After the long winter, the arrival of spring is here to rejuvenate us. It’s the perfect time for going outdoors to get some fresh air and sunshine. Spring is also a great time to do home safety check-ups and organize items to reduce the risks of falls and accidents. Continue reading to learn some essential spring safety tips you should keep in mind to keep yourself and your loved ones safe!
Expiry Dates
It’s the start of a brand new year! It’s time to update all of your medications, supplements, and vitamins and toss out any expired items. You should also go through your fridge to clean up expired or moldy food products as consuming them can cause you to fall sick. Instead, stock your fridge with healthy spring seasonal foods such as locally grown, fresh vegetables. By ensuring your nutritional needs are met, you’ll be able to stay healthy and energetic, allowing you to enjoy the spring activities you love.
Removing Clutter
In the same vein, it’s also time to do some spring cleaning and remove unnecessary clutter from your house. Make sure to keep walkways clean and remove all tripping hazards to reduce the risks of slips, trips, and falls. You should store the things you rarely use away and place frequently used items within easy reach. Removing clutter will improve your health as well as you’ll be able to breathe easier without the presence of dust, mold, and bacteria.
Bathroom Safety
Falls are one of the highest risks of injuries for retired adults. You should install grab balls along the walls of your bathroom as well as install non-slip mats. This will help to reduce the risks of falls. In addition, you can also get a raised toilet seat and automatic lights that turn on when you enter the bathroom.
Prepare for Allergies
Spring is the season that brings about allergic reasons due to all the pollen in the air. If you are allergic to pollen, be sure to wear sunglasses and a mask when you leave your home to protect your eyes and nose. In addition, you should also keep windows and doors closed when you are indoors to keep pollen from drifting in. You can also consult your physician regarding allergy medications and avoid those that will interact badly with your pre-existing medication and cause side effects.
Staying Safe Under The Sun
Spring brings with it warm, beautiful sunshine. Spending time outdoors in nature with the blooming flowers is one of the perks of spring. Other than providing relaxation and improving mood, sunlight can also provide vitamin D, and in turn, strengthen bones and reduce the risk of hip fractures, heart attacks, strokes, and more. However, it is important to wear sunscreen, long sleeves, a hat, and sunglasses to not overexpose yourself to the sun. Excessive sun exposure can result in skin discoloration, such as sunspots.
Stay Hydrated
If you go on walks outside or exercise outdoors, make sure to bring a water bottle with you as you will perspire a lot. Drinking lots of water will help you to avoid dehydration, especially if you’re a older adult who has diminished thirst perception.
