Summer is winding down but UV rays and heat may still pose a threat for seniors. Below are five precautionary steps seniors can take to improve their safety during the remainder of the warmer summer temperatures.
1. Stay hydrated. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. For seniors, the feeling of thirst decreases with age so be sure to increase your water intake with prolonged physical activity.
2. Use your air conditioning. Some seniors are hesitant to turn on their AC because of the increased coat but your health is worth it. During a heat wave, if you don't have AC, spend time at locations with AC like a senior center or movie theater.
3. Be an early bird or night owl. The sun and heat are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Limit your outdoor activity to early morning and/or late evening when temperature are not as high.
4. Know your medications. many seniors use medications daily. Some medications can cause side effects, like increased sensitivity to UV rays. Review all medications and check with your pharmacist with questions.
5. Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen helps prevent sunburns. Look for a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater.
Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay safe while doing it!
