Summer Sun Safety Month falls in August as it’s often the hottest month of the year in many areas. Your dad loves to spend time outside, but you worry about him being out in the sun. Here are the facts you need to know about staying safe in the sun and how senior home care can help.
Sunscreen Is Essential
Your dad needs to wear sunscreen. A broad-spectrum product is essential to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for one that’s 35 SPF or higher.
The amount of sunscreen you wear matters. You have to use a lot of it. Take a shot glass and fill it with sunscreen. That’s how much should be applied to the skin when you’re outside. If your dad isn’t using that much, make sure he increases the amount he uses.
If your dad refuses to wear sunscreen because he thinks it feels greasy, purchase UV-blocking clothing. It’s lightweight clothing that blocks sunlight from reaching your skin. You can get UV-blocking shirts, pants, jackets, and shorts. Add a hat to protect the face and ears.
90% of Skin Aging Is Caused by Sun Damage
As you age, your skin’s collagen production slows down. But, sun damage causes 90% of your skin’s aging issues. It’s the reason you see sun spots, dark patches, and dry, flaky skin. Moisturizer can help, but it can’t reverse the damage that’s already happened.
To keep your dad’s skin as healthy as possible, apply an unscented moisturizer when his skin is still wet from the shower. Allow his skin to air dry when possible.
20% of Adults 70 or Older Have Skin Cancer
By the age of 70, 20% of adults have been diagnosed with skin cancer. When caught early, it’s a survivable cancer. See a dermatologist every year to have your moles and skin inspected for signs of skin cancer. If anything is spotted, a biopsy is a quick outpatient procedure that can determine if it’s cancer or not. Senior home care can provide transportation to and from important doctor appointments.
Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydration is common, especially in older adults who may not recognize the signs of thirst. Your dad needs to drink a cup of water every hour or two. If he has a hard time keeping track, look for water bottles that have flashing lights and beeps to alert him that he needs to drink more water.
If he is dehydrated, he may have chapped lips, a dry mouth, and dizziness. Confusion and fatigue are other common indicators of dehydration in older adults.
Is it time to make sure your dad has someone to supervise him on sunny days? Senior home care is one of the best ways to ensure someone is there to remind your dad to seek shade, go inside for a while, or have more water. Arrange senior home care services today by making a call.
Sources:
https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
If you are considering senior home care in Paw Paw, MI, for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at Fresh Perspective Home Care at (269) 329-4717. We are here to help!
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