It’s late into Spring and most of us already have Summer on our minds. Our older loved ones are no exception. Although it might be a little more difficult for some seniors to get around like they once did, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the desire to get out and enjoy the world does away.
The sun brings warmth and longer days during the summer, allowing us to enjoy that time outdoors with friends and family, but it can also present a danger. We all know that prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, but even short periods of sun can cause issues. Sunburn, sun stroke, and heat stroke all increase in likelihood when we’re outside.
With that said, there are a few easy things that you can do to reduce the risk of health issues developing this summer in yourself and your loved ones. With a few precautions, you can have more fun and worry less thai summer.
Sunscreen
One of the easiest things that you can do is to wear sunscreen. Sunscreen can help stop UV rays from damaging your skin, reduce the risk of cancer and premature aging, and more. It comes in a lot of different forms, is relatively cheap, and easy to use.
My youngest child is allergic to most sunscreens. If you or someone that you know also falls into this category, there are options out there. There are hypoallergenic sunscreens out there, along with articles of clothing with built in UV protection. If you look around, you’re bound to find an alternative. Also, be sure to look at other options listed in this blog post.
Hats
A large, wide or full brimmed hat can keep sun out of your eyes and the sun off of your skin. There are an endless number of varieties, so you can be sure to stay fashionable while you wear a hat. Something that is specifically designed to block the sun can
Air Conditioning
You can’t use the AC outside, but having an air conditioning unit in your house or apartment can help you to cool down quickly. A lot of issues that seniors face when it comes to summer is because of overheating, dehydration, and other related problems. Being able to cool down when it’s needed can help to avoid some of these things. If you don’t have one installed yet, it might be a good idea to look into this soon.
Protecting ourselves from the sun’s UV rays is important no matter what age you are. Yes, younger folk need to take precautions, too. Even though they might not be at high risk when it comes to some of the more immediate sun-related issues, prolonged exposure to the sun can still cause serious, long term health issues.
It’s important that the young and the old alike are able to have a safe, fun summer. Taking the precautions listed above can certainly help to make that more of a reality. It’s important to have a conversation with your doctor about sun protection if you have any questions or would like to know what you can do to reduce your risk of health issues because of the sun and heat.
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