I don't know where you are… but here in Arizona, we are dealing with some seriously intense summer heat. Our local power company seems to break records every year with power demand… now that's hot!
Guess all of our air conditioners are running at full power here in the valley, I know mine is! When I do venture outside I have these reminders running through my mind:
Drink plenty of fluids! You need to stay hydrated.
Put on a hat! (If you didn't know I am bald as it gets!) Now is not the time to get careless!
Sunburn hurts! How is your aloe vera supply?
The heat isn't all bad though. It gives us a chance to go explore new places we wouldn't otherwise had a reason to go visit. Like a day trip for a picnic up to the mountains or rim country, Payson is beautiful this time of year…
It's not just the heat we're still dealing with, but also late monsoon rains could appear. If hiking, stay out of dry creek beds and caverns as it could be raining miles away but the flash flood could affect you!
Make the best of these next few weeks and get the kids and grandkids out on a few extra outings while you still can!
Stay safe and hold on for another month or two before we start getting cooler temperatures. Until next month…
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's heat safety advice is spot-on, especially for us Arizona folks. Let's take a look at this together from a retiree's perspective. Many people over 65 don't realize that age affects how our bodies handle extreme heat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that older adults are at higher risk for heat-related illness because our bodies don't adjust to temperature changes as quickly as they used to.
Here's something most people are surprised to learn: if you're on Medicare, your annual wellness visit can include discussing heat safety with your doctor, especially if you take medications that affect how your body regulates temperature. Think of it this way - a quick conversation during your Medicare-covered checkup could prevent a costly emergency room visit during Phoenix's brutal summer months.
One question that comes up all the time is whether air conditioning costs will strain a fixed retirement income. Arizona's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help qualified seniors with cooling costs, and many utility companies offer special rate plans for customers over 65. A little preparation today can make those summer months much more comfortable.