Staying Cool and Hydrated in Orlando/Winter Park
If you’ve lived in Florida for even a short time, it’s probably not a surprise to learn that the Sunshine State has the highest annual hospitalizations for heat-related illnesses in the country. While heat-related illness can affect people of any age, seniors have a higher risk of conditions like dehydration and heat stroke.
The good news is that many heat-related diseases are preventable as long as you know how to stay cool and hydrated while enjoying all the amazing activities Orlando and Winter Park offer.
Why Is Staying Cool And Hydrated Important?
Staying cool and hydrated in the Florida heat is the best prevention against heat-related conditions. Heat-related illnesses are conditions that affect the body because of external heat. A few common conditions include dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
- Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. It typically happens when people don’t drink enough water throughout the day and sweat heavily. Dehydration can cause dry mouth, fatigue, dark urine, and headaches.
- Heat exhaustion occurs when the body becomes excessively dehydrated. It typically causes headaches, nausea, dizziness, irritability, heavy sweating, and an elevated body temperature.
- Heat stroke is one of the most serious heat-related conditions. It happens when the body temperature hits 106 degrees, leading to confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and profuse sweating. Heat stroke can be fatal if you don’t seek medical attention immediately.
Tips To Stay Cool And Hydrated in Orlando/Winter Park
It’s possible to enjoy the Florida summers as long as you follow these quick tips to stay cool and hydrated.
Bring Water With Your Everywhere
Make water your go-to accessory this summer. Plenty of cute and functional water bottles are available at nearly every store. Find one that speaks to you, fill it up, and carry it everywhere. Simply having water around you will encourage you to drink more of it. And if you’re bored by water, try electrolyte packets to give it some flavor and minerals to help you stay hydrated.
Ask For Water
Orlando is home to many famous amusement parks, which are popular destinations for families, even in the summer heat. If you’re traveling to one of your favorite amusement parks, it’s important to stay hydrated. Buying bottled water every time you’re thirsty can be expensive. However, many quick-service and table-service restaurants throughout the parks offer free cups of water. The cups of water are small, but there are water refill stations throughout the parks to get more water.
Cooling Stations
When the summer heat is unbearable, and you’re looking for a cool place to relax, visit one of the Orlando cooling stations. A cooling station is a safe environment for people throughout Orlando and the surrounding communities who don’t have access to a heat-free space. Cooling stations are also helpful if you’re outside experiencing signs of dehydration or heat stroke and need a safe place to cool down.
Staying Cool And Hydrated With Visiting Angels
Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of Visiting Angels to ensure your safety, coolness, and confidence in the summer heat. Our professional caregivers will remind you to drink water, help you find high-water-content foods, locate cooling centers, and provide whatever other assistance you need to stay cool and hydrated in Orlando.
Outside of helping you beat the heat, Visiting Angels offers a wide selection of at-home care services to help seniors with household tasks like laundry, cooking, vacuuming, and light cleaning. Caregivers can also offer medication reminders or transportation to appointments.
Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn how our caregiving services can provide quality assistance to your life.