Summer is officially underway, and seniors everywhere are eager to head outside and enjoy the longer days and warmer weather. However, summer can also bring a number of dangers to your health if you aren’t careful!
It’s important to prepare for the summer months to stay safe and healthy. Here are a few tips to help you live an active, healthy lifestyle this summer.
- Stay safe outside: Summer tends to bring people outside to enjoy the fresh air and warm sun. This can do you and your health a lot of good! Unfortunately, being outside for too long while exposed to the sun and nature isn’t always a good thing. Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to shield your eyes and face, wear bug spray to protect against disease-carrying insects like mosquitos and take breaks indoors where you can rest and cool off.
- Exercise safely: Seniors should be exercising a little bit every day for balance, strength, immunity and overall wellbeing. Taking a walk, jog, bike ride or swim in summer allows you to take advantage of the nice weather and change of scenery. However, be mindful of how long you’re outside for and be careful to replenish your body with water, electrolytes and nutrients. It’s generally safer to exercise outdoors in the early morning or in the evening to avoid harsh sun and heat.
- Drink water: Seniors are at a higher risk of dehydration because their bodies don’t retain water as easily. When the weather heats up, it’s important that you drink lots of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and healthy. If you find that you forget to drink, try setting alarms to serve as reminders.
- Stay cool: Higher temperatures and the blazing summer sun can put seniors at risk for heat stroke, or hyperthermia. Make sure you’re dressing appropriately for the weather with lighter, cooler fabrics and short sleeves. If you feel fatigued or faint, develop a headache and rapid pulse or begin to feel nauseous, seek shelter in a cool place and call for medical help.
- Visit your doctor: Summer is also a great time to stay on top of your health! People with chronic health conditions or who take prescription medications should be mindful of how the heat can impact them. Even if you don’t have a health condition, though, now is a good time to do routine health screenings and annual exams to ensure you’re healthy heading into fall.
SeniorCare Benefits is here to help
Because the summer season can increase your risk of health complications, it’s important to understand your healthcare benefits. If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, your benefits might not cover you completely if you develop a health problem this summer.
SeniorCare Benefits represents a range of Medicare plans beyond Medicare A and B, so you can be sure that you have the benefits you want and need. Not sure if you have the benefits that you’re eligible for? Contact us today at 1-888-230-0269 to learn more about your options and have a safe and healthy summer.
