Do you enjoy the sun and the warmth during the summer season? If you are a mature adult and your answer is yes, you might be surprised to know that the summer season can cause you several health issues. While there is more sunlight, the sun’s excessive heat can also trigger health issues for those in the golden years. And given how mature adults are already at a higher risk of coming down with a heat-related illness, summer can be a dangerous season for you. Do you know that more than 600 Americans die of health problems from excessive heat and humidity every summer?
Thankfully, there are ways to keep yourself safe from excessive heat in the summer. Here is what you should do to ensure summer safety.
Stay Away from the Sun
The easiest and safest way is to stay away from direct exposure to the sun. And that means staying indoors during peak sun hours, and only going outdoor in the early morning or when the sun is setting. Ideally, this is the best choice. However, if you have to head out during the sunny period, do not worry as there are ways to mitigate the exposure to the sun and heat. For example, you can carry an umbrella and protect yourself from the sun rays as much as possible. Read on to find out about some other things you can do.
Dress Lightly
Complimenting the previous point, dressing lightly is another great way to minimize the effects of the heat. Essentially, it means you should opt for looser and light-colored clothes. Looser clothes ensure there is ventilation for bodily heat and light-colored clothes trap less heat. Not only will all these ensure your clothes will absorb less heat, but they will also retain less heat. Top off your outfit with a wide hat for maximum shade.
Air-conditioner
When the heat from the sun is too much to bear, turn to something cooler instead. And this is where air-conditioners come to play. Try to spend more time in your air-conditioned room, or find somewhere where there are air-conditioners. For instance, take a trip to the local library and browse books and magazines in the air-conditioned environment, or watch the latest movie with your friends in the theatre and enjoy the cool air.
Drink More Water
Did you know that drinking more water helps to reduce body heat? Hence, remember to drink 8 cups of water or juices to cool down the body, and to replenish all the sweat you lost in the heat. Here is a tip. Try not to drink alcohol or drinks with caffeine as they can make you feel a false sense of warmth.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is your best friend during the summer. Not only can they prevent you from developing painful sunburns, but they can also protect you from the harmful sun rays, and prevent skin cancer. Hence, opt for a sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor of at least 15 or higher.
