While hydration is a great way to stay cool, there are other techniques to chill the body and avoid dehydration during the summer months. A cool towel or wet towelette on the neck or chest can help when you are outside and can’t be in the air conditioning. Another way to cool down is to stay close to the water – dipping into the water at the beach or pool every hour or so will assist in keeping your body temperature low. 

  • Avoid Mid-Day Sun: Be an early bird or night owl. The UV index is at its highest between 11 am-3 pm. You have a higher chance of succumbing to heat exhaustion or heat stroke during these hours.   “Take walks early in the morning because after that, it is scorching,” Danielle Capizzi, a nurse at an assisted living facility in Naples, stresses. We all want to be enjoying the day; however, staying away from these peak hours is highly recommended for seniors.

  • Exercise is Key: You might be tempted to stay indoors with the cool air conditioning blowing, but health officials say it is vital to get out and keep your body moving. “Swimming would be a good one,” Capizzi said. “It’s getting the fresh air and exercise at the same time.” She suggests trying some water aerobics or using weights in the pool. Plan your exercise early or late in the day – avoid the mid-day.

  • Wear Protective Clothing: Wearing the proper articles of clothing helps keep you cool during the summer months while also protecting you from the sun. It is no secret that sunburns can be challenging to deal with. Nowadays, summer clothing and hats are quick-dry and also have UV protection. A sun-safe hat with flaps protecting the whole face, head and back of neck and ears is even better. It is also essential to protect your eyes with sunglasses. The most critical aspect of sunglasses is the protection from UV rays. Eyelid skin is the thinnest skin on your body, so that it can be at a greater risk of damage. Look for 100%  UV protection glasses or polarized sunglasses. Those with a wrap-around style can reduce the number of sun rays reaching your eyes. Wearing a hat or staying in the shade is also essential when outdoors. This can prevent sunburn, diminish the risk of skin cancers and minimize sun damage to your body. 

  • Eat Right: During the warmer months, it is vital to track what you eat and ensure these foods contain the proper nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are high in liquid which helps keep your body hydrated. It is also easier to digest and will not keep you from feeling sluggish. Eating a heavier meal with lots of meat increases the pressure on the body since it takes more digestive power to digest a protein.

  • Avoid Heat Exhaustion: Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, and take proper steps to address it. Deputy Chief Eric Madden with the Bonita Springs, FL Fire Department, says this is very important so you can stop it from progressing into heat stroke. “Heat exhaustion is easy to treat,” he said. “It is just cooling people down, bringing them into the air conditioning. When you get them into heat stroke, that is a lot more dangerous. It affects vital organs, the heart, and the brain. That is why it is so important to recognize this.” Madden said the signs to look for are dizziness and weakness. “If you feel off, you are probably starting to get dehydrated,” Madden concluded. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are common, especially in our senior population. Madden says in the summer, they get emergency calls about this daily.                                         
  • Following these few steps will help you enjoy summer with fewer safety concerns.  If you have more questions or are looking for senior-friendly summer activities in your area, contact your local Oasis Senior Advisor today!

Other Articles You May Like

Healthy Aging After 55: Why Looking Good Isn't VanityIt's Wellness

Forget everything you've heard  about "aging gracefully" - Dr. Giselle breaks down why looking good after 55 isn't vanity, it's wellness. This no nonsense guide explores how body contouring procedures like liposuction, skin tightening with Renuvion, and strategic med spa treatments (tox and fillers) can dramatically improve quality of life for older adults. Learn why your body works differently after menopause, why diet and exercise aren't always enough, and how the right aesthetic interventions can boost mobility, confidence, mental health and social engagement. 

The Psychology of Investing

Fear and greed are hard to overcome. Why do we let these emotions control our decision-making process when it comes to our financial well-being? Do we fear that when there is a market correction it is a sign of impending global doom? As a part of our emotional make-up, we have a tendency to linearly extrapolate. When things are going bad, they will only get worse, and when things are going well, they will only get better. We know that our past experiences tell us neither scenario is true, but we continue to fall into the same trap time and time again.At some point we have to come to the realization that market movements are part of the investment process, and the only way to prosper long-term is to eliminate the emotions that will make us buy high and sell low. The way to control emotions is to have a disciplined approach. Discipline puts us in control, not our emotions.Controlling our emotions helps us in all facets of life, and is a key element in understanding the Psychology of Investing. Investment decisions are similar to decisions regarding friends and family. Dont try to resolve an issue when emotional, BE DISCIPLINED. The Psychology of Investing is nothing more than an understanding of the emotions that influence our decisions. Buying high and selling low is not the inverse of buying low and selling high, but is an actualization of our emotions. Be disciplined in your decision making. Use fact and reason to the best of your ability and endeavor to understand, and by understanding, control your emotions. The Psychology of Investing is the first chapter in a book titled The Ten Commandments of Investing, a book that offers a unique perspective on investing by Al Weber, Senior Vice President at Raymond James. It is available in electronic format, at no charge, by requesting it at Katie.Burr@RaymondJames.com. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Erin Weber, CFP. Erin is a Financial Advisor with the Weber Group of Raymond James. She may be reached at 878.208.1285 or Erin.Weber@RaymondJames.com.Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC800 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 200, Cranberry Township, PA 16066Any opinions are those of Erin Weber and not necessarily those of Raymond James. This material is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See ad on page 112.  

How to Choose the Right Primary Care Doctor

The search for the right primary care doctor can feel overwhelming. Many patients express frustration with long wait times, short visits, and difficulty accessing their physician when they need them most. In todays fast-paced healthcare environment, finding a doctor who prioritizes patient care is more important than ever.   One emerging alternative is Direct Primary Care (DPC), a model that shifts the focus back to the patient by eliminating insurance hassles. Instead of dealing with copays and billing, patients pay a flat monthly fee for direct access to their doctor, longer appointment times, and a more personalized healthcare experience. Availability and Access How long will it take to get your first appointment? Some traditional practices have months-long waits. In contrast, DPC providers typically offer initial visits within a week, ensuring you receive care when you need it. Office Experience Time spent in the waiting room can be a major frustration. In conventional practices, patients may wait an hour or more before seeing the doctor. DPC practices prioritize efficiency, often reducing wait times to just minutes. Time With Your Doctor Short, rushed appointments can leave patients feeling unheard. In many traditional offices, physicians are booked in 15- to 20-minute intervals, limiting discussion time. DPC physicians often schedule longer visits sometimes up to an hourallowing for in-depth conversations, thorough exams, and more thoughtful treatment plans. Communication and Follow-Up Reaching your doctor can be a challenge. Many patients endure long hold times or leave messages that go unanswered. In the DPC model, direct communication is key. Patients often have access via phone, email, or text for prompt, personalized care. Urgent Needs Medical concerns dont always arise during business hours. Traditional practices may not offer same-day visits, pushing patients toward urgent care or ERs. DPC providers aim to accommodate same- or next-day appointments, reducing unnecessary trips and ensuring continuity of care. Choosing a primary care doctor is personal. Look for a physician who is experienced, accessible, compassionate, and committed to your well-being. Asking the right questionsand exploring models like DPCcan lead to a more satisfying healthcare experience.   Editors Note: This article was written by Dr. Rebecca L. Byard, Family Medicine Doctor with Direct Care Physicians of Pittsburgh. She can be reached at 412-892-9170 or visit their website at wwwdirectcarepgh.com. See ad on pages 2-3.