Summertime in Florida

Donna Nichols • June 17, 2024
A logo for summer time with a sun , birds and waves.

Summertime in Florida can be unbearable! With so many outdoor activities, you must drink a lot of water to beat the heat and stay healthy. Just remember, drinking cold water in the heat can make you sick, room temperature is the best. I know nothing tastes better than some ice, cold water when it’s 100° outside, but when you drink cold water while you are so hot, you tend to drink it too quickly which sends your body into a type of shock. This can give you an upset stomach, make you sick, and has even caused some people to faint.


The Florida heat has caused more illnesses, especially in seniors, in the summer months. The number one reason for this is because we forget to stay hydrated. Once our body becomes dehydrated, we can experience confusion, blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate problems. If it continues, it can lead to kidney damage, brain damage, and in severe cases, death. For mild cases, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and rest; replenish your body with the fluids it has exhausted. For severe cases, seek medical help immediately.


I cannot stress the importance of staying hydrated in the heat; if you don’t like water, please drink fluids with electrolytes in it. Do NOT drink alcohol or sugary drinks in excess while out in the heat. Drinking these types of liquids will cause you to become more dehydrated.


Make sure you use plenty of sunscreen too. The Florida sun is different here; it is so much stronger than anywhere else. Not using sunscreen can lead to skin cancer which isn’t pleasant. It creates ugly patches on your skin and may have to be removed surgically. Even if your skin cancer is caught early and can be frozen, the spots that remain are red, patchy, and itchy, so just use the sunscreen and skip the hassle of possibly getting skin cancer.

 

Florida also has BUGS that are more prevalent in the summertime! We have horrendous summer storms, not to mention our hurricanes! Some of our summer storms can be worse than a hurricane, we are the lightening capital of the world. If you’re new to Florida and think you’ve found paradise, you are right, you did; but you need to be prepared for what’s in store for the summer months which can be wicked here in beautiful Florida.


UGH! The bugs in Florida are horrible! They literally eat you! It’s so hard to enjoy a morning or evening outside. They’re called no-see-ums, and they will give you welts, red marks, and itch like crazy. The worst part is you can’t see them until it’s too late. Then we have the biggest mosquitoes in the WORLD, okay, I’m exaggerating, but they are big, and so is their bite. Hopefully, one doesn’t get inside your house because it will buzz around your ears at night or worse, get under your covers and bite you all night long.


Storms and hurricanes are another summertime occurrence in Florida. Our summer storms can bring more rain, wind, and flooding than a hurricane. The good thing is they usually only last fifteen minutes to an hour and then they’re gone.


Hurricanes can last for days, drenching our grounds and blasting us with torrential winds. When these hurricanes stay for several days, they do so much damage to our homes, vehicles, and our mental stability. We can be stuck in our homes with no water or power for weeks, sometimes months. You must ensure you have plenty of water, food, and supplies on hand to last at least a month. Once everything is back to normal, stock up again because you never know when the next one will hit.


In 2004, Charley, Francis and Jean hit the New Smyrna Beach area all within a six-week time frame and it was brutal. Each brought their own specialties, and it is a year that will not soon be forgotten. Then in 2022, we had Ian and Nicole, both of which brought so much damage to our beachside and many structures around the entire state. It seems the storms are getting more intense as the years go by, but you can always prepare. Make sure you know what to have on hand and where you will go should you have to evacuate.



Living in Florida is the best! I have lived here all my life, and I don’t think I’d ever want to live anywhere else. If you think about it, everywhere has something and I don’t mind our summers. There are many people who cannot take the heat, bugs, or storms, but you can live with them if you plan and are prepared. Call Assisted Living Made Simple at 386-847-2322 to make a plan today!

There is a lot of lightning in the sky over the city at night.

Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 4, 2025
Florida's paradise of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and tropical beauty—is also home to one of the most intense annual weather phenomena: hurricane season. From June 1 to November 30, Floridians remain on high alert as powerful storms brew in the Atlantic, each potentially bringing torrential rain, fierce winds, and coastal surges. Understanding hurricane season is crucial for residents and visitors, as it ensures safety and preparedness in the face of nature’s fury. The Impact on Florida Florida has experienced some of the most destructive hurricanes in history, including Andrew (1992), Irma (2017), Ian (2022), Debby, Helene, and Milton (2024). These storms left behind immense devastation, flooding homes, severing power lines, and reshaping entire communities. The economic toll of hurricanes is staggering, affecting local businesses, tourism, and infrastructure. Coastal regions, particularly the Florida Keys and areas along the Gulf Coast, often face the most significant risk. However, inland areas are not immune—wind damage and flooding can wreak havoc miles from the shoreline. Preparing for Hurricane Season Being prepared is the best defense against hurricanes. Here’s how Floridians can safeguard themselves: Stay Informed : Monitor local weather reports and emergency alerts. The National Hurricane Center provides real-time tracking and updates. Create an Emergency Kit : Stock up on essentials, including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and extra batteries. Don’t forget important documents and pet supplies! Have a Plan : Know evacuation routes and shelter locations. Discuss emergency plans with family members and establish a safe meeting point. Secure Your Home : Reinforce windows, clear debris from your yard, and consider investing in storm shutters if possible. Hurricane season is a reality in Florida, but with preparation and awareness, residents can confidently weather the storm. Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or a visitor experiencing the Sunshine State, staying informed and ready is key.  Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember—storms may come, but resilience keeps Florida strong.

Weathering the Storm: A Senior’s Guide to Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 3, 2025
Hurricane season in Florida, running from June to November, is a time for preparation, not panic. While these storms bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding, a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference—especially for seniors. Taking proactive steps ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind when the storm arrives. Let’s explore how you can best prepare, stay safe, and recover after the storm. For seniors, hurricanes present unique challenges. Mobility concerns may make evacuation difficult, medical needs require careful planning, and power outages can disrupt essential healthcare devices. Knowing the potential risks helps guide preparation efforts. Flooding: Heavy rain and storm surges can cause rapid water level rises, making roads impassable and homes vulnerable. Strong Winds: Hurricanes can bring winds exceeding 100 mph, toppling trees, damaging homes, and cutting off power. Extended Recovery Time: After a storm, essential services may be limited, making access to food, medications, and transportation difficult. Essential Preparations Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with the following essentials: medications, medical records, flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and water (enough for one gallon per person per day) – sufficient for three to five days. Evacuation Plan: Find nearby senior-friendly hurricane shelters that provide accessibility and medical support. Arrange Transportation: If you don’t drive, organize transportation with family, friends, or local emergency services. Communication Strategy: Stay connected with family, neighbors, and emergency contacts. Sign up for emergency alerts through local weather services.  Staying Safe During the Storm When the storm arrives, stay indoors and follow safety guidelines. Shelter Wisely: If you are staying home, choose an interior room away from windows. Monitor Updates: Use a battery-powered radio or phone to stay informed on conditions. Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety. What to do After the Storm Once the storm passes, careful steps ensure safety. • Assess Damage before venturing outside—watch for fallen power lines or debris. • Seek Assistance for cleanup, repairs, or financial aid through FEMA or community organizations. • Emotional Resilience: Recovering from a hurricane takes time. Connect with neighbors, friends, and local support groups to help ease the process. Conclusion Preparation is the best way to weather the storm—both physically and emotionally. By taking proactive steps, seniors can remain safe, informed, and in control during hurricane season. If you or a loved one needs additional support, contact your local emergency management office or organizations like the Red Cross. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember that every storm eventually passes.

What do Seniors Want?

By Donna Nichols • May 7, 2025
Aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about living more deliberately. As people age, their priorities shift from chasing time to cherishing it. So, what do seniors truly want? The answer is as diverse as the individuals themselves, but some clear themes emerge when we listen closely. 1. Connection and Community One of the most important things seniors crave is connection. Meaningful relationships bring joy and purpose, whether with family, old friends, or new acquaintances. Many seek social opportunities through clubs, senior centers, classes, or online communities. Loneliness can be a silent struggle, so companionship is a deeply valued part of life. 2. Respect and Independence Seniors want to be seen for who they are: individuals with a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and stories. Being treated with dignity and not being "talked down to" matters. So does having the freedom to make choices about their own lives. Maintaining a sense of autonomy is key when deciding how to spend their day, what to eat, or where to live. 3. Health and Wellness Staying healthy is more than just avoiding illness—it’s about having the energy to enjoy life. Seniors are increasingly proactive about fitness, mental health, and nutrition. Access to quality healthcare, fitness programs tailored to their needs, and mental stimulation are all top priorities. 4. Purpose and Meaning Retirement doesn’t mean retiring from life. Many seniors want to stay active through volunteering, mentoring, or even starting new ventures. Purpose drives fulfillment, whether taking care of grandchildren, learning a new skill, or contributing to a cause they care about. 5. Security and Peace of Mind Financial stability, safe housing, and access to reliable services give seniors peace of mind. Many are concerned about outliving their savings, dealing with unexpected health issues, or navigating complex systems. Clear information, supportive resources, and a sense of safety help ease these worries. 6. Fun and Adventure Yes—seniors still want fun! Travel, hobbies, music, food, and laughter never go out of style. Joy is ageless, whether it's a road trip, gardening, or dancing to old tunes. Seniors want to experience life, not just watch it pass by. Start by Listening Ultimately, the best way to understand what seniors want is simple: ask them. Every person, no matter their age, has unique preferences, needs, and dreams. When we listen with empathy and engage with respect, we create a world where aging is celebrated, not feared. Let’s build that world together. Call us to help each other enrich the lives of our seniors. 386-847-2322.
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