How to Prepare for the Summer Months and How PlanEnroll Can Help

Summer is officially underway, and seniors everywhere are eager to head outside and enjoy the longer days and warmer weather. However, summer can also bring a number of health risks if you aren’t careful!

While we aren’t doctors, we understand how important is it during the summer months to stay safe and healthy.

Here are a few tips to help you live an active, healthy lifestyle this summer.

Stay safe outside: 

Summer tends to bring people outside to enjoy the fresh air and warm sun. This can do you and your health a lot of good! Unfortunately, being outside for too long while exposed to the sun and nature isn’t always a good thing. Make sure to wear sunscreen and a hat to shield your eyes and face, wear bug spray to protect against disease-carrying insects like mosquitos and take breaks indoors where you can rest and cool off.

Exercise safely: 

Most seniors should be exercising a little bit every day for balance, strength, immunity and overall wellbeing. Taking a walk, jog, bike ride or swim in the summer allows you to take advantage of the nice weather and change of scenery. For those who may not feel comfortable with strenuous exercise, gentle workouts using resistance bands or light weights and senior-focused yoga are also great options. However, be mindful of how long you’re outside and be careful to replenish your body with water, electrolytes and nutrients. It’s generally safer to exercise outdoors in the early morning or in the evening to avoid harsh sun and heat.

Drink water: 

Seniors are at a higher risk of dehydration because their bodies don’t retain water as easily. When the weather heats up, it’s important that you drink lots of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and healthy. If you find that you forget to drink, try setting alarms to serve as reminders.

Dress cool: 

Higher temperatures and the blazing summer sun can put seniors at risk for heat stroke, or hyperthermia. Make sure you’re dressing appropriately for the weather with lighter, cooler fabrics and short sleeves. If you feel fatigued or faint, develop a headache and a rapid pulse or begin to feel nauseous, seek shelter in a cool place and call for medical help.

Enjoy some air conditioning:

Air conditioning is our friend in the summer, helping prevent our homes from feeling like ovens. However, if you don’t have air conditioning at home, you still have options for keeping cool. To help combat the heat, many cities and communities offer community centers of senior centers with air conditioning and fun activities to beat the heat and make new friends.

Visit your doctor: 

Summer is also a great time to stay on top of your health! People with chronic health conditions or who take prescription medications should be mindful of how the heat can impact them. Even if you don’t have a health condition, now is a good time to do routine health screenings and annual exams to ensure you’re healthy heading into fall.

PlanEnroll is here to help

Because the summer season can increase your risk of health complications, it’s important to understand your healthcare benefits. We are here to help! We can explain your current coverage and help you determine if it is meeting your needs.

PlanEnroll represents a range of Medicare plans beyond Medicare A and B, so you can be sure that you have the benefits you want and need. Not sure if you have the benefits that you’re eligible for? Contact us today to learn more about your options and have a safe and healthy summer.

This article is not intended as medical advice and should not be taken as such. You should always consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program and follow your physician’s directions regarding spending time outside and hydration needs. Our desire is for you to have a healthy and happy summer, and no one knows your specific needs like you and your physician. Please contact them if you have any seasonal health questions.

PlanEnroll is a brand operated by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC, and used by its affiliated licensed insurance agencies that are certified to sell Medicare products. PlanEnroll is not endorsed by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), or any other government agency.