During the warm, sunny days of summer, older adults are at an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. During extreme heat, stay indoors, stay as cool as possible and drink plenty of clear fluids. Avoid drinking alcohol and wearing tight fitting clothing. A symptoms of too much heat is swollen feet and ankles. More serious symptoms are dizziness, fainting, a change in behavior, dry, flushed skin and a lack of perspiration. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 and apply cold wet cloths to armpits, neck and groin area. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

When the responsibility of home ownership becomes overwhelming, it may be a good time to sell the family home. Today’s seniors have the option to live in beautiful surroundings where their independence is respected but assistance is available if required. Say goodbye to the responsibilities of grocery shopping, preparing meals, cleaning and maintenance and say hello to chef prepared meals and snacks, weekly housekeeping, 24 hour emergency response, access to wonderful amenities and lots of recreation and activities. Begin looking for options BEFORE you have to and be sure to try a meal before making your final decision.

Have you ever worn socks that were too tight around the calf and left an ugly red welt? Or the ones that fall down and work their way under your foot? Traditional cotton socks hold water and leave feet clammy and wet and not smelling very nice. Wearing the right socks make a difference in your day. Look for socks that have a soft touch top and an ergonomic y-heel that keeps the heel from slipping or socks that guard against blisters with moisture resistance and anti-bacterial protection. Voxxlife socks with HPT technology can also provide stability, support and increased balance.

If tasting something hot or cold is painful on your teeth, you may suffer from sensitive teeth. It is a common problem that may be caused by worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root. Tooth enamel protects the crowns of healthy teeth and cementum protects the tooth root under the gum line. When the dentin that is underneath the enamel and cementum loses its protective covering, hot, cold, acidic or sticky foods reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth causing hypersensitivity. Following proper oral hygiene helps prevent the gums from receding and causing the pain of sensitive teeth.

In Canada, over 4.5 million individuals play a role in caring for elderly family members. Caregiver stress and burnout is a real issue. If you find yourself in a caregiving position, be honest about how much care you can realistically provide. While most caregivers want to be present 24/7, this is impossible while juggling other family and career responsibilities. Reach out for help available in the community. Today’s caregivers deserve respect and gratitude. Whether motivated by love, duty or simply a selfless desire to help others, they play an invaluable role in the care of our senior population.