Summer has officially arrived, and so has the heat! During these current heatwaves, it's essential to keep you and your loved ones safe. Hot temperatures can be dangerous for anybody, but you should be extra cautious with the youth and elderly in your family. In our blog today, we'll be sharing our guide on how to stay well in the summer sun.

1) Stay Hydrated

A simple yet life-saving tip! The most essential thing everybody should be doing in the hot weather is to drink water and plenty of it. However, we understand that for older loved ones or those with dementia, drinking a plentiful amount of water each day can be a struggle.

You can encourage someone to have a drink simply by having some water with them! Or add some slices of fruit to make it fun. Drinking plenty of water doesn't just protect you from the risks of heat exhaustion; it can also help your joints and digestive system.

2) Spot The Signs

In this heat, it's very common for people to fall ill from too much exposure to the temperature or the sun. It's a good idea to keep yourself aware of the signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion, as these can be very dangerous for elderly folks.

Common signs of dehydration can include increased fatigue, light-headedness or dizziness, confusion, and unsteadiness when moving. For heat exhaustion, look out for headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and excessive sweating. If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, don't hesitate to call a doctor or other healthcare services.

3) Apply Sun Cream

Another essential tip in our guide! Applying sun cream regularly in the summer can protect you from being sunburnt, which can lead to conditions such as skin cancer. Even when it's cloudy outside, you should always make sure to apply sun cream as the harsh UV rays can still reach you through the clouds.

Always be sure to bring a bottle of sun cream with you on any day out or journey throughout the summer, and regularly top up during the day. Remember to apply sun cream to your face, nose, and neck as well as the rest of your body.

4) Keep Cool

It's also a key tip to stay cool during the summer, you can do this in many ways! For one, stay in the shade when outside. If you're out with friends and family, be sure to walk or sit in the shade to avoid overheating. You should also wear light clothing, like a t-shirt and shorts, you could even wear a summery hat for some protective style!

Keep fans around your house and open up windows to get a breeze flowing through. For those with pets, be sure to look out for them too as our furry companions can struggle in this heat too.

5) Avoid Direct Sunlight

Finally, the last tip in our guide, avoid direct sunlight! The sun is at its highest and hottest between 12PM and 3PM, during this time it is better to stay indoors or at least in shaded areas with plenty of water and sun cream. If you're someone who enjoys a good stroll, its best to go early in the mornings or later in the day when the sun is lower and the temperatures are cooler.

And with that, we've concluded our summer wellness guide! We hope you found it useful. Remember to look out for your friends, family and neighbours during the summer season especially during heatwaves. Together we can keep cool and enjoy the long sunny days!