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.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.