Here, in the City of Toronto, where LifeCare Mobility Solutions is headquartered, we are enjoying bright and sunny summer weather with temperatures hitting north of the 30 degree Celcius mark. Some may describe it as wonderful, while others may consider the hot temperatures to be too much to bear. In fact, we are currently under an extreme heat warning, issued by Environment Canada, that will continue until at least tomorrow.
“Extreme heat affects everyone,” the warning emphatically states, “The risks are greater for young children, pregnant women, older adults, people with chronic illnesses and people working or exercising outdoors. Watch for the effects of heat illness: swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and the worsening of some health conditions.”
Naturally, at LifeCare Mobility Solutions, we are concerned about the health and well-being of older adults. Since our inception in 2010, it has been a big part of our mission statement to assist the elderly with solutions to their mobility issues. However, during the hottest days of the year, there isn’t a lot we can do to help seniors if they aren’t adhering to some very important safety precautions.
Here are three:
1. Stay hydrated.
We all need water to survive. But when you reach the elderly stage of your life, hydration is more important than ever. This is especially true during extremely hot days like today when sweating is more than likely to occur when you venture outdoors. On Senior.com, Jeff Dailey stresses the importance of drinking a lot of water in your later years and lists it as a top summer safety tip for seniors.
“The easiest way to stay cool is also often the most overlooked,” he writes, “Drinking plenty of water during the hot summer months is a great way to stay hydrated and safe while out in the sun. The heat can dehydrate you quickly, so make sure to have plenty of water on hand during the day, whether you’re outdoors or not.”
2. Review your medications.
Most members of our elderly community require particular medications to keep them enjoying optimum health. However, as Ottawa’s Qualicare explains, “many medications can cause a sensitivity to ultra-violet light or enhance the effects of the sun. Side effects and heat sensitivities on medication labels should be read and understood before deciding to leave the house on a hot day.”
3. Get plenty of rest while outdoors.
We agree that being outdoors during the summer makes for many a fun time. But if the sweltering heat is too much to bear, it’s best to rest in the shade or venture back inside to an air conditioned area. At the very least, it’s important to have access to a seat so you can get off your feet in the event that you’re feeling tired or drained.
A rollator, which is also known as a four-wheeled walker, comes with a seat. Not only will it help you to maintain your balance while walking outdoors, it will give you a place to sit and relax when it’s necessary!
For more information about the rollators offered by LifeCare Mobility Solutions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 416-267-9800 or email us at info@lifecaremobility.ca. You may also contact us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
