Stay safe and enjoy the summer
By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO
Summer is a great time to explore the outdoors and to take advantage of all that our wonderful city has to offer!
Philadelphia’s robust urban park system encompasses 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, as well as hundreds of recreation, environmental and cultural centers, according to Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. (For more information, call 215-683-3600 or go to phila.gov/parks.) The offerings include:
- Parks, recreation and senior centers, and pools.
- Signature city events and important historic and cultural sites.
- Recreation paths, trails and boat launches.
- Community gardens, farms and orchards.
- Environmental education centers.
- Golf courses.
You can even be a tourist in your own city. Each year, more than 1.3 million people come to Philadelphia’s visitor centers for free information and access to all the city’s offerings. (For more information, call 1-800-537-7676 or go to PhlVisitorCenter.com.)
Stay safe in the heat
While you are outdoors enjoying the summer in Philadelphia, make sure to keep safety in mind. Always protect yourself from the sun and heat by wearing sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. Bring a refillable water bottle with you, and drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. It is also a good idea to bring a snack, like nuts, a granola bar or fruit, in case you get hungry.
If you have a cell phone, bring it with you and make sure it is fully charged before going out. Make a list of your medications, allergies and major health conditions. Carry it with you, where someone can find it in an emergency. Make sure you pay attention to your surroundings.
It is not recommended to listen to music through headphones while walking. However, if you do, use only one earbud, so the other ear is free to listen for traffic or other obstacles.
On especially hot days, your best bet is to stay indoors where it is air-conditioned. This is a great opportunity to spend the day at one of the 28 senior community centers and satellite meal sites that PCA supports. Senior centers are the best recreational venues for older adults in Philadelphia, and there is a location right in your neighborhood. Stop by to cool off from the heat, make new friends, enjoy a nutritious meal, exercise, take a class and more. To find a senior center near you, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org/senior-centers.
