3 Tips to Keep Your Loved One Cool in the Summer

Tips to Keep Cool in Summer

Although summer started out cool, it has heated up fast! The heat index has already exceeded 100 this summer and this weekend is going to be hot as well. The high heat and humidity can cause the added risk overheating and possibly heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It is so important, especially this time of the year, to check on the elderly on a regular basis. Make sure they have power, their air conditioning is working, and they are doing okay.

Before the temps heat up, there are things you can do to help your loved ones get through the hot summer days without any problems.

Here are 3 tips to keep your loved ones cool this summer:

• Eat Better. When we eat heavy, greasy foods, we feel sluggish and tired. Since the heat can already make us feel that way, avoid fatty foods in favor of something light and lean. With the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables on sale this time of the year, load up your loved one’s refrigerator with their favorite cut up fruits and veggies so they have easy snacks ready to go. Activity: when the heat index returns to normal, take your loved one to the Farmer’s Market or out to a farm stand and let them pick their own fruits and veggies.
• Stay Hydrated. The old rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water. Sometimes that is hard to do, especially for older adults. But you can still stay hydrated by eating fruits and veggies that have high water content. Here are a few that have over 90 percent water: watermelon; cantaloupe; strawberries; tomatoes; spinach; cucumbers; and baby carrots. These are all foods that you can have in your loved one’s refrigerator ready-to-eat! Activity: get some seeds and grown your own cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce.
• Stay indoors. When the temperature is extreme – heat or cold – it is important for older adults to stay inside where the temperature is controlled. They should avoid being out in the heat, and especially in the sun, during these hot, humid days. That will also help them stay hydrated. Activity: play bunco, a crossword puzzle or listen to their favorite music.

How do we help our members?

We have our own garden at Naperville Senior Center where our Members help to plant, water, pick and eat the wonderful vegetables we grow. We plant seeds early in the year and hope to enjoy the harvest throughout the summer! Although we keep our Members active, we make sure they stay hydrated and have ‘down time’ when they need it.

When they are not gardening, our Members socialize, verbalize, improvise, evangelize, visualize, exercise, have fun, and a host of other activities to provide mental and physical stimulation.

Call to action: for more ways to beat the heat contact us at 630.857.3017. You can also schedule a tour to see what we have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home.”

Tips to Keep Cool in Summer

For more great ideas, MedicineNet has a good article about keeping cool

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