The heat has arrived in Phoenix! Arizona summers are no joke when it comes to the heat. With temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees, it is important to take steps to protect yourself, especially as you age.
Too much time in the heat can be dangerous for anyone but it can actually shorten the life expectancy of someone with a chronic medical condition.
If this is your first summer in Arizona, there are a few things you should do to keep yourself cool.
Know the weather before you leave your house.
Even early in the morning or late at night, temperatures in the Valley can be dangerous. If you plan to be outdoors for an extended period of time, be sure you check the weather forecast so you can plan ahead.
Get started with outdoor activities early in the day.
The sun rises early during the summer and during those first few hours of sunlight, the temperatures are much more mild. You should plan to wrap up any time outdoors by about 10 a.m.
You can still connect with friends and family by meeting up for a movie or going to a restaurant. Spending time at the pool can also help you get outdoors and stay cool.
Plan ahead with plenty of sunscreen, sun glasses and water.
As we age it’s common to experience vision loss or notice a few extra spots on our skin but too much sun can add to and accelerate the problem.
Your best defense against high temperatures is water.
Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and having a few bottles of water with you in your purse or car in case of emergencies.
It’s always a good idea to stay connected to neighbors and friends but it is even more important during the hot summer months.
A broken or inefficient air conditioner in your home in the Valley can be deadly but your body may not notice the temperature shift right away. It’s helpful to have someone plan regular visits to your home so they can be aware of any changes you might not have noticed.
Dry skin, heavy breathing, nausea and fainting are all signs of hyperthermia and heat exhaustion.
If you feel any of these symptoms or notice them in others, it is important to seek help right away. Get to a cool place and sip water slowly.
Diane “Dee” Lee Insurance, is an experienced licensed insurance agent and representative providing Medicare (parts A and B), supplemental Medicare, Medicare Advantage (part C) and Medicare Prescription (part D) plans. Diane Dee Lee Insurance also provides healthcare plans to cover dental vision, hospital stays and more. Serving as a Medicare Broker in Deer Valley, Peoria, Glendale, the Phoenix-metro area, as well as the counties of Pima, Pinal, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Apache, Navajo, Maricopa and Yavapai. Licensed and appointed with multiple insurance carriers, Dee is available to meet in person (with necessary social distancing guidelines) or virtually. Please call (623) 251-6612 or email dleeski@reagan.com