Stay Safe in The Heat
- Stephanie Soto
- Jun 28
- 1 min read
This week we are seeing a heat wave enter the Capital Region. Below are some tips that may help you or your loved one with Parkinson's keep cool!
Stay hydrated
On really hot days, avoid caffeine, hot drinks, and alcohol. Try your best to drink lots of water with some electrolytes. Electrolytes become very important on hot days and if you are someone who sweats a lot. It is easy to get dehydrated on hot days, which will impact your medication effectiveness.
Stay indoors
Keep to inside your home between 11am and 3pm. This is usually the hottest point of the day.
Double check your meds
Make sure you have enough medication when you see a heat wave coming in. You don't want to have to go to the pharmacy for medications when it is 90+ degrees out. Sometimes a spike in heat can worsen PD symptoms.
Dress cool
Wear loose and light clothing. If you are going outside, wear a hat, sunglasses, and UV protective shirts.
Light activity
It is still important to stay active, but not with any strenous outdoor activities. Stick to exercising early in the morning or evening when it is cooler. Make sure you have extra water and give yourself regular breaks.
Be careful of low blood pressure
On hot days, our blood pressure can decrease. If you are someone who already has low blood pressure, go slow with transitions from sitting to standing or getting out of bed.
If you are experiencing any dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, or any other signs of cardiac distress, call 911.
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