Protecting your skin in the summer sun

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Taking good care of your skin is important no matter what your age, where you live, or what your skin tone. We typically see tanned skin as a ‘healthy glow’, but a tan is actually the result of skin damage. A layer of your skin has been cooked, as it were. Sunscreen is crucial to keep a person looking young and healthy.

Babies shouldn’t wear sunscreen until they are at least six months old – until then, a wide-brim hat, long-sleeved shirt and pants if the weather’s not too hot, and a seat in the shade are safest. After six months of age, babies and children should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays.

Start with an SPF of at least 30. Apply liberally to face and body, and don’t forget those often-missed spots: tops of ears, back of the neck and legs, and the tops of hands and feet. Even your scalp could use some sunscreen, if you’re not wearing a hat. Check the label to see how long a time period you have before you need to reapply, and don’t forget to reapply after swimming or strenuous activity.

Sun-block is the best choice for the face, since it tends to tan or burn most easily. Sun-block typically stays on the skin better than sunscreen, but there are lots of sunscreens that are water-proof and sweat-proof. There are many different formulas available as well, such as lotions, creams, sprays, mousses, gels, and sticks.

Using sun protection all year round is your best defense against premature aging and the threat of skin cancer.

Staying healthy as a senior

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Over 50 percent of seniors in the care of others are at risk for being under- or malnourished, according to the Mayo Clinic and American Dietetic Association. Malnutrition isn’t defined as a lack of food, but instead the lack of proper nutrition. In many cases, malnutrition can be especially difficult to detect. Some seniors even eat plenty, but happen to be eating the wrong foods to keep themselves healthy. With the aid of Comfort Keepers senior in-home care, seniors are helped to live healthy, independent lives. That’s why Comfort Keepers has created a campaign to speak about senior nutrition.

Just as seniors age and change, their nutritional needs change as well. Keeping them properly fed and healthy makes a real difference in their quality of life. Comfort Keepers wants caregivers and family members to be aware of ways to monitor the nutrition of seniors in your care. Here are some tips to avoid malnutrition in your elder loved ones:

  1. – Watch out for health issues such as slow wound healing, easy bruising and dental problems.
  2. – Keep track of any weight loss. Purchase a home scale for a senior’s household to monitor weight daily.
  3. – Pay close attention to seniors’ eating habits and ask them to tell you where and when they eat, but don’t rely on self-reports alone. Since Comfort Keepers® often spend mealtimes with seniors at home, they may have a better idea of normal eating habits.
  4. – Suggest family members visit during mealtimes which can improve how much a senior eats. If a senior lives alone, make sure you know who is buying his or her food.

For more information about senior nutrition, check out these Senior Information Articles.