With summer upon us, you will likely be spending more time outdoors than usual. As summer brings great, clear weather, it also brings higher temperatures. An active lifestyle during the summer can be a bit harder to maintain due to heatwaves, but that shouldn’t stop you!
As the temperatures rise and the conditions outside become more intense, you may want to take extra precautions so you can protect yourself. Origin Active Lifestyle Communities would like to give you a few tips on how to beat the heat and truly enjoy your summer!
1. Staying Hydrated
Hydration is vital year-round to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Did you know some medications you take may decrease your desire or thirst levels? The same can occur as you age! Many people, particularly small children, and older adults don't feel thirsty until they are already dehydrated. One of the most important keys to beating the heat is making sure you stay hydrated!
The signs of dehydration may vary by age, but may include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Confusion
Easy ways to stay hydrated during the summer include always carrying a reusable water bottle with you and making sure to drink water before, during, and after physical activity. If you don’t feel thirsty, a helpful tip would be to suck on an ice cube. Ice cubes can cool you down quickly and hydrate you as well!
2. Be Smart While Staying Active
Living an active lifestyle is great, but during the summer, it can cause additional health issues if you don’t know your limits. If you are planning on being active outdoors (running, biking, swimming, etc.) this summer, Origin’s solution is to make sure you know your limit and don’t overexert yourself. While working out, your tendency to sweat is increased, so make sure you are continually hydrating and wear light coloured clothing.
The following items may help you combat the sun while you’re out and about:
- A hat or visor
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light coloured clothing
- Thin clothing made of breathable material (i.e., cotton, rayon, linen)
3. Listen to Your Body
Sometimes it can be easy to overlook signs of heat exhaustion, but it is important to listen to your body. An active lifestyle can be hard to maintain during the summer, for those young and old; extreme heat poses a very real and very dangerous threat to everyone. If you’re feeling overexerted or overheated, find shade, communicate it with someone nearby, and cool yourself down.
With the clear skies, and warm temperatures, comes an abundance of outdoor activities to participate in, but don’t forget to keep cool and stay safe. If you’re looking to maintain an active lifestyle and want a senior living community to help you with that, look no further! At Origin Active Lifestyle Communities, we provide our community members with ample outdoor activities and a path to living a successful and enriching active lifestyle. We encourage you to find your community and experience the Origin Way for yourself!
