Staying Safe While Having Fun in The Sun This Summer.

Summer is a great time to be active while enjoying the outdoors. While the sunny skies and warm temperatures provide many opportunities for recreation, this is also the time of the year when risks of becoming dehydrated and sick from the heat are the greatest.

The Signs

An older adult who becomes dehydrated may develop:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Muscle Cramps
• Lack of Energy
• Tiredness with Minimal Activity
• Dry Mouth
• Low Blood Pressure
• Rapid Heart Rate
• Confusion

Complications

Dehydration can lead to serious complications, including:

Heat stroke 

This happens when the body heats up faster than it can cool off.

The Signs

• Dry or damp, hot, red skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

Immediate actions:

• Call 9-1-1.
• Move the person to a cool place.
• Cool the body with cold, damp clothing or a cool bath.
• Do not give anything to drink until stabilized.

Heat exhaustion

In elderly people, this can develop even with mild to moderate activity due to difficulty remaining hydrated.

Heat exhaustion can cause:

• Heavy sweating, followed by no sweating
• Cold clammy skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Other symptoms of dehydration, such as faint pulse, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headaches
• Fainting

Immediate actions:

• Move elderly to a cool place.
• Loosen tight clothing.
• Place cool, damp clothing on body.
• Provide water to drink or begin IV fluids.
• Get immediate medical help in the event of nausea/vomiting, worsening of symptoms or symptoms lasting longer than an hour.

One of the most important things you can do to help avoid these is STAY HYDRATED! Bring a water bottle with you on walks and have one when you’re out running errands. And do your best to stay cool.

Stay Cool

• Wear appropriate clothing: light weight, light colored and loosely fitted.
• Apply sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher, a half hour before going out in the sun.
• While indoors, stay in air-conditioned areas.
• Take cool showers or baths to remain cool.

It’s important to get your share of vitamin D this summer and we hope these tips will let you do that while being safe and healthy.