Midwest City, OK, is hosting the exciting Tribute to Liberty again this year. This Fourth of July event brings locals together for fireworks displays, fun activities, live music, and more.
The problem is that Midwest City's average summer temperatures range between the upper 80s to mid 90s. Add humidity to that, and you've got the potential for serious health concerns for people of all ages.
We're here to help you prevent common safety issues so you can enjoy your festivities with ease. Keep reading to learn about our top Fourth of July safety tips for seniors!
If you want to enjoy safe July 4th events and activities, you need to learn how to prevent the risk of overheating. Midwest City is notorious for high levels of humidity that can turn a pleasant, warm day into an overwhelming scorcher.
Your first step is to consider your clothing choices for the day.
Pick clothing that's thin and loose on your body to allow for better sweat production and airflow. Avoid synthetic materials like polyester and opt for natural fibers like cotton and linen. They're naturally moisture-wicking and breathable, which can assist in keeping you cool throughout the day.
Another thing to think about is planning breaks between your activities. Have a few places in mind where you can go to cool down, rehydrate, and relax.
Even popping into a store with air conditioning for ten minutes can do wonders in preventing heat exhaustion.
Fourth of July holiday precautions for seniors with sensory sensitivities can be difficult. Even before an explosive fireworks display, this holiday can be a full day of noise, cheering, music, and lights.
The key is to control your sensory intake as much as possible. Make sure to bring items such as:
Don't forget to take breaks when necessary and sit further away from louder activities.
Did you know the CDC reports that around 18% of seniors don't protect their skin from the sun at all? Without these precautions, you're putting yourself at risk for skin cancer and other skin-related issues.
Even if the Fourth of July is a cloudy one this year, it's still important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. You can easily do this by using these tactics:
With high temperatures and high humidity comes the risk of dehydration. It's easy to forget to drink enough water even on a regular day. When you're busy with senior-friendly Independence Day activities and events, drinking water is often the last thing on your mind.
A good way to remind yourself to drink enough is to set an alarm to go off every hour or so. Taking a few gulps of water during these alerts can help offset all the liquids you're losing through sweat.
Make sure you bring enough water to last you throughout the whole day -- or plan out where you can refill your supply when you run out.
When it comes to memory care safety tips, your best line of defense is other people who can help when necessary. It's better to go as a group so you can rely on one another for help.
The group you celebrate with must understand the situation so that they can keep you safe no matter which activities you participate in.
If you ever start to feel overwhelmed, you can trust that they know what to expect and how to help alleviate the situation. This is why it's important to ask a loved one or a care provider to come with you.
Plus, it's always more fun to celebrate a holiday with other people.
Certain medications can have effects on your body that you might not realize. Sensitivity to the sun, for example, is a common side effect that often goes unremarked.
It's vital to your safety to know if your current medication has any effects that'll affect your time in the sun and heat. Before the holiday arrives, go through your medicine list or ask your doctor so you can prepare accordingly.
Another pivotal part of assisted living summer safety is the idea of listening to your body and its needs. You don't want to ignore signs of exhaustion or dehydration. They can quickly turn into serious health risks if ignored for too long.
Take note of your body throughout the day.
If you start to feel tired, relax and find something hearty to eat. If you feel too warm or out of breath, sit out of the sun -- preferably somewhere with air conditioning -- and drink some water.
Short breaks like these can rejuvenate you so you can enjoy your next Fourth of July activity to the fullest.
Even with all of these precautions, emergencies can still happen. Although they can be frightening and sudden, the good news is that you can prepare for them. This helps mitigate the situation and can provide comfort for everyone involved.
When planning for your Fourth of July celebration, make sure to bring:
With these things nearby, you and your loved ones can be prepared for anything that might try to interrupt your holiday.
Sometimes the best way to ensure safety is to join a supportive senior community that can balance these Fourth of July safety tips for you. They'll take on the safety aspect so you can focus on having a wonderful holiday.
Morada Midwest City is a local Oklahoma senior community that offers a variety of floor plans, amenities, activities, and dining plans, all with your safety in mind. We work with you to provide caring support that aims to enhance your lifestyle without controlling it.
Contact us today, and we'll schedule a tour for you to visit our thriving Midwest City community!