Can you believe it! It’s that time of year again. Getting ready for summer is an essential step when caring for a patient who is ill, elderly, or doesn’t fare well in the hot weather.
Follow these six summer preparation tips to stay safe and beat the heat!
1. Service your air-conditioning.
Has your air conditioning ever stopped working in the middle of a steamy, summer heat wave? In cases like this, repair shops are inundated with phone calls and sometimes take forever to respond. Keep air waves cool by having your air conditioning serviced well in advance.
2. Drink plenty of fluids.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends increasing your fluid intake during the summer, regardless of your activity level. Drink 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool liquids every hour, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
3. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat.
Overexposure to the elements is one of the most common causes of heat stroke, which is a serious injury caused by high body temperatures. Stay cool by limiting your exposure. If you love being outside, take advantage of the shade!
4. Head to the mall.
Don’t have air conditioning? The CDC recommends heading to the mall, library, or a friend’s house who does. Don’t rely on a fan during a heat wave. When outdoor temperatures start rising, fans do not prevent heat related injury. You can also contact your local health department for a list of heat-relief shelters in your area.
5. Wear summer attire.
Make light-colored, loose fitting, and light-weight clothes your choice of wardrobe for summer; cottons and linens are best. Also, make sure you wear sunscreen and a hat when going outdoors.
If you or your patient are elderly or have an underlying medical condition, you are at higher risk for heat-related injury or death. Your best defense against this lies with prevention.
For additional summer safety tips, visit CDC’s Guide to Management of Extreme Heat.
Tags: assisted living, caregiving, infection and diseases, rememberitnow, seniors, summer
