Summer fun and being disabled
The able bodied think little about changes in weather and how that effects how to play outside. As temperatures rise, the disabled have to keep track of their internal temperature since many of us do not sweat properly. In the summer heat it is easy to fly into the heat stroke temperatures before any danger signs crop up. In swimming pools it can be even more dangerous because water carries temperature changes much faster than air. Also, it is very easy to get sunburns in pools because of the light magnification under water. While being outside sounds like fun, the disabled are almost forced to go to indoor pools where the environment is air conditioned and the pool temperature is controlled much better than anything outside. Even if you plan to spend more time outside the pool it is imperative that sun tan lotion with a high SPF number be used. Spending large amounts of time indoors almost guarantees that you will get a sunburn unless you monitor how much time is spent in the sun. It would be a good idea to bring someone along to watch your body in case sunburn starts on a place that you have no feeling. Considerable damage can happen in 15 minutes that could compound into a pressure sore if the sunburn is on your back or buttocks.
It is no fun staying inside all the time, but making sure you are safe from sunburns and other skin damage can mean the difference between a fun summer vs. weeks spent in the hospital burn ward. Family get together are the fastest way to get into trouble as everyone is outside and running around without hats or umbrellas to keep the sun at bay. Staying under shade and using a good sun tan lotion are both excellent insurance policies against trouble. Even if you are not directly in the sun, do not stay out more than the maximum time for your sun tan lotion. Sunburns can occur from any source of sunlight, it just takes longer to get past what your lotion will protect you from. Also remember that fooling around in the pool or with a hose will wash off that run tan lotion that you carefully spread on your body. That means that there are areas that now have little or no protection.
It is not fun having to keep track of all these times and how y our skin is holding up but it is all part of your daily programs. Just as you have a morning program for your bowel, medication, and getting dressed, going outside has it’s own issues. Creating a plan now will help to reduce any chance of sunburn, and if you do get one, chances are it will be far less than it would have been if you didn’t keep track of where you are. If necessary get a small alarm so you do not lose track of time – I use my cellphone to beep reminders to get out of the sun or reapply sun tan lotion if I’m near the water. All the little things will make this summer a fun time that lets you be with family and friends.
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