Page 14 - Seniorstoday May 2022 Issue

Swimming accidents
This is one of the most common causes of
injuries in summers. The warm weather
drives most people to beaches and pools in
an effort to cool off…and diving into pools
or swimming in deep waters can cause
unexpected injuries. There have been cases
of accidental drowning when a person
swam too far off shore.
Prevention
A few precautions, if taken while planning
holidays and on outings, can go a long way
towards making your trips comfortable and
safe.
Stay hydrated
It’s very very important to keep yourself
hydrated at all times. Carry a water bottle
with you when you venture out into the
heat, whether it’s for a small errand, or a
picnic. Instead of plain water, try having
liquids with electrolytes, such as coconut
water or fresh lime juice. The average
intake should be 10 to 12 glasses.
You could also carry with you foods with
a high water content, like watermelon,
celery, cucumbers.
Keep in mind, infants and the elderly
are the most susceptible to dehydration;
infants because they cannot express
themselves and the elderly because they
just forget to drink water, or because with
age, thirst reduces. Make it a point to
offer them fluids at regular and frequent
intervals.
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Avoid strenuous activity
Strenuous activity in the heat will make
you perspire more, leading to loss of fluids
and electrolytes from the body. Try to
schedule any heavy duty work for early
mornings and late evenings, when its
comparatively cooler. Avoid these activities
during the afternoons, when the sun and
the heat are at peak levels.
If at all you need to work in the peak hot
hours, ensure you take water breaks
at regular intervals. Try to find shade
wherever possible.
Be aware
Educate yourself as to the disadvantages
of heat exposure, so you’re not caught
unawares. Read up about the place you’ll
be visiting, if you’re travelling. Carry
protective gear accordingly. If seniors and
children are travelling with you, try to
observe and recognise the problems they
might have, and be ready with the solution.
For example, a child not passing urine for
an extended time can mean dehydration,
and the child may require fluids with
electrolytes.
Use sun screen
Using a sunscreen should be a part of your
morning routine. Not only does it protect
against harmful UV rays, preventing
sunburn, it also acts as a moisturizer.
Selecting a sunscreen: It’s important to
select a sunscreen with maximum benefits