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Help Seniors Beat the Heat! Seniors and summer

Seniors are more prone to heat-related diseases because they are more insensitive to heat compared to the younger people. They are most likely unnoticing the warning signs of these heat-related diseases or injuries. It is because as a person becomes older, the response of the body to temperatures that are higher also changes.

 

 

The following are 10 summer health tips dedicated to help seniors beat the heat:

 

1) Reduce strenous activities. When the heat rises to high temperatures, seniors should be kept at cool places out from the sun such as air-conditioned rooms.

2) Keep hydrating. Seniors should have plenty of water intake like 4-8 glasses a day even though they do not feel thirsty. It is recommended to minimize their intake of alcohol and caffeinated drinks, grab a glass of water or any sports drink instead. Also, eating fresh fruits and vegetables can help hydrate the body as well as keeping the body healthy. In order to know that there is proper hydration, the urine must already be in clear color.

3) Avoid too much of sun. Use sunblock with at least SPF 15 or higher when going outdoors especially for prolonged length of time , even for cloudy or hazy days.

4) Wear cool clothing. To avoid heat-related injuries, seniors must wear cool clothing, light colored and lightweight to help in maintaining the normal body temperature.

5) When indoors turn on the air conditioning and other ventilating equipments to prevent the body from experiencing too much temperature changes.

6) When planning for an outing or picnic with seniors coming along, prefer places with cool shades and ventilation such as covered places and shaded trees to conduct your fun activities.

7) Give everyone, even the seniors, a cool treat like ice creams, popsicles, and any other frozen refreshing treats to keep everyone cool during the hot season.

8) Many medications, particularly antibiotics and diuretics can block the body’s natural ability to cope with the sun and heat. You should always check with a pharmacist or doctor to ensure that medications will not cause your loved ones to be more susceptible to heat-related problems.

9) Make sure seniors are safe in the home by setting up home care services or have a loved one regularly check on them.

10) If ever you observe signs of heat exhaustion or dehydration such as weakness, nausea, no or heavy sweating, rapid pulse, and/orfainting, move immediately get the affected senior to the nearest cool shade and provide ventilation and cool juice or water. Also, you can help increase the cool by applying cold compress and calling for medical assistance as soon as possible.

 



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