Labor Day Safety Tips for Seniors in Burlington, IA
.jpg)
Summers in Iowa tend to be hot, humid, and surprisingly rainy. Varying weather conditions in the Hawkeye State can make it tricky to plan gatherings on summer holidays such as Labor Day.
For seniors in Burlington, IA, outdoor safety for older adults is crucial for celebrating holidays with peace of mind. This article explores healthy aging tips, seasonal safety tips, and how senior summer safety can impact your Labor Day weekend.
Read on to learn more about holiday safety for seniors and general Labor Day safety tips.
Grill Safely
Labor Day is the perfect opportunity to grill your favorite meats, but you need to ensure that you grill safely. Here are some grilling precautions to keep in mind so you can enjoy your barbecue without worry:
- Keep grills on a level surface at all times.
- Never grill in an enclosed space, such as a tent or a garage.
- Avoid grilling in windy weather.
- Do not wear dangling clothing or jewelry that can catch on fire.
- Check for leaks before lighting the grill.
- Safely dispose of hot coals by waiting for them to cool completely and placing them in a metal can.
- Keep propane tanks away from buildings.
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand for quick access to flame retardant.
If you're a senior who loves grilling, don't hesitate to ask for help when cooking on Labor Day to ensure your safety. Gathering a grilling team can help you steer clear of too much heat exposure and take breaks when needed.
Invest in Ear Protection
Experiencing the loud noises from festivals and fireworks can be invigorating, but they can be detrimental to your hearing. For seniors with hearing loss, these events can worsen symptoms.
High-quality earmuffs allow you to enjoy events without side effects such as tinnitus. Additionally, ensure vulnerable people in your group, such as young children, also have adequate ear protection.
Avoid Trips and Falls
It can be easy to trip and fall when roughhousing with grandchildren or walking around on an uneven lawn. For seniors, a fall can be detrimental, or even fatal, so avoiding accidents is paramount.
Even if you do not normally use a walker, consider bringing one with you to Labor Day events as an added precaution. Watch your step when navigating uneven terrain and take obstacles like stairs slowly.
Steer Clear of High Temperatures
Getting outdoors is one of the keys to maintaining senior wellness, but exposing yourself to high temperatures can do more harm than good. If it is too hot outside, bring activities indoors and wait for cooler temperatures.
Try to schedule events and activities for earlier or later in the day. The hottest time of day can be spent inside with the benefit of air conditioning or fans to avoid too much exposure to extreme heat.
Stay Hydrated
When temperatures rise, your body typically compensates through sweating to cool down your skin. However, this can also quickly use up your available supply of fluids, which can lead to faster dehydration. Therefore, it is essential to drink more water in the summer months and ensure you are properly hydrated.
Always carry water with you so you have it available when you are thirsty. Consider adding a flavored electrolyte packet to your water to make it more enticing to drink.
If you still struggle to get enough water, incorporate foods into your diet that have high water content, such as:
- Lettuce
- Cucumber
- Strawberry
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
Checking the color of your urine is an easy method to gauge hydration. If your urine is light yellow or clear, chances are that you're consuming enough water. If it is darker in color, then you should increase your water intake.
Get Rid of Bugs
Bug bites are a nuisance, and they are unfortunately a common experience for Iowans in the summer months. When there are too many bugs flying about and biting you, they can quickly evolve from an annoyance to a safety hazard.
Bring bug spray with you whenever you venture outdoors, especially during the late afternoon and early evening, when bugs are most active. Spray yourself down early and often to avoid pesky bug bites that will swell and itch later on.
Outdoor solutions such as citronella candles and bug-zapping lights can keep winged critters at bay. Consider sheltering on a screened-in porch if they are too irritating.
Take Swimming and Boating Precautions
The end of summer is when water temperatures are typically warmest, so it is the best time to take advantage and swim. Make sure you and your loved ones swim safely so there are no accidents, such as drowning.
Wear brightly colored swimwear so that you are easily identifiable while in the water. Bring floaties if necessary for yourself or young children who may not be able to swim yet.
If you are in a natural body of water, pay attention to currents. Strong currents can be deceptive, so if you feel uncomfortable, it is best to exit the water and go back in when it has calmed down.
Always follow signage and instructions from local authorities. If an area has warnings about swimming, it is best to err on the side of caution, rather than risk injury or death.
When boating, be sure to put on life vests immediately, even if you feel like you do not need them. A capsized boat can pull people under quickly who aren't strong swimmers or do not have a way to float in the water.
Remember These Labor Day Safety Tips in Burlington, IA
If you are a senior in Burlington, IA, you should not have to worry about accidents or illnesses on Labor Day. By remembering these Labor Day safety tips, you will be able to enjoy the holiday with friends and family.
Celebrate your next holiday at Addington Place of Burlington. Our beautiful community offers both assisted living and memory care programs, equipped with a variety of amenities such as wellness programs, housekeeping services, and a calendar full of engaging activities.
Are you interested in experiencing all that our community has to offer? Reach out to us today to learn more, or visit us in person in Burlington, IA, to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!