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.

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.

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.

Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
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