By Faith McCormick-Flax
Summertime often has thoughts of sunshine, relaxation, adventure, and family fun related to it. For those living with a chronic illness, it can also have more added stress and new obstacles. Some of those obstacles may be the heat, travel plans, or busy schedules, which can make managing symptoms more difficult than other times of the year. Below are some helpful tips about navigating summer with a chronic illness.
Some tips are:
- Summer sun and temperatures can deplete you of certain nutrients and electrolytes, so make sure to replenish them whenever possible. To help with that include fresh fruits and vegetables to boost vitamin and mineral reserves in your body while also helping to keep you hydrated and nourished. Make sure to stay hydrated!
- Summer can be extremely hot, so make sure you are staying cool. When outside in the strong heat, bring a handheld battery-powered fan or consider a cooling vest to stay nice and cool.
- Make sure to use sunscreen; sunburns can increase the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Make sure any medication that you may be taking won’t worsen the effects of heat-related illnesses. Medications like some antidepressants can increase the effects of the heat. Be sure to contact your health care provider and know the signs of heat-related illnesses, such as chest pains or feeling more dizzy. Make sure you are taking care of your heart. Heat puts extra strain on your heart, so make sure you are taking breaks in cool air, try your best to avoid strenuous activities outdoors, and watch for symptoms like increased thirst, lack of sweating, chest pains, etc.
- If you are someone who carries your medication with you, make sure it is stored properly because heat can affect the efficiency of it, if not stored properly. If you need suggestions on how to store it properly, you can contact your health care provider or pharmacist.
- Make sure you are listening to what your body is telling you. Everyone has a different experience when dealing with heat so make sure you adjust accordingly for you and if you experience any unusual symptoms do not hesitate to ask for medical help.
- Make sure you are staying up to date with any high heat warnings in your area or wherever you may be that day and knowing where cooling shelters are in that area, if needed.
- When outside, wear the right clothing like sunglasses, lightweight and light colored clothing or even a wide brimmed hat for a little flare.
- Make sure to plan ahead for emergencies that may occur while in the sun or in the summer heat. Whether that means updating your emergency contacts, having plenty of water and snacks with you, making sure to have any medications that you may need with you at all times, or just having someone that’s making sure to check up on you. You never know what could happen, so better to be safe
Written By
Natasha Graves
Former Director of Marketing, Brain Inflammation Collaborative
