Caremark’s Tips for Staying Safe when It’s Too Blooming Hot!
“I’m looking forward to Summer – the rain gets warmer”
Our weather is so varied, it’s difficult to know whether to reach for the sun cream or umbrella with the hottest temperature ever recorded in Britain this year and some areas of the country dealing with floods due to exceptionally heavy rain!
While summer brings us warmth and long days, prolonged exposure to excessive heat in summer months can be dangerous. This is especially true for older adults. Every summer, individuals with chronic medical conditions are at high risk of developing heat-related illnesses, because of age-related physical changes in the body, chronic health conditions, and even effects of taking some medications.
When the temperature climbs, older adults need to be proactive and take precautions to avoid ailments due to excessive heat.
Keep in mind Caremark’s tips when trying to stay cool:
- Stay away from direct sun exposure as much as possible. If possible, plan your outdoor activities either early in the morning or when the sun starts to set.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of cool water, clear juices, and other liquids that don’t contain alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine cause you to lose water in your body by making you urinate more.
- Dress appropriately. Whenever you can, try wearing loose, light-coloured clothes. Avoid dark-coloured clothes as they may absorb heat. Top it off with a lightweight, broad-brimmed hat and you are dressing like a pro! These simple changes will help you both stay cool and avoid sunburn.
- Did someone say sunburn? Buy a broad spectrum sunscreen lotion or spray with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply the sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin. Also, bugs are abundant in summer, so spray insect repellent when going outdoors.
- Cool down. Take tepid (not too cold or too hot) showers, baths, or sponge baths when you’re feeling warm. Don’t have the time? Then wet washcloths or towels with cool water and put them on your wrists, ankles, armpits, and neck.
- Don’t do it alone! Get in touch with the friendly team at Caremark if you have any questions about the kinds of care and the options that might be available to support you or your loved ones this Summer.
Call Caremark’s friendly team on
0161 627 0891;
email oldham@caremark.co.uk or visit their website at www.caremark.co.uk/Oldham.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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