While the weather is pretty nice right now, we know once the Minnesota State Fair rolls around, the heat can be brutal.
That's especially true for older adults who are at heightened risk for heat-related illnesses.
Dr. Michael Stockman, the Chief Medical Officer of United Healthcare Medicare & Retirement of Minnesota, joined KARE 11 News at Noon to offer insight.
Here are tips from Dr. Stockman:
- Set attainable goals that you can build on. Starting small – even if it's just a few minutes each day at first – can help you build the habit of engaging in regular physical activity. Doing a little every day can help you improve your strength, stamina and fitness levels over time.
- Seize the moment. Physical activity doesn't have to happen at a gym or on a ball court to be healthy. Making small choices throughout the day – from taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking or biking short distances instead of driving and being sure to get up and move frequently throughout the day to avoid sitting for too long can all help your body's mobility.
- Watch the weather, understand your medications and stay hydrated. Many people across the country will face extreme heat during the summer months, which can pose health risks to older adults and people taking certain medications, particularly for diabetes and high blood pressure. To avoid overheating, it's important to keep an eye on the forecast and stay hydrated before, during and after exercise, and to understand how each medication you take impacts your body's ability to regulate your temperature and stay hydrated and whether certain medications need to be kept cool to maintain their effectiveness.
- Warm up, cool down. Taking the time to warm up and cool down, including stretching, is important to avoid injuries and build flexibility. Try to find time to include these steps in your workout when possible and remember to drink lots of water to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
- Invite others to join you. Exercising with a friend can be fun and rewarding. It's a great way to socialize and build friendships and can also be a strong motivator or cause for celebration when you meet your shared goals.
- Check out resources that may be available. Many Medicare Advantage health plans offer benefits like free gym memberships. For example, most UnitedHealthcare plans provide access to a fitness benefit which includes a free gym membership, access to a national network of gyms and fitness locations; in-person and online events and thousands of on-demand workout videos. Talk to your health plan to see what's available.