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Summer caregiving savvyBy Lisa M. PetscheAs a caregiver, it’s importantto be aware that summersun, heat and smog can beharmful to your relative’shealth. Seniors are atincreased risk of problems,some potentially fatal, due tonormal changes associatedwith aging, includingdecreased circulation and analtered sensation of thirst;chronic illness, such as heartor lung disease; medicationuse; and being significantlyunderweight or overweight.The following tips willhelp you protect your relative’shealth and keep him orher comfortable during thedog days of summer.• Try to avoid exposure tothe sun during its peak intensity,between 10am and 4pm.• Ensure your relative’soutdoor clothing provides asmuch coverage as possible.Choose pants and a longsleevedshirt that are loosefittingand made of a lightweight,tightly woven,breathable fabric.• A wide-brimmed hat isalso a must, as are sunglassesthat block out 100% of theultraviolet (UV) rays.• Use a sunscreen labeled“broad spectrum” – whichprotects against both UVAand UVB rays –with a sunprotection factor (SPF) of atleast 15, and not less than 30if your relative is fair-skinnedor you plan to be outsidemost of the day. Generouslyapply it 20 to 30 minutesbefore going outdoors. Coverall exposed areas, includingears, nose, neck, backs ofhands and tops of feet. Foreasy dispensing, use a refillablepump container.• Finish with a broadspectrum,SPF 15 lip balm.• Ensure any sunscreenyou buy has an expiry date;check it regularly and discardstale-dated products. Alwaysread and follow instructionson the label.• Seek a shaded area orcreate your own shade. Athome, use a patio umbrella,canopy or retractable awning,or have a permanent type ofshelter – such as a gazebo –Package includes:- Door insert kit- Safety seat- 2 grab bars- Non-slip tub basebuilt. Keep a beach umbrellaor portable shelter in thetrunk of your car.• Be aware that UV rayscan reach people in the shade,via reflection off water, sand,concrete and metal. Thereforealways use sunscreen as backupprotection. Harmful rayscan also penetrate skin oncloudy and hazy days.• If you must be in directsunlight, take frequent “shadebreaks.” Wear a watch andmonitor sun exposure.• Re-apply sunscreen everytwo hours – more often ifyour relative is sweating.• Consult your relative’sdoctor or pharmacist to findout if any of their medicationsmake them susceptibleto sunburn or heat-relatedillness, known as hyperthermia.If so, determine whatprecautions to take.BATHTUB CONVERSIONSSale price $1,650Save $480AFFORDABLE SAFE BATHINGMoxons Inc since 1992Phone 403-542-7032AdrianMoxon.com• If you don’t have an airconditioning unit, seriouslyconsider getting one, especiallyif you and your relativecan’t easily get out. Otherwise,plan to spend the hottest partof the day in a climate-controlledenvironment: either afriend or relative’s home, or apublic place such as a seniors’centre or shopping mall.• If you need to go out withyour relative, do so in themorning before the heatreaches its peak, or in theAugust 2013 – Kerby News – Page 25evening. Avoid situationsinvolving a crowd. If yourvehicle isn’t air conditioned,time trips and plan routes toavoid traffic congestion.Before getting in, open all thewindows or doors to let heatescape. Never leave your relativein your vehicle whiledoing errands, as heat canquickly build up to a dangerouslevel.• Whenever you go out,ensure your relative is wearingsturdy, comfortable shoesContinued on page 30Crossword Solution❑❑❑