According to Evidation, there are more car accidents on the Fourth of July than on any other day of the year, including New Year’s Eve. Though vehicle crashes are a huge concern, they aren’t the only factor you need to worry about while celebrating the nation’s birthday.
For seniors in Slidell, LA, the Fourth of July should be filled with fun, food, friends, and family. However, there are many risks associated with celebrating the Fourth, and you should be aware of how they can affect senior safety.
So, what exactly should you look out for in terms of Independence Day wellness? Read on to learn all about Fourth of July safety tips so you can celebrate in style, without unnecessary worry.
Stay Hydrated
Southern summers can often be extremely hot and humid, placing seniors at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses. That’s why hydration is key, especially in early July.
Additionally, many Slidell events centered around the Fourth of July will likely be located outside during the day. Barbecues and parades tend to be around the late morning and early afternoon, when the sun is at its highest.
While holiday planning, remember to factor in plenty of water and electrolytes to keep your body adequately hydrated. If you want to participate in more physical activities, you should plan to drink even more water.
It is helpful to bring a cooler or to have a large, reusable water bottle on hand. You can fill up whenever you get the opportunity, so you’ll always have plenty of water for your hydration needs.
In addition, incorporate foods high in water content into your snack or meal regimen on the Fourth of July. These can include:
- Watermelon
- Cucumber
- Honeydew
- Lettuce
- Strawberries
- Grapes
If you have trouble staying hydrated, flavored water or electrolyte supplements may do the trick. Many stores sell portable flavor packets or drops that you can squirt into your water, so you have flavor on the go.
Drinks containing electrolytes or electrolyte supplement packets can also be beneficial. Electrolytes:
- Regulate blood pressure
- Regulate muscle and nerve function
- Maintain fluid balance in the body
Establish Emergency Protocol
Fourth of July events can be crowded, so it is important to have a plan if there’s an emergency. Ensure you know what to do if you get separated from your group.
At your event, designate a preferred meet-up location if one or more people in the group get lost. This is especially important for young children who may not know what to do if they lose sight of adults. If you or anyone in your group has medical conditions, plan for those accordingly.
Wear Ear Protection
Watching fireworks shows is a staple of any Fourth of July celebration, but they can be hard on your ears. If you’re a senior who already suffers from hearing loss, the fireworks can exacerbate the effects.
Even if you think you do not need ear protection, you may not realize it until it is too late. Exposure to loud sounds like fireworks can cause:
- Tinnitus
- Muffled hearing
- Temporary hearing loss
Bring along a pair of earphones or earplugs to wear and put them in before the fireworks show. Encourage your friends and family to do the same, especially young children and elderly folks.
If possible, stay as far away from the fireworks show as you can. You can still get a spectacular view without exposing yourself to harmful noise pollution and jarring blasts from having a front-row seat to the explosions.
Invest in Sun Protection
Hot, sunny days can be great for soaking up Vitamin D, but too much exposure without adequate protection can be harmful. July is one of the hottest months of the year, so you must take steps to ensure that you are protected from harmful UV rays.
Apply sunscreen before you leave the house and reapply every two hours. Aim for a higher SPF formula and make sure you get full coverage. Ask others to help apply sunscreen in hard-to-reach spots, if needed.
Reapply sun protection more frequently if you are swimming or engaging in other water-based activities.
In addition to sunscreen, wear sunglasses anytime you are outdoors in direct sunlight. Sunglasses will protect your eyelids from cancer, and you will not have to worry about irritation from staring into the sun.
For an added layer of protection, consider wearing a hat. A hat can provide coverage for your scalp and give you a bit of shade if you are in the direct sunlight.
Watch Out for Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Summer fun in the sun can be a blast, but a beautiful, hot day can quickly lead to heat exhaustion, or worse, heatstroke. Although these two conditions are related, the symptoms are different.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion symptoms can vary, but usually present as:
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Headache
- Rapid heart rate
- Weakness
- Fainting
Patriotic care for heat exhaustion can include:
- Resting
- Hydrating
- Seeking shade
- Going indoors, if possible
Medical attention isn’t always necessary. Pay attention to how you or your loved one recovers from the symptoms of heat exhaustion. However, if there remains cause for concern, it may be best to seek professional help.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. Some of the symptoms overlap, but in general, look for:
- Hot, dry skin
- High temperature
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid, shallow breathing
Heatstroke isn’t as easy to spot because the sufferer may not exhibit symptoms such as thirst or excessive sweating. If you suspect heatstroke, seek immediate medical attention, particularly for seniors.
Use These Fourth of July Safety Tips
If you are a senior in Slidell, LA, the Fourth does not have to be a stressful holiday. With these Fourth of July safety tips, you can celebrate without worry and spend time with your friends and family on a patriotic holiday.
Are you looking for a community where you can enjoy holiday celebrations with other seniors? Consider SummerHouse Park Provence. Known as the “best senior living community in Slidell, Louisiana,” we offer unparalleled services, plenty of amenities, and a friendly, vibrant community that our residents love.
Interested in learning more? Contact us today or visit our beautiful location in Slidell, LA to see it in person. We can’t wait to meet you!
