Tips to Keep Your Loved Ones Cool this Summer!
Summer is a wonderful time of year, but the hotter temperatures can create added risk for our more vulnerable loved ones. During the summer, it’s even more important to make more regular check-ins.
We’ve put together a list of ways to keep your loved ones cool and comfortable this summer.
Keep Hydrated!
It’s not always easy to drink the recommended, half your body weight in ounces of water each day. Popsicles, sipping cold teas, and juices are great ways to keep cool and get keep hydrated throughout the day. Here are some great popsicles recipes ideas.
Opt for lighter, lean, and fresh cool foods.
Melon, berries, cucumbers, and other foods with high water content are great to have on hand for snacks – and are a great way to keep nourished and hydrated at the same time! Cold pasta salads, sandwiches, and other foods that don’t require an oven to prepare are also great options.
Keep indoor temperatures safe
According to Health Canada, your thermostat and that of your loved ones should be set to a temperature of 22 – 26 degrees Celsius.
If your home is too hot during the day;
- Consider spending time during the hottest part of the day at a friend’s home or public space that has air conditioning
- Prepare foods that don’t require an oven
- Keep windows, blinds and curtains closed during the day
- Use fans to keep the air circulating
- Take cool showers or baths. A cool foot bath, or cool towel/cloth can helpful as well
Watch for symptoms of heat illness (Health Canada)
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you are caring for someone who has a high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating.
Symptoms of heat illness;
- dizziness or fainting
- nausea or vomiting
- headache
- rapid breathing and heartbeat
- extreme thirst (dry mouth or sticky saliva)
- decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine
- changes of behaviour in children (like sleepiness or temper tantrums)
If you have any of these symptoms during extreme heat, move to a cool place and drink liquids right away. Water is best.
While waiting for help – cool the person right away by:
- moving them to a cool place, if you can
- applying cold water to large areas of their skin or clothing
- fanning the person as much as possible