Labor Day Safety Tips for Seniors in Lafayette, CO

Have you ever felt light-headed in the summer heat? Do you find yourself worried about injuries when attending an event around Labor Day? Are you concerned that the barbecue food may have been left out too long?

All of these are valid precautions surrounding Labor Day festivities. For seniors in Lafayette, CO, safe holiday planning is crucial for an enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

In this guide, we'll explore Labor Day safety tips, senior health tips, and seasonal precautions. Let's dive in.

Always Carry a First Aid Kit

A portable first aid kit is invaluable in case any sort of urgent medical need arises. An accidental cut or minor grill burn can easily be managed with access to the right tools.

Your first aid kit should include essentials such as the following:

• Bandages and dressings
• Antiseptic wipes and ointment
• Cold compresses
• A breathing barrier
• Nonlatex gloves in a universal size
• Gauze pads
• Medical tape
• Hydrocortisone ointment or cream
• Emergency contact information
• Prescription medications
• Tweezers
• An oral thermometer
• Aspirin and other over-the-counter medications
• An emergency blanket

All guests or members of your party should know the location of the first aid kit, as well as its contents. It is also important to recognize when someone needs medical attention beyond what the first aid kit can offer.

For seniors, especially those in assisted living, a minor injury could potentially turn serious. Pay attention to your body if you are injured. When in doubt, visit your local urgent care or emergency room.

Practice Food Safety

Barbecues and block parties are staples of successful Labor Day celebrations. However, seasonal precautions may be necessary for food that has been left out in the heat.

Ensure you have access to coolers or other cold storage options, such as refrigerators, for leftovers. Keep an eye out for signs of food spoilage, such as unpleasant smells.

When in doubt, throw it out. It is better to waste a few dollars on uneaten food than to spend hundreds, or even thousands, dealing with foodborne illnesses.

Stay Hydrated

Kettering Health reports that the vast majority of Americans do not drink enough water. During the summer months, when you are more likely to engage in activities and temperatures rise, access to hydration is necessary for your health.

If you cannot seem to drink enough water, invest in a reusable water bottle. Many brands have designs that are tailored to a variety of tastes, so you can choose the pattern, color scheme, and size that fits your individual needs.

Ensure you consistently keep your water bottle full. If you see a drinking fountain or filling station, top off your water bottle so you always have a full bottle to drink from.

Electrolyte Packets for Hydration

For an extra hydration boost, consider putting flavored electrolyte packets into your water. They come in many different flavors, making your drink more enticing and encouraging you to sip more water during the day.

Signs of Dehydration

Even if you feel like you are consuming enough water, you must be aware of the symptoms of dehydration. Dehydration can easily lead to heat exhaustion, or in worse cases, heatstroke.

Some of the signs of dehydration include:

• Pale, clammy skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Extreme thirst
• Dark urine
• Excessive sweating

If you or another individual is suffering from dehydration, seek shade as quickly as possible. Take small sips of water, preferably at room temperature, to help it circulate in your system more quickly. Rest and relax until you feel like you are fully recovered, then re-engage in activities gradually.

Stay Indoors When Necessary

Although a sunny day may be tempting, too much exposure to high temperatures and UV rays can have detrimental effects on your health. If it's too hot outside, it may be wise to retreat indoors until temperatures cool.

Plan activities for earlier or later in the day, rather than the time when the sun is at its peak. You can enjoy the cooler weather and not have to worry as much about heat-related illnesses or sunburns.

Keep pets indoors as well. Avoid allowing them on hot pavement or blacktop, as this can burn their paws. For dogs, shift walk times to either the morning or the evening.

Be Mindful of Medication

As you age, you are likely to need more prescription medications. There are many considerations you must take surrounding medication and holidays such as Labor Day:

• Watch your alcohol intake: Some medications react badly when combined with alcohol, so if there is an alcohol advisory, avoid drinking or limit your consumption.
• Take medicines at the appropriate time: Always adhere to your medication regimen, even when out with loved ones during the holiday weekend.
• Keep emergency medicine accessible: Have emergency medications on hand in case you or someone else needs them.
• Be wary of heat reactions: Some medications cause exacerbated side effects or reactions to higher temperatures, which can increase the risk of heat-related illness or complications.

Regularly Apply Sunscreen

Even if it is cloudy outside, sunblock should remain a staple in your self-care regimen. Harmful UV rays can penetrate through clouds, causing sunburn and increasing the risk of conditions such as skin cancer.

Once you find a formula that suits your needs, reapply it as recommended, typically every two hours. You may need to reapply more frequently if you engage in water activities or sweat excessively.

Keep These Labor Day Safety Tips in Mind

While Labor Day celebrations are a fun and festive way to end the summer, it is important to consider everyone's health and well-being. With these Labor Day safety tips, you can focus on heralding the end of summer in style.

At The Peaks at Old Laramie Trail, senior wellness and holiday safety are paramount to keeping our residents happy and fulfilled. With exclusive programs such as Vibrant Life® and Elevate® Dining, as well as amenities like beautiful outdoor spaces and an on-site hair salon, we're committed to maintaining the dignity and quality of life of our residents.

Would you like to spend your next Labor Day in our community? Contact us today to learn more, or visit our stunning campus in Lafayette, CO, to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!