the heat is on…

Holy Heatwave, Batman!

We have been having an unprecedented heatwave here in southern California.  Certainly this time of year, temperatures are expected to rise – that’s no surprise. In fact, I don’t even think we have broken any records. The highs have been in the 90’s Fahrenheit (about 32-35 C for my international readers), lows in the 70’s. Having grown up in the desert, I’ve lived through much worse. Even since I’ve lived here, I have seen hotter days. Almost every summer since I have called southern California home, there has been a weekend where it was unbearably hot.

A weekend. However, this heat wave is entering its fourth week. The humidity has been high as well, making the weather an even greater challenge. You see, this part of the state boasts beautiful year-round temperatures.  In terms of weather, southern California is at the top of most “Best Place to Live in the US” lists – and for a good reason. My point – this area isn’t built for warm weather. Many buildings do not have air conditioning, and many architects used windows liberally when designing homes and offices, no doubt to take advantage of the beautiful views. And while such design plans are great during the winter, the sun and heat they let in during the summer only makes this heatwave worse.

As I have mentioned many times previously, heat is not a friend to dysautonomia/POTS, ME/CFS and fibromyalgia.  Some symptoms – especially the lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, muscle pain and tachycardia (high heart rate) – are much worse with the heat.  I have also been having a lot of unusual muscle twitching.  Naturally, being in a cool, air conditioned room helps, but the symptoms are still there even if I’m inside.

For example, in this heat, I “gray-out” (almost faint) every time I stand up, regardless of whether I am inside or outside. If I want to stand up, I have to put my legs on the floor while still seated, let them rest there for a few minutes, then stand while still holding on to the chair or couch. Then, I stand still for a few minutes in case I gray out and fall down, ideally I will just fall back onto the couch. If I forget to stand still and immediately try to walk, I will usually begin to black out and will need to sit down on the floor in the middle of the room. Gets kind of awkward if I’m in a public place 🙂

Knowing that many people are affected by the heat, regardless of an illness, I am providing some tips I have learned to deal with the heat.

• Stay hydrated. It’s obvious, but many people still don’t do it. I have been instructed that I should be drinking at least 2L of water a day (in addition to any other fluids). On hot days, I shoot for 3 L of water and/or electrolyte drinks.
• Salt. Lots of salt.
• Add ice to drinks. I don’t normally like ice in my drinks (I like them cool, but not cold), but during excessive heat, ice can make a big difference. Not only does it help by drinking it, but cold hands (from holding a cold drink) helps cool me down as well.
• Use a cooling vest or cooling towel. I have heard great things about the vests, but they can get expensive.  I have a cooling towel that I wet and wrap around my neck. It stays surprisingly cool for a long time, and doesn’t get my shirt wet.  If you’re going to be outside, wetting a towel and putting it on your head under a hat

  

  can help keep you cool for a while. Ice packs on your head and/or feet are helpful as well, as most body temperature is lost in feet and head.

• Change medication, if necessary. I double my dose of beta blocker during this heat. Of course, all changes in medication should be discussed with your doctor first.
• If you’re inside, turn off as many lights as you can. Lamps can generate a lot of heat. Turn off any electronics not in use as well.
• Popsicles! My favorite way to handle the heat. Popsicles can have a lot of sugar, so if that is a concern for you, make sure to read the labels. I have a popsicle mold and make my own, usually just using my own drinks like juice or an electrolyte replacement.
• Avoid hot food. Eat foods with high water content (i.e. fruits and veggies).
• Take off your clothes (when appropriate). I have a strict “butt naked” policy at my house. If you plan to visit, you’ve been forewarned.  Just kidding.
• Ponytails are always in style!
• Cold showers and swimming pools!

How about you – how do you handle the heat??

“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne

Smell ya later.
– Linds

Related articles

• Southern California still baking under late-season heat wave (abclocal.go.com)