Let’s Protect Our Family from The Summer Heat

The summer is upon us and we all want to enjoy the summer weather.  As children we all love the summer heat and can’t wait until it is here so we may play, eat ice cream and run outside.  As parents we must try to keep up with our children and run right after them making sure that they are safe, while enjoying a little sun ourselves.  As older adults we do a few different things depending on our health and medical condition. That’s why at First Care of New York we want to take this opportunity to remind you about a few summer safety tips.

Children have little worries when it comes to the heat and the amount of perspiration they produce.  Children can run, jump, climb, and wiggle like a worm all day.  As parents however, we must protect them from the UV rays by applying sun block on them.  Secondly, though they might want to be naked, dressing them appropriately for the weather is another vital component of enjoying the summer weather in a safe manner. Lastly, be sure to carry with you two sets of water.  One is regular drinking water for our children as all that running will dehydrate them.  The second type of water we recommend is to have a water spray bottle. Spraying your child with a mist of water is good to help keep them cool in the summer.

As the adult in the family, we must look after our entire family; from our happy little ones to our sweet loving parents, while remembering that we must protect ourselves the same way we protect our children.  If you think it is too hot for yourself or your children, then it is probably outright dangerous for your seniors.  The summer weather brings a lot of challenges for seniors.  With a few simple things we can help them enjoy the summer in a safe, happy and healthy manner.

Quick facts about seniors

• Over 8,000 Americans have died as a result of heat-related afflictions during the past two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• The Amount of water retained by the body decreases as we age.
• The results are that seniors are at greater risk of heat related health problems such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration and severe sunburn.

First Care of New York recommends you make a summer survival kit for your seniors.

Most items can be picked up at your local drug store and for around $30 and in 20 minutes you can make sure your parents are safe in the summer.

The Survival Kit

• Keep a copy all prescriptions and health insurance cards.
• Information concerning chronic health problems.
• Sunscreen, to prevent serious burns.  We recommend at least SPF 30 or greater.
• Re-usable water bottle to keep them hydrated.
• Multivitamins to keep the immune system strong – ask a doctor what they recommend.
• Battery operated/hand-held fan in case of a power outages and extreme heat.
• A cell phone with all the emergency contact phone numbers readily available.

Most heat related issues can be avoided with a little planning and precaution.  We must keep our seniors cool so if you don’t have an air conditioner or want to keep your electric bill low; there are plenty of cooling centers throughout New York City.  You can find these cooling centers by calling 311 or checking out the nyc.gov website:  http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/hazards/heat_cooling.shtml.  Or check out the department of aging website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dfta/html/home/home.shtml

Summer Safety Tips

With the weather getting warmer every day, summer is fast approaching.  The summer can be a great time for relaxing with family and enjoying the nice weather.  But it can also be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions.

For senior citizens, this can be a dangerous and even deadly time of the year.  Heat-related illnesses are a direct result of prolonged exposure to the sun.  This includes simple sunburns, heat exhaustion and sometimes even heat stroke.  There are many different ways to prevent these illnesses, some of which are very simple and easy to do.  Here are some of the easiest ways to stay safe from the heat this summer:

Drink plenty of water. That is the easiest way to stay cool.  The heat can dehydrate you quickly.  Drinking plenty of water during the hot summer months is a great way to stay hydrated and safe while out in the sun.  Be aware of the signs of dehydration: dry mouth, dry eyes, lethargy, and dark yellow urine or infrequent urination.

Protect your skin. Use sunscreen when you know you’ll be outside for a prolonged period of time during the day.  It doesn’t take long to apply, and can save you a lot of suffering later.  Wear a hat to lessen sun exposure to the face and neck.  Wear sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.  The skin's ability to repair from sun damage declines with age, which can result in unsightly age marks and increased risk of skin cancer.

Limit strenuous activity and exercise. Your body works hard enough during the hot days.  If you exercise regularly, try it during the early morning or late evenings.  Take regular breaks when possible if you have to work outdoors.

Check on your friends and family. The heat can be especially difficult on young children and the elderly, so make sure to check regularly on your family, friends and neighbors during hot spells.

Watch for the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.  Some signs of heat exhaustion/heat stroke are confusion or hallucinations, headache, weakness, profuse sweating or lack of sweating, fainting, rapid breathing or heart rate, and hot, dry skin. If you see any of these signs of heat-related illness, seek medical attention, and take immediate measures to cool off by removing excess clothing, sponging with cool towels, and sipping cool water.

First Care wishes for everyone to have a great summer and stay safe!