10 Ways to Beat the Summer Heat
By making sure your senior parent or relative stays cool and hydrated, you or your loved one’s companion care provider can help them enjoy summertime activities in Denver, CO
Many seniors like to spend a lot of time outside during warm spring and summer days. Although outdoor activities have their perks, they also have many downfalls, especially for older adults. This is why our companion care providers have prepared a list of tips which should help seniors stay safe and healthy during the upcoming heat waves in Denver, CO.
1. Keep the windows open
Since your brain might not recognize that your body is overheating, it is extremely important that you keep your windows open so that fresh air can circulate and maintain a safe temperature.
2. Keep your car cool
When it is hot outside, companion care providers insist you always make sure to open the car window when you are traveling.
3. Don't spend a lot of time in the sun
Whether you are spending time gardening, walking in the park, or having a picnic on the beach, make sure you do not spend a lot of time in the sun. Otherwise, you'll be at risk of serious sunburn, skin disease, exhaustion and overheating. Therefore, stay at home with your companion care provider or at least in the shade during the hottest parts of the day.
4. Don’t forget to hydrate
You always need to drink plenty of fluids, but it is especially important to do so during the hot summer days. Keep in mind that people lose their fluids faster as they age, so you can easily get dehydrated if you don't pay attention to your water intake.
5. Avoid stressful activities
Whether you are in shape or not, you should stay away from stressful tasks during hotter days. It may be difficult to give up activities such as gardening and mowing lawns, but it's best to pass them on to landscaping companies or save them for cooler days.
6. Exercise, but stay cool
Companion care providers recommend that you take part in activities that are enjoyable, as long as you stay cool. For example, pool exercises are a great way to stay in shape and socialize at the same time.
7. Don't forget to wear sunscreen and bug repellent
Not only do you need to keep yourself safe from damaging sunrays by applying a high-SPF sunscreen to your skin, but you should also keep an efficient bug spray on hand.
8. Keep in mind that sun exposure can affect certain medications
If you stay for far too long in the sun, some of your medications might trigger negative side effects. Read the warning labels to avoid harmful side effects.
9. Have someone check up on you
During a heat wave make sure that a friend or a family member checks up on you on a daily basis.
10. Learn about the warning signs of heat exhaustion
If you experience fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and headaches, you might be suffering from heat exhaustion. In that case drink plenty of water, find a cool place and consult your doctor.
Visiting Angels of Denver is a leading provider of non-medical in home care services for seniors. To learn more about the in-home assisted living services provided by our staff of compassionate caregivers, please call our Wheat Ridge office at (303) 232-9999 or contact us for more information.
Visiting Angels proudly serves Arvada, Aurora, Denver, Glendale, Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, and the surrounding areas of Colorado.