DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have diabetes and high blood pressure. I take medication but have committed to a healthier lifestyle, including daily walks outside, swimming and other outdoor activities with my family. Recently, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As temperatures begin to soar, I am concerned about whether the heat will affect me. Are there things I should know or do to stay safe?
ANSWER: Keeping your body cool during extremely high temperatures is important, regardless of any medical conditions. As a cancer patient, it’s essential to take extra care during the hot summer months since cancer treatments can make your body more sensitive to the sun and heat.
When temperatures soar, the heat can take a toll on the body, mind and spirit. A recent study noted an increased incidence of people going to the emergency department with psychiatric and mental health-related concerns during periods of high heat.
In addition to physical discomfort resulting from heat and sweating, irritability is a common side effect of extreme temperatures. Fatigue also can result from poor quality sleep, leaving people feeling stressed and on edge.
Heat also can affect medications. Some can become degraded during temperature changes. You noted having been diagnosed with diabetes. If you take insulin for your diabetes, that is one of those medications that needs to be stored in a place where the temperature will not get too high.
Certain medications can increase your risk for heat-related issues. Diuretics, for instance, can cause increased urine output, leading to dehydration, mental status changes and confusion. High blood pressure medications, antihistamines and certain psychiatric medicines can change your regulation of heat, your ability to sense that you’re too hot and your ability to sweat.
If you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer, the biggest risk is excessive sun exposure. Radiation therapy…
Read the full article here
