Four Tips for Summer Safety While Out and About

June 29, 2023

June 28, 2023BY CHRISTINE MARTIN

It is Summer in Sumner County! As we head into the heat of summer, it’s important to be proactive to keep ourselves safe while we are enjoying beautiful days. I know this is surprising news to you, but this summer you are one year older than you were last summer!

There may be some things that impact you more today than a year ago. In order to enjoy the days to the fullest, try following these safety tips.

One: Stay Hydrated. Although this is important all year round, during the summer we tend to forget that doing the same things we did in the previous months may not be enough to sustain our bodies. We need to increase our water intake and drink plenty of water, even if we are not thirsty. We can also eat fresh fruits and enjoy the growing season of berries and melons to keep us hydrated! If you need a little flavor, put some fruit like lemons, limes, oranges or cucumber in it and enjoy!

Two: Protect your skin. Use sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis. Put it into your daily routine so that you are used to wearing it even on cloudy or overcast days. Check and make sure it protects against UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to check the expiration date since the ingredients deteriorate and it may no longer be effective. Also find a fun hat that you enjoy wearing and strut around town showing it off! This protects your face, which has some of the most sensitive skin on our body.

Three: Wear light clothing.  If you are going to be out in the heat, wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes to keep cool and be comfortable. If you are going in and out of building, still wear light clothes, but grab a light sweater or button up shirt to add to your outfit while in the air conditioning when you go inside. Dress for the weather outside and take what you need to add on to be comfortable inside.

Four: Review your medications. Many of us as we age, take medication on a daily basis. You may have some new medicines this year than you had last year at this time. Some medication can cause side effects such as increased sensitivity to sun exposure. Be sure to know what impact your medicine may have on being outside or out and about during these summer days.

Don’t let summer keep you trapped in the house! Enjoy the season of summer, but do it in a way that keeps you safe from being impacted by the heat.

If you enjoy getting out and want to help someone else enjoy the days of summer, come volunteer with Community Life Ride! We help those 60 years or older get to appointments, shopping or other destinations within Sumner County. Give us a call at 615-431-2660 or check us out at www.communitylifebridge.org.

Christine Martin is director of programs at Community Life Bridge.

https://mainstreetmediatn.com/pageview/viewer/2023-06-29#page=6