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Pack Your Car for Travel in Extreme Heat

Are you going to travel in extreme heat?

Do not neglect to pack your car for travel in extreme heat. Even a short trip in 90-100 degree weather calls wise for planning.

Temperatures in 70s outside could mean 90-100 in a very few minutes in a stalled car.

Be prepared to wait safely in the heat for help when there is no shade.

How will you protect any elderly or small children with you from heat stroke? Do you know the signs of suffering a heat stroke? Learn what to watch for and how to be of help to those in need.

In winter we pack extra clothing, blankets, ice scrapers and such. In all seasons we need a first aid kit and roadside emergency lights. Here is a simple list of summer extras to prepare you for extreme heat travel.

Drinking water: everyone should sip on water even if not thirsty. Even mild dehydration increases cardiac work and reduces fluid available for bodily functions.
Large jugs or containers of water; cooling feet and hands in water will pull body temperature down quickly. Note the picture: the cows naturally seek shade and water to cool off in hot summer!
Small towels and cloths to dampen and put on neck and shoulders. Pack a small basin to put feet in water and spray bottles to spritz water on faces to cool.
Umbrellas: necessary especially if you are caught out in the open air with no breeze or shade available. Reminder: the goal is to get everyone outside the hot vehicle until help arrives.
Pack extra comfortable shoes, lightweight clothing, wide-brimmed hats and sweat bands. Lightly colored cotton or linen fabrics retain less heat.
Hand or battery operated fans are helpful to cool you off temporarily. However, keep in mind, some sweating is a good thing when it’s hot. It’s our body’s way of cooling us down. (No fans? Simply make sure you have some cardboard or card stock paper to use.)
Sun shields for car windows to block out heat when temperatures allow you to stay inside vehicle. NOTE: Always use window shades to protect small children in the back seat. Never leave any child unattended in a vehicle, even for a few moments.
Snacks should be “cooling foods.” Fresh, raw foods like vegetables and fruit provide extra hydration; heavier foods such as meats and protein-heavy foods can increase metabolic heat production and add to loss of water.

Good to remember: in hot summer months, smaller meals help keep your core temperature down. Large meals cause the body to work harder. Eating spicy peppers actually help cool you off by making you sweat and providing a cooling sensation.

Thanks for listening; be sure to share with others and comment on this post.

Hugs,

Here are more tips on helping the elderly keep cool in their homes from the National Center on Caregiving.

Summer Family Activities Tips for Older Adults

Enjoy summer family activities with these tips for older adults!

Like me, you probably slowed a bit; perhaps you can’t participate in everything, but there is hope if you lower the barriers and plan ahead.

Six years ago daughter Laura and I trudged Branson Hills exploring every corner of Silver Dollar City’s Theme Park. As she vacationed this week from California, it was the one thing she asked to do again.

She, more agile and fit as ever; and me, not so much! Health issues, weight, and inactivity had taken their toll. So, while I dreamed big dreams for the day, I knew it would not happen. Well, at least not in the way it did years ago.

God provided great weather for the most fantastic summer family time ever because we went prepared. I trust these helpful tips will help you survive theme parks and other summer family activities as your personal lifestyle and abilities change.

Be honest with yourself and your family. Plan to go, but go with a plan. Picture yourself in that situation; what can you do? What do you need? Rent a scooter? Bring a walker or cane? Extra water or ready snacks? Medicines? Clothing?
Know your limitations. Your personal enjoyment (survival) will depend largely on knowing your limitations. If you barely motivate your local grocery once a week, don’t expect to do more walking in a busy theme park. (Check out the park website and you’ll quickly understand #3 below.)
Set your boundaries early. If you are familiar with the venue, think about what you can actually do and enjoy. Realize the entire park may not be an option for you. Laura and I sat together on a shaded bench just inside the park gate. As we sipped on a cold drink. I told her which part I could do comfortably; and where I could be found. She was free to explore and enjoy hours of fun and shopping.
Find a few things you can do together. Laura joined me singing hymns in the Old Country Church. Later we had a freshly baked roll and coffee under the rose arbor. She would be gone a few hours at a time while I scoured the shops on top of the hill; listened to bands in the gazebo; and had time to meet some wonderful people from other states as they stopped to rest on the park benches.
Probably the most important of all—keep your focus on your family and friends, not on your limitations. Be thankful for one more opportunity to enjoy those special gifts from God–your family. Take time in the quiet to praise Him for family, friends, freedoms and choices.

Let me know how you are adjusting to life and the daily changes aging brings. I really do enjoy your comments. Praying for you a blessed summer indeed!

Hugs,

THANK YOU to those who use the buttons below to share this post with others by tweeting, linkedin, etc. I appreciate you encouraging others in this way.

How to Freeze Fresh Vegetables

Learn how to freeze fresh vegetables and take advantage of summer’s bounty and farmer’s markets..

Learn how to freeze fresh vegetables and eliminate waste. Often we stock up on fresh produce, and our meal plans are changed, leaving us with wasted food.

Many vegetables can be frozen fresh.

Corn on the cob, green and red peppers, onions, celery, whole tomatoes, garlic, herbs and other vegetables can be frozen as is. The key to all frozen foods is to package in air-tight containers to avoid freezer burn.

These foods generally need blanching before freezing.

Greens (remove tough stems), peas, squash, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, cabbage, green beans, and asparagus are some of the vegetables that should be blanched before freezing. Click here for an informative article on blanching foods.

Fruits or vegetables are better when frozen freshly picked, not withered or stale.

Your freezer needs to be around zero degrees for best results. Here are just a few vegetables good for freezing.Be sure foods that will be frozen with peelings on are washed and dried thoroughly before freezing.

Consider how the foods will be used later.

Veggies you will cook together in casseroles and soups can be chopped and frozen together. Cover with liquid to protect from freezer burn. Thaw and prepare as usual..

Corn can be frozen in the husk for best results. Freeze individually and then put into a freezer bag.
Squash is certainly in abundance throughout the growing season. If you are making breads, shred several kinds together and store in airtight bags or bowls. To use later in casseroles or soups, peel and chunk squash and sauté with onion and garlic before freezing. Cut large squash in chunks and steam before freezing.
Peppers can be chopped in small pieces and frozen. Lay them onto a cookie sheet in freezer to freeze, and then fill freezer bag or container. Peppers can also be frozen whole. When ready to use, cut off desired amount and keep rest in freezer. Thaw slightly before slicing.
Tomatoes can be chopped up and frozen. They can also be frozen whole. The skin will slide off easily after a few minutes of thawing.
Corn, peas, green beans and other vegetables that hold up well in cooking will generally freeze well, too.

Have fun, eat healthy, and enjoy!

While you are here, look for more tips under the health tab.