Stay hydrated Dehydration can happen quickly. Plus, you’re at greater risk of it if you have a condition such as diabetes or if you take certain medications.
Here are common signs of it:
• Extreme thirst • Less-frequent urination or dark urine • Dizziness, confusion, or extreme fatigue
Keep your cool Take these steps when going outside:
• Drink liquids — the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that men drink 15.5 cups of water a day, and women drink 11.5 cups a day • Avoid caffeine and alcohol — both can make you dehydrated • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-colored, loose clothing • Apply lots of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on all bare skin • Stay inside in the afternoon, when the sun is the hottest Guard against skin cancer Direct sun exposure can cause cancer, including melanoma. “Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that’s more likely to occur in older people,” says Matt Flory of the American Cancer Society. “That’s why it’s important to be aware of changes in your skin as you grow older.” Flory says to check for newmoles (or changes to old ones) and unusual skin growths. If you see something, show it to your doctor right away.
Tess Langfus is an Eden Prairie-based freelance writer.
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