Page 7 - Scleroderm NZ Inc Newsletter November 16

Coping with Summer Heat

Some tips for summer from the US Pulmonary Hypertension Association for keeping cool
when all around you are feeling the heat.

1. Remember that chronic illness interferes with your
ability to tolerate heat. The body cools down by
increasing heart rate, breathing rate and sweating.
Medications can alter the body’s response to heat
and ability to cool down.

2. Talk to your doctor before summer to make sure
your health condition is at its best. Monitor your
symptoms and call your doctor if you have weight
loss or increased light-headedness, headaches or
nausea. Water pills and fluid intake may need to be
adjusted if you are in the heat and producing more
sweat.

3. Pay attention to weather reports. Plan outside
activities around the forecasted temperatures and
heat index.

4. Move your outdoor exercise activities inside to a
location with air conditioning. Run errands early in
the day or late in the afternoon. Be sure to avoid
peak temperatures. Never sit or rest in a parked car
or enclosure where temperatures can soar.

5. Take a cool bath or shower. Lounge in a pool. Dip
your feet in a tub of cool water.

6. Carry an umbrella or floppy hat for instant shade.

7. Wear cotton, loose-fitting clothing. Wear lightweight
socks and shoes or switch to sandals.

8. Cool off with a fan — even outdoors.

9. Place ice on your wrist at the pulse site or a damp By Traci Stewart, RN, MSN
washcloth on your forehead or neck. Cool your skin
with a mister or damp washcloth. University of Iowa Hospital
and Clinics
10. Use air conditioning and keep your blinds closed
during the day. Even at higher temperatures, air
conditioning takes the humidity out of the air,
making it easier to breathe. If you don’t have air
conditioning, go to a mall or library or friend’s home.

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