Summer is a time when many people go on trips.
The weather is nicer out, and often there is more to do. However, there are some specific health considerations that seniors need to keep in mind while traveling in the summer. Here are some tips on how to stay healthy during your summer travels:
#1) Move around during long trips – Whether you are in route or have reached your destination, make sure to move around on a regular basis.
Walking around as you travel will help to prevent the formation of DVT’s which are blood clots that can form in your legs if you are on long trips without walking around. These can become a serious, life-threatening problem. Make sure that you are active every couple hours while traveling to avoid this problem.
#2) Stay hydrated – Dehydration can be a very serious problem when traveling during the summer,
so make sure that you carry a water bottle with you or drink regularly on travel breaks. Seniors are especially susceptible to both winter and summer weather, so drink water as you travel this summer to avoid heat stroke and dehydration.
#3) Carry extra prescriptions – If you take several medications for different conditions, make sure that you carry extra medication and extra prescriptions for medication in your carry-on luggage in case you are stranded while traveling this summer.
#4) Make sure that hotel accommodations are senior-accessible – If you have trouble with stairs, make sure that the hotel accommodations that you make are suitable for you. Make sure you know where your room is located as well as services that you may need during your stay.
#5) Take a multivitamin – Depending on where you’re staying and what your funds are, you may or may not be able to have the most nutrient-rich foods while traveling. If this is the case, take a daily multivitamin so that you have the nutrition you need to avoid illness during your summer travels.
#6) Carry identification and medical information on your person – Important information to carry in your wallet or bag includes: a driver’s license, phone numbers of relatives, information about allergies and medical conditions, and any other relevant information. If you were to have a sudden medical emergency, this would help to identify you and give a fast medical history to any responders.
#7) Get enough sleep – Although there will be many things you want to do, make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to rest. This will help to keep you from becoming sick and will allow you to more fully enjoy your summer trip during the day.
#8) Wash your hands – Even though it is a very basic thing, washing your hands frequently can do a lot to prevent you from getting sick while traveling this summer. If you are staying in hotels and frequenting public places, you are coming into contact with a lot of germs from others. Washing your hands can prevent you from succumbing to illness as you travel this summer.
#9) Don’t overexert yourself – Prevention is the best medicine, so if you’re feeling tired, fatigued or short of breath, stop what you’re doing right away. There’s no reason to work yourself into a problem while traveling this summer, so just be aware of how you’re feeling and pay attention to your body.
About the Center at the Mall
Center at the Mall (CATM) is an exciting community center designed especially for adults 50 and older who want to have fun, stay healthy, and be active. The center, located inside the Beaver Valley Mall, provides a social atmosphere where members can enjoy a fitness center, nutritional lunches, trips, holiday celebrations, a WiFi café, and information on senior services. With over 6,000 members, CATM is the largest adult community center in Beaver County. The center is managed by Lutheran Service Society and funded by the Beaver County Office on Aging and the Pennsylvania Lottery.
To view June’s newsletter, click here
For more information about the Center at the Mall in Monaca, PA, please visit out website at http://www.centeratthemall.com/.