Today we are talking about how to stay hydrated and some precautions we can take as we delve into the summer months. Summer is a time of sun in the fun, but this also means heat waves, storms and fire/ smoke hazards. Today we discuss staying safe during the summer months. We will cover hydration tips, staying cool, sun protection, and lastly, smoke and storm safety.

During the summer months, we can often experience a rise in temperatures. With this comes the potential for heat strokes and dehydration. Summer heat can be dangerous and is even more dangerous for seniors. As we age, our sense of thirst diminishes, and this means they may not feel thirsty even though their body is dehydrated.

Why is staying hydrated important? It helps to regulate your body temperature, keeps your organs working properly and even boosts energy levels.

The average person should be drinking 1.5 – 2 L of fluid per day, but this can vary depending on medication, activity level and general health conditions.

Tips to Stay Hydrated

Eat foods with high amounts of water, including watermelons and cucumbers, lettuce, zucchini, strawberries, cantaloupe, oranges, broths and soups
Offer electrolyte drinks: it can be helpful to get flavored drinks
Use a fancy or personal water bottle: this can help to make drinking more enjoyable
Make drinking fluids a routine: we should be modeling the behaviour by also having a water bottle on hand and drinking their own fluids, that way it encourages everyone to also drink without it feeling like a demand.
Offer small sips rather than encouraging to drink a large glass in a single sitting
Consider limiting them to asking “ do you want water” and just automatically have something out for them. Have a glass of water or fluid placed near their table in the living room or kitchen, bedroom – wherever it may be.

Tips to Stay Cool

A cold cloth, specially on the neck, wrist or forehead but make sure it is not too cold!
Stay in the shade : there is also the misconception that going to the lake for the day will keep you cool, but it is safer to go for a walk that is highly shaded with trees than it is to be at the lake exposed to the sun. We want to avoid direct sunlight.
Use a spray bottle with water for a gentle mist
Open windows at night for cool air and keep rooms shaded with curtains or black out blinds during the day
Fans and air conditioning
Ensure dressed in light, loose, breathable clothing such as cotton or moisture wicking fabrics.
Schedule outdoor walks for early morning or late evening, if possible.

Signs of Dehydration

Dry mouth or lips
Fatigue or confusion
Dizziness or light headedness
Dark colored urine
Headaches and feeling less hungry
Sometimes a rapid heart beat

Sunscreen Sunscreen Sunscreen!

Let’s also take a moment to remember sun safety: Don’t forget the sunscreen!! Seniors are more vulnerable to sunburn, because their skin is thinner. Medications can also increase sun sensitivity. When using sunscreen, we want to use a minimum SPF 30, and apply before going outside. We also want to ensure that we are reapplying, at most every 2 hours. Wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, breathable clothing are all important to consider for sun protection.

Fire and Smoke Hazard

During the summer months, there is the potential for forest fires near us. As Albertans, or even all Canadians, we are on high alert for wildfires during the summer and into fall. Poor air quality can drift into your community and poses a serious threat, particularly to seniors, and especially to those with respiratory or heart conditions. Smoke is dangerous because seniors have weaker lungs and immune systems. Certain conditions can make people vulnerable, such as those with COPD, asthma or heart disease. Despite popular belief, humidifiers to not help during the smokey season. Why you may ask? Humidifiers do not remove smoke particles and adding moisture to the air can sometimes make it feel worse. What we can do instead, is create a clean room. The idea is to have one room of the house sealed off from the outside air and have a purifier in the room. I would recommend making this the bedroom or living room as these are the 2 spaces we use the most during the day.

Signs Someone is Struggling with Smoke Exposure:

Coughing or wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort
Irritation in the eyes, nose or throat
Increased fatigue or confusion
Worsening of existing health conditions

As a caregiver, we can monitor the smoke and keep an eye on windows and ensure they are closed during smoke advisories. During smoke advisories, we also want to limit outdoor activities. If available, we can offer a mask and use HEPA air purifiers indoors.

Staying Safe During Storms

In Alberta specifically, we can encounter bad weather in the summer months including heavy rains which can lead to flood or hail that results in hail damage.

During lightning and thunderstorms, we can stay indoors and stay away from windows. This is important to note, because many of us like to sit by a window, to either enjoy the view or the weather, rain or shine. Storm watching from the comfort of your home can be a fun sight but we should take precautions to avoid windows during hail storms and lightning storms specifically.

Another precaution to take, is to avoid wired electronics during a storm. You want to avoid using any electronics that are plugged into a household outlet or plugged into any sort of electrical outlet. Ensure electronics are fully charged before the storm arrives. We also want to avoid bathing or showering during storms, because water and plumbing can conduct electricity. If by some chance, you are outside when a storm happens, you want to seek shelter as quickly as possible such as a building or vehicle. You do not want to seek shelter under a tree.

While a storm is brewing, it is a good idea for the caregiver to secure any patio furniture or outdoor objects. If the client vehicle is in the driveway and has a garage, move the vehicle.

Flooding is also another possibility and this is one of the many reasons I recommend having a Grab n Go bag. It is a good idea to consider having emergency supplies on hand and a Grab n Go bag. We want to know evacuation routes and emergency shelters. I recommend having a printed map and directions to the nearest emergency and the layout of the evacuation route. I suggest having this in a duotang that is always kept in the Grab n Go bag. If you want a full list of Grab n Go supplies and check list, please contact the office and we will send you a PDF of the Grab N Go Bag!

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3hWlS3xvTzDUUNRtkUN7vi?si=0169690a118040d6

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9rRsY31giOQ

Author: Janelle Simoneau