By Roseanne Jennings
Sedona, AZ — Arizona is one of the hottest states in the country, and that’s something you’ll definitely feel in Sedona. In fact, NOAA’s citizen scientists recently mapped the city in 2023 to confirm that urban centers can be up to 20 degrees hotter than rural areas, as Sedona alone regularly experiences days where temperatures reach above 90 degrees.
That makes it risky for the city’s many tourists, who may not have the same heat awareness as locals. However, it can even be more dangerous for residents, as the median age in Sedona is 60 years old. If you’re one of them, it’s important to remember that your age group is more vulnerable to heat and sun-related illnesses.
That said, it’s always wise to practice some precautions to safeguard your health amid soaring temperatures. Here are a few of the best sun and heat protection tips you can try as a Sedona senior.
Slap on sunscreen
The first and most important daily habit you’ll want to establish involves wearing sunscreen. Doing so is vital for protecting your skin in a state with skin cancer rates significantly higher than the national average. In fact, City of Hope finds it’s the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Arizona. For full protection against both UVA and UVB rays, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Such products should have an SPF rating of 15 to 50 and a PA+++ rating or higher. Neutrogena is a good brand for sensitive skin, while the sunscreens from Supergoop won’t leave a white cast on deeper tones. Apply your sunscreen liberally on all exposed skin every two hours, then let it absorb for at least 20 minutes before heading outside.
Cover your skin
Though it may seem counterintuitive to wear even more clothes in hot weather, donning UV-protective pieces is vital to staying healthy in Sedona’s hot climate. These clothes are a crucial addition to sunscreen because your skin loses moisture and fat content as you age. That means UV rays penetrate your skin deeper. In Sedona, a city that averages level 6 (high) on the UV Index, you’ll thus need more protection. You can get lightweight, breathable pieces with a UV protection factor on the label, including pants, long-sleeved shirts, and wide-brimmed hats.
Don protective sunglasses
Complete sun protection should include the eyes. The sun’s UV rays can already kickstart the development of diseases like cataracts in younger people, but at your age, they’re also linked to more severe conditions like eye cancer. So, like sunscreen, it’s crucial to wear sunglasses in Sedona every day. Make sure yours are marked UV400 for effective protection. If you also have age-related refractive errors like presbyopia and wear reading glasses to correct them, you can buy prescription sunglasses for additional convenience and clearer vision. You can add prescription lenses to virtually any pair of sunglasses, whether you favor sporty Oakleys or fashionable Versaces, making for an easy way to don sun protection in line with both your preferences and existing health conditions.
Plan your outdoor excursions
Though sunscreen, protective clothes, and sunglasses can keep you safe from the sun, you’ll still have to deal with the heat when you’re outdoors. Just recently, the Sedona Fire Department had to respond to five patients calling in heat-related illnesses in a single day. These were all fit individuals hiking in the backcountry, so imagine how much more vulnerable these temperatures may make you as an older adult. To stay safe, try to plan any outdoor trips carefully. It’s best to head out during the cooler parts of the day, like in the morning and late afternoon. If you really need to run an errand between noon and 3 PM, ensure you can stay cool from Point A to Point B. We particularly recommend preparing your car for extreme heat by topping off on coolant and keeping your tank at least three-quarters full so you can keep the A/C running.
Cool down with water
Finally, you can prevent yourself from overheating by simply staying hydrated. Dehydration is more common among older adults because the body’s water content decreases with age. You may also be taking medications that are diuretics. That said, drink as much water as you can. If you don’t feel thirsty often, setting reminders on your phone can help. When the Sedona heat gets too much to handle, go even further by taking a cold shower or bath. That way, you can protect yourself from the heat even if you’re indoors.
Article written by Roseanne Jennings