Tips for Staying Safe in the Fall
Now that we are in September, Autumn is just days away. With autumn comes colder temperatures, earlier darkness, cold and flu season, and new threats of falling and other health threats for senior citizens. medicalalertsystemreviews.com has recently published 5-steps to for in preparing for winter. With just a little planning you can make your senior autumn much safer.
#1 GET THE FLU VACCINE
The CDC recommends to get the vaccine by the end of October to maximize its effectiveness. The are 2-types of flu vaccines for seniors, visit with your care provider about which is best for you.
#2 BE AWARE OF TRIPPING HAZARDS
Colder weather often causes stiffer joints in older people. The stiffness makes getting around more difficult as well as weakening balance. The hazards are varied from frozen ground that is slicker, the fallen leaves can be slippery when wet, or even cover up icy sidewalks, and iced-over walks and driveways. Keep your walk and driveway free of leaves, sprinkle kitty-litter on slick walks and driveways. And limit walking outside in the dark to a minimum. These simple measures can greatly reduce the risk of falls and injury.
#3 STAY WARM
Aging raises the risk of hypothermia. This lowering of the body’s core temperature can be lethal for seniors if it goes on for an extended time. Those over 60 and on medication for diseases such as diabetes are at an even greater risk. When venturing out dress in layers of loose-fitting warm clothes and wear a hat. Keep your indoor temperature no lower than 68 degrees F.
#4 PROTECT YOUR SKIN.
Most indoor heating systems dry-out the air. Couple the lack of moisture with the thinner skin of the elderly and you have great potential for the skin to crack and tear, that may cause infections. Drink plenty of fluids, eat soup, use lotions and creams regularly on the skin, and use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air.
#5 ELIMINATE FIRE RISKS
Replace the cords on any electrical appliances that are frayed or cracked. Move space heaters well away from any and all flammable substances and fabrics. Autumn is a great time to replace the batteries in your fire and carbon-monoxide alarms.
