5 Ways to Avoid Skin Problems in Summer Heat for Seniors
Wanting to spend more time outside during the summer is normal. The climate is hotter, and the days are longer. Although the warm sun rays on your skin can make you feel good, it often causes harmful effects. The sun produces damaging UV rays that harm the skin. Continuous sun damage can lead to more troublesome skin diseases, including skin cancer. Tips given by the experts of assisted living in OKC can help in this regard.
Why Adults Have More Risk of Skin Cancer?
Older adults are at greater danger of developing skin cancer for multiple reasons:
Damage from UV rays is building up over time. Seniors lived longer, so they are subjected to more UV rays.
The generation of baby boomers did not grow up wearing sunscreen. It was not uncommon during their youth to apply baby oil before laying in the sun.
The body's capacity to locate and kill cancer cells declines with the age.
Regardless of how you have cared for your skin in the past, today you can still take more care and protect your skin. You may control further harm to your skin by using these UV security tips.
5 UV safety tips for the elderly
Staying Hydrated
To keep the body hydrated, it is essential to drink 6-8 glasses of water every day. The human body is made of 60% water, so keeping it well hydrated in summer heat is of paramount importance. It is not about drinking water whenever you feel thirsty. Consuming throughout the day is important. Feeling thirsty means dehydration is already setting in. As the human body gets older, the sense of thirst is decreases, so frequent hydration should be an even more significant job. Seniors are recommended to take a bottle of water with them before leaving the house and prevent consuming pop, alcohol, and multiple caffeinated drinks that can further dehydrate the body.
Dressing Appropriately
In the extreme heat of summer, it is suggested to wear loose-fitting clothing and light shades to keep air circulating and allow heat to escape. Wearing lighter colors like blue, white, light green, yellow and orange will resist the sun rays. Wearing long-sleeve shirts with light color will also help you remain protected. Hats with Wide-brimmed designs that shade the face and neck as well as sunglasses that block UVA/UVB rays are recommended for using so that they can stay cool and avert the risk of sun-related eye damage such as cataracts.
Using Sunscreen
Applying and re-applying a good sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) throughout the day is a good way to prevent sunburn. Sunburns prevent the body from cooling off naturally, so sunburns must be avoided in order to maintain a cool body temperature. It takes less than fifteen minutes to affect the unprotected skin by extreme sun rays. So, one should apply sunscreen regularly.
Avoiding the Hottest Part of the Day
Outdoor Activities should be planned for the morning and evening hours of the day to avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day (outdoor activities should be avoided between 10 am and 4 pm). If the activity outdoor must happen when the sun is at its highest, appropriate hydration, proper breaks between physical exertion, and UV protected shades should be used to avoid feeling sick and tired.
Reviewing Medications
Many medicines can generate ultra-violet light sensitivity or improve the sun's impacts. Before deciding to leave the house on a hot day, heat sensitivities and side effects of heat on medication labels should be read and understood.
These tips can help everyone to enjoy the summer weather in safety and good health. If you would like further tips or information on senior safety this summer, give us a call Heritage Assisted Living for assisted living in OKC.