Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching, and for seniors in Fond du Lac, WI, it means celebrating the end of summer with parties and festivities. From the traditional Labor Day Parade to barbecues and festivals, there is plenty to look forward to.
However, it is crucial to keep seasonal safety tips in mind during Labor Day weekend. Holiday safety for seniors can involve further precautions than for the normal population, due to factors such as cognitive decline and increased sensitivity to heat.
In this article, we will explore Labor Day safety tips and how senior summer safety can impact your weekend festivities. Read on to learn more about outdoor safety for older adults.
September weather in Fond du Lac can be cooler than much of the country due to its northern location. However, the beginning of the month tends to have higher temperatures than the arrival of autumn weather in late September.
Even if temperatures are not extreme on Labor Day weekend, it is still crucial to wear sunblock when engaging in outdoor activities. Harmful UV rays can still cause damage to your skin, even in cloudy weather.
Check the UV index through a weather app on your smartphone or your local news channel before heading out for the day. Regarding sunscreen, it is better to be safe than sorry. It is better to have sunscreen you do not need than to be caught without it and suffer as a result.
Find a formula with high SPF for maximum protection. If you have eczema or other conditions, you might require a specialized type of sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin. As you age, your skin tends to become more fragile, as well.
It may seem tempting to enjoy the pinnacle of summer weather before chillier autumn temperatures descend. However, spending too much time in hotter weather can be detrimental to your health.
When temperatures go beyond an acceptable level for your body, move activities indoors. You can also shift your activities to earlier or later in the day to avoid peak sunlight hours, spending those hours in the shade or air conditioning.
Few things are tastier than a Labor Day barbecue, but it is important to exercise precaution around food. When exposed to higher temperatures, food can spoil faster, making guests significantly more susceptible to harmful bacteria and foodborne illnesses.
Foodsafety.gov advises consumers to keep food in coolers for as long as possible to avoid prolonged heat exposure. For foods that must be served warm, limit exposure as much as possible.
A key rule to keep in mind: When in doubt, throw it out. It is better to waste a few dollars' worth of food than risk a harmful bacterial infection at worst or days of vomiting and malaise at best.
Hydration is essential in hotter temperatures, especially when engaging in outdoor physical activities. Adequate hydration means ensuring your body is fueled with enough fluids to compensate for fluid loss through sweating and keep your organ systems functioning properly.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you at all times, even if you are just taking a walk. Refill your water bottle whenever you see an opportunity, such as a drinking fountain or a fill station.
To make it easier to hydrate, consider purchasing electrolyte packets. They come in various flavors and can make drinking water more enticing, providing the added bonus of extra nutrients.
Labor Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge in an alcoholic drink. Popular options include:
If you take medications, ensure there are no negative interactions before consuming alcohol. Some medications can cause an excessive reaction to even small amounts of alcohol, so if this is the case, pace yourself.
Consider the setting of your Labor Day event when you decide how much you want to drink. For instance, if you are attending a family-friendly party with children present, it may not be appropriate to have more than a couple of drinks.
In high temperatures, dehydration can lead to heat-related illnesses. Two common heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Although many people use the terms interchangeably, there are some key differences to consider.
Heat exhaustion involves symptoms such as:
Treat yourself or a loved one for heat exhaustion by seeking shade nearby and focusing on adequate hydration.
Heatstroke is a step further, which can be serious or deadly if untreated. If you see any of the following symptoms, contact medical professionals right away:
Keep your furry friends in mind when celebrating Labor Day with loved ones. Often, they can suffer from anxiety when exposed to loud noises, such as parties or fireworks. Consult your veterinarian for a prescription for anxiety medication for your pet.
It may seem like a good idea to take your dog out for a walk for the holiday. However, ensure that they do not burn their paws on hot sidewalks or asphalt. When in doubt, wait until temperatures cool in the evening or choose a morning stroll.
Celebrating Labor Day with your loved ones does not have to be a stressful experience. With these Labor Day safety tips, you can enjoy a safe and fun holiday weekend and transition into autumn with satisfaction.
At LakeHouse Fond du Lac, we prioritize our residents' health and well-being in every season. Our assisted living amenities include weekly housekeeping services, laundry service, and apartment maintenance, allowing residents to focus on cultivating a healthy lifestyle in their golden years.
Want to learn about more healthy aging tips and how to cultivate the lifestyle of your dreams? Reach out to us today or visit us in Fond du Lac, WI, to see our stunning campus in person. We can't wait to meet you!