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Seniors Drinking Water After Fitness In Park
Health Tips

3 Super Useful Summer Tips for Seniors

by My Senior Health Plan
written by My Senior Health Plan

Summer tips for seniors can be a practical reminder for staying safe, healthy, and happy as the temperatures soar. Whether you like to stay active, enjoy local tourist activities, or take a road trip, the following tips will help you enjoy the hotter months.

1. Hydrate (with personalized flavors)

You’ve probably heard this before: During the summer months, make sure you drink extra water. It’s sound advice, as the human body must stay hydrated to stay healthy. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already in a state of dehydration.

Your fluid intake does not have to be extreme—just consistent. People often forget to take in fluids throughout the day while some don’t care for the taste of water.

You can create a simple plan for the type of fluids to take in and when. For example, decide how you like to drink water. Room temperature or cold? Whatever your personal preference, take some time to set up your water source (e.g., bottled water in the fridge or a filter pitcher on the counter).

Need a little flavor? Try adding a slice of lemon or cucumber or a few mint leaves to give your water a flavor lift.

Cold-brewed caffeine-free teas (such as lemongrass, peppermint, and ginger) will make water appealing and delicious. Drop a couple of tea bags in a pitcher of room-temperature or cold water and put it in the fridge overnight. By morning, you’ll have a refreshing beverage to enjoy throughout the day.

2. Stay indoors during the hottest hours (Mediterranean-style)

There are times of the day during summer when it’s better (and safer) to get away from the searing sun and high temperatures by staying indoors.

For Italians living in the Mediterranean region (e.g., Sardinia and Sicily), riposo (the middle-of-the-day hours spent at home) is a way to beat the summer heat!

People get up early to take care of errands and food preparation. Late morning to early afternoon, shops close, and everyone heads indoors to eat and relax where it’s cool and comfortable. As the sun lowers, people start moving about again, rested, and ready for the evening.

It may take a little planning, but creating your own riposo during the summer months will get you through the hottest hours of the day—safely. Additionally, you can enjoy a routine of working (and playing) in the cooler hours while relaxing indoors as temperatures soar.

3. Make your road trip safe, comfortable, and fun

If you’re looking to make a road trip during the summer months, you can set up your vehicle for safety, comfort, and fun.

Safety: Your car will work harder during the higher summer temperatures. Therefore, before you take to the open road, make sure your vehicle is in top working condition (that may include having your car serviced). Before you hit the road:

Check all your car’s fluids: Top up your engine coolant and motor oil, as well as transmission, power steering, and brake fluids.

Inspect tires: replace worn tires and check tire pressure levels.

Test your car’s air conditioning: Efficient air conditioning is essential for summer driving. Have a certified mechanic check the refrigerant levels to ensure you stay cool throughout your travels.

Update your car emergency kit: Even a well-maintained vehicle can experience problems. Ensure you have everything you need in the event of a breakdown: jumper cables, a working flashlight, and road flares or emergency warning triangles (and plenty of bottled water should you have to wait for assistance).

Comfort: You’ll spend many hours in your car. Create a plan for what you will need to keep you comfortable. Pack a small cooler with drinks and healthy snacks. Also, you can put heat-sensitive items in a cooler (with cold packs). During times when the car is parked, your sunscreen, lotions, lip balm, and medications will be cool and protected.

Additionally, make sure you have easy access to essential items. For example, keep your water bottle within reach. Before you leave, make sure it fits the cup holder securely (it shouldn’t wobble and be easy to remove and replace).

Fun: Load your smartphone with your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Depending on where you’re traveling, you may experience service interruptions (e.g., through mountain ranges or sparsely populated areas). Download what you’ll need before you leave.

Alternatively, if you use your car’s CD player for entertainment, you can stock up on music and audiobooks from your local library.

Whether using a smartphone or CD player, test the sound and system’s functions before you start driving.

Summer tips for seniors matter

The hotter months and higher temperatures can be a challenge at any age. However, older populations tend to be at greater risk for heat-related health complications. With some simple precautions, you can enjoy all the fantastic social and travel opportunities that summer brings.

The long summer days create the opportunity to revisit and assess your retirement strategy.

MySeniorHealthPlan.com’s Retirement Specialist Aaron can help you design or adjust your retirement plans.

Schedule a FREE consultation today!

 

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6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer
Health Tips

6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Our bodies are over seventy percent water, so the importance of drinking enough H2O goes far beyond cooling down on a hot day or quenching your thirst. The human body needs to be properly hydrated to function. Not enough water can affect things like muscle function, joint and brain protection, immune health, digestion and even mood. 6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer
Here are just a few reasons it’s important to get your eight* glasses of water a day!

  1. Keep Bladder and Kidneys Healthy –
    Because water helps to flush out any unwanted microbes, well hydrated people have fewer bladder or kidney infections.
  2. Weight Control –
    Drinking water instead of soda or sugary juices helps eliminate empty calories from your diet.
  3. The (Drinking) Fountain of Youth –
    Keeping hydrated helps ensure that your skin keeps elastic, that it can properly rid itself of toxins, lessening your risk of conditions like dermatitis, aging skin and infection.
  4. Maintaining Energy Levels –
    Water is essential to the biological processes that turn food and stored fat into energy. If there isn’t enough water to make that happen, lethargy and sleepiness can follow.
  5. Mood Enhancement –
    Feeling a little grumpy? Make sure you’ve had enough water, since it aids in body regulation and brain function, which is related to balancing mood and emotions.
  6. Keeping on the Move –
    Most of the padding in cartilage is made up of water, so if we don’t drink enough of it, our bones will feel stiff and our joints sore. Getting enough water also helps joints bounce back faster after workouts, and expedites healing of injuries.

* Your water needs may vary — please ask your doctor about your optimal water intake.

6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer

6 Important Reasons to Keep Hydrated this Summer

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Diet & Nutrition

How Much Daily Water Does the Body Need?

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

A book that caught my eye, or should say, a book’s title that caught my eye, Your Bodies Many Cries for Water: You’re not sick, You’re Thirsty, by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. The title got my attention.

It’s based on a pioneering physician’s twenty years of clinical and scientific research into the role of water in the body and explains a breakthrough discovery that Unintentional Chronic Dehydration produces stress, chronic pains and many painful degenerative diseases.

The physician author says, “Dry Mouth is not the only sign of dehydration; and waiting to get thirsty is wrong. And simply adjusting your water intake can help you live a healthier pain-free life.”

The pains of dehydration

  • Irritability,
  • indigestion,
  • heart pain on walking,
  • low back pain,
  • leg pain on walking,
  • migraines,
  • and constipation.

 

And should be treated by drinking 2.5 quarts of water each day. That’s about 10 glasses of water.

Disclaimer: Talk with you doctor if you’re feeling any of these pains – don’t assume it’s dehydration.Plus, if you have kidney disease or congestive heart failure, you should not use water cures unless you are under medical supervision and the doctor says to practice this protocol.

Did you know? In a normal day, we lose about 10 to 15 cups of water?

I began adding more water two weeks ago by increasing to 10 or 11 glasses depending on how long I walk outside in the heat. The first thing I noticed is more energy and lessened fatigue. Second, I don’t get as hungry.

The book suggests both water and salt are essential for optimal health. Salt being the unprocessed kind. Unprocessed salt has sodium, chloride and up to 82 other trace minerals.

Based on the work of Dr. B and the current research, as a goal, try to eat at least 1/8th tsp of salt with each 10 to 16 ounces of water to start. Adjust it up or down based on your needs as you discover how it works to help you get optimal performance. Those who are sick may need to start at a higher amount, say 1/8th tsp for every 8 to 10 ounces depending on what they are dealing with. Some who are salt sensitive may need less salt.

Other benefits:

  • Sleep better
  • Stop leg cramps now and forever
  • Normalize blood pressure
  • Eliminate headaches
  • End your depression
  • Cancel terminal cancer and exceed your expiration date
  • Help manage over 76 diseases or conditions.
  • Skin problems
  • Stomach ulcers

 

Dr. B claims that people do not drink enough water, they do not drink the right kind of water and they are not taking in enough of the proper electrolytes with their water to help the water get into their cells.

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Health Tips

Dehydration Tips

by Andrew Vertson
written by Andrew Vertson

Summer is now here… as we approach the “heat of the summer” you should be aware of your need for fluids. If you are exercising, spending time in the sun, or are under the weather, you can more easily become dehydrated. Once dehydration starts your body begins to shut down, except for vital functions. Luckily the body gives us symptoms to prevent dehydration from happening.

The body will react to the need for water by giving of signs that you should recognize. The initial signs and symptoms of mild dehydration, in adults, start to appear when a person has lost approximately 2% of their total fluid.

Dehydration symptoms:

  • Dry lips and thirst
  • Dry, flushing , skin
  • Fatigue, muscle weakness

 

If the dehydration continues, approaching 5% of water loss, more significant symptoms occur such as:

  • Increased heart rate and breathing
  • Increased body temperature
  • Decreased sweating and urination
  • Extreme fatigue and muscle cramping
  • Severe headache and nausea

 

As the body approaches 10% fluid loss, it is a medical emergency and you must seek IMMEDIATE help. Symptoms of this level of dehydration are: Dehydration Tips

  • Decreased vision and confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Chest/abdominal pain
  • Unconsciousness

Urine color Warning Sign:

We don’t have a water gauge to determine how dehydrated our body is but our body does provide us some indication of our level of hydration. The best indicator is the color of our urine. A clear, or slightly colored, urine shows good hydration while a dark yellow urine color signals dehydration.

How much water should you consume?

You have probably heard many experts say eight, 8 ounce, glasses of water per day. That is a good start but if you are extremely active, work in a hot environment, or live in a warmer climate that might not be enough.
A good indicator of water intake is 50 to 75% of your body weight in ounces. For the average person: take your body weight, cut it in half, and that is the number of ounces you should drink in a day. If you are more active, or work/live in a hotter environment, then add 25% more to your number of ounces. Dehydration Tips

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Diet & Nutrition

Preventing Heat Stress & Heat Stroke in Seniors

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

For many people, summer is the year’s most enjoyable season. But for seniors, the extreme temperatures of July and August can represent a serious health concern. At Visiting Angels, our elderly care providers take extra care every summer to protect seniors against the dangers of heat stress and heat stroke, both of which can be especially dangerous for seniors, so we know how crucial protecting seniors against the heat can be. Preventing Heat Stress & Heat Stroke in Seniors

There are many reasons why heat stroke is a particular concern among the elderly. Unlike younger adults, seniors’ bodies have trouble regulating temperature. As a result, seniors can experience heat stress more quickly than others. Seniors also have more trouble detecting changes in their own body temperature, so they often rely on family members, friends, or elderly care providers to look out for signs of heat stress. Finally, seniors’ existing medical conditions can put them at higher risk of complications or medical episodes during heat stress.

If you are concerned about heat stress and heat stroke in an elderly loved one, the following information will help you keep your loved one protected. Preventing Heat Stress & Heat Stroke in Seniors

Preventing Heat Stress in Seniors

While heat stress and heat stroke are considerable dangers for seniors, there are steps you can take to lower the risk of heat stress in the elderly. As soon as it starts to get hot out, there are a number of things you can do to limit your loved one’s risk of heat stress:

  • Ensure seniors drink plenty of fluids when the temperature rises.
  • If possible, keep seniors in a cool, climate-controlled area, especially during the warmest times of the day.
  • When going outdoors, have seniors wear plenty of sunscreen.
  • Have seniors wear light and loose clothing and a shady hat when outdoors.
  • Keep seniors in shady areas as much as possible and prevent exposure to direct sunlight.
  • Make sure seniors don’t over-exert themselves when experiencing hot temperatures.

Know the Signs of Heat Stress & Heat Stroke

If you are an elderly care provider for a family member, it is important that you are aware of the signs of heat stress and heat stroke. This way, if your loved one begins to experience heat-related distress, you will be able to take immediate action.
Some of the signs of heat stress (body temperature between 99° F and 102° F) you should be aware of include:

  • Skin appears pale, is cool to the touch
  • Complaints of muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, or nausea
  • Excessive sweating
  • Pulse becomes faster and weaker
  • Breathing becomes faster and more shallow
  • Person appears tired or weak

 

A person suffering from heat stress may quickly develop heat stroke (body temperature above 103° F) — a dangerous and life-threatening condition. Once a person begins to suffer from heat stroke, their symptoms may change, and can include:

  • Skins turns red, becomes hot to the touch
  • Person stops sweating, skin feels dry
  • Severe headache, dizziness, and nausea
  • Pulse very rapid and weak
  • Breathing increasingly shallow
  • Fainting

How to Treat Heat Stress & Heat Stroke in Seniors

If you believe an elderly person in your care is experiencing heat stress, it’s important that you take action quickly. An immediate response can be the difference between life and death in many situations.
Immediate steps you should take when someone is experiencing heat stroke include:

  • Have someone call 911 as quickly as possible for emergency assistance.
  • Move the person to a cool area that is shaded from the sun.
  • Use any means possible to reduce the person’s body temperature. Cold water is one of the best ways to reduce a person’s body temperature. You can mist them with a garden hose, sponge them with cold water, have them sit in a cool shower, or immerse them in a tub of cold water.
  • If you have a thermometer, monitor the person’s temperature. You should try to get their temperature to below 102° F as quickly as possible.
  • When on the phone with 911, follow all directives provided by the emergency personnel.

 

If you are concerned about heat stress and heat stroke for an elderly family member, but worry that you can’t be there to monitor your loved one during heat waves and other high-heat periods, you may wish to consider home elderly care. Elderly care services — like those provided by your local Visiting Angels — can provide your loved one with monitoring and support during hot periods. For more information, check out this brochure on Beating the Heat.

To connect with elderly care providers in your area, contact your local Visiting Angels office today. Preventing Heat Stress & Heat Stroke in Seniors

* Note: Visiting Angels does not provide medical care. If you are concerned about your loved one’s health or risk of heat stroke, please contact their doctor. The information contained in this article is meant as informative only and should not be considered a recommendation for care, treatment or diagnosis.

Preventing Heat Stress & Heat Stroke in Seniors

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