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Summer Hydration & Safety Tips for Seniors

Water Bottle with Markers

Summer Hydration & Safety Tips for Seniors

As the Pacific Northwest experienced its first heat wave of the summer, King County has announced an “Extreme Heat Mitigation” plan to help reduce the impact of future heat waves. It’s a good reminder for us all to make sure that we keep hydrated, especially when it starts to heat up outside.

Below is a list of resources and links to articles on how you can continue to stay hydrated and safe throughout the summer months.

“How to Stay Hydrated for Better Health” (NCOA – National Council on Aging)
Hydration is essential at every age, but especially as we get older. “As you get older, it’s even more important to stay hydrated. A study from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Nursing found that up to 40% of elderly people may be chronically underhydrated.” In this article from the National Council on Aging, you’ll learn more about dehydration symptoms and how to stay hydrated.

“Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather!” (CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Hundreds of people die from heat-related illnesses every year. The CDC states that “Those who are at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.” Take a look at this article to learn more about what you and your loved ones can do to keep cool and prepared for increasing temperatures.

“Heat Wave Safety” (Red Cross)
While keeping hydrated is essential during a heat wave, there are also a few steps that you can take to keep your home cool. The Red Cross recommends such actions as covering windows with drapes or shades, adding weather stripping to doors and windows, and using window reflectors to reflect heat outside. They also recommend checking the National Weather Service website as a resource for information concerning summer heat advisories.

“Water: How Much Should You Drink Every Day?” (Mayo Clinic)
“Water is your body’s principal chemical component and makes up about 50% to 70% of your body weight. Your body depends on water to survive.” Ever wonder exactly how much water you should drink every day or if you drink too much water? Well, wonder no more. The Mayo Clinic has put together this resource that explains water’s health benefits, how much water you need, and other sources for hydration. Need a little help and inspiration? Try a water bottle (similar to the one pictured in this article) marked with the times to drink to help you keep on track.

“15 foods that help you stay hydrated” (UCLA Health)
The previous article is a nice segue into this following article. Keeping hydrated by drinking the recommended daily amount of water may seem overwhelming, but thankfully, hydration doesn’t only come from plain water. There are other liquid sources and various foods that can help get you there as well. UCLA Health has provided a list of fruits and vegetables with a water content of 92% or more. Can you guess which ones provide the most hydration?

“Healthy Popsicle Recipes” (EatingWell)
“Find healthy, delicious popsicle recipes from the food and nutrition experts at EatingWell.” Some days it’s even too hot for the ice cream truck to be out and about! So, why make some popsicles right in your own freezer?

We hope you found some great resources here and stay safe, healthy, and cool on these hot summer days.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the services offered by With A Little Help, contact us via phone at 206.352.7399, via email at care@withalittlehelp.com or fill out our Contact Form and a member of our team will be in touch.

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With A Little Help is a local in-home care company serving the Northwest for 21 years. We provide high-quality 1-on-1 home care to those who need it most. We don't just make a meal for our clients; we sit down and share a meal with them. Companionship is the reason for everything we do, and our mission is that all client/caregiver relationships are authentic and meaningful.