Summer Love

It is officially summer time!! Everybody is off from school, vacations are in order and the heat index (at least here in Texas) is creeping up to over 100 degrees... Ughhhh...  when it gets this hot even a person without dysautonomia can get sick.  Below are some helpful tips for how to handle the heat and traveling from the Texas Association for Dysautonomia Awareness website.
(http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=67eb4a027e5a1ac1cc047bac3&id=f94c4beed3&e=18307614e3)


These are patient suggestions and should not substitute the advice of a medical professional.  The favorite heat tips of our members include:

• Hydrate well with water, gatorade, electrolyte drinks, and coconut water
• Use cooling vests (Cool Mist) or buy a cheap version of the camel back hydration system (can't have insulation) and fill it with ice water to keep you cool
• Rub ice on neck or feet
• Use wet towels or cooling neck wraps
• Stay indoors as much as possible, especially during high humidity

During long road trips, it is common for POTSies to feel too weak and sick before they reach their final destination.  Here are some tips to be able to enjoy your summer travels:

• Remember to eat small frequent meals to decrease blood pooling with digestion
• Stay hydrated and maintain sodium levels
• Use counter maneuvers: standing with your legs crossed, sitting in a low chair, sitting in the knee to chest position, leaning forward with your hands on your knees when sitting and tightening the buttocks, thigh and leg muscles when standing (particularly when sitting or standing for any length of time).
• Use Compression devices: The abdominal binders and compression stockings, help to reduce the amount of pooling blood. Compression stockings should be at least 30-40 mm Hg and will work best if they are waist high. Compression stockings should be fitted to achieve the greatest benefit.
• When driving, take the roads less traveled and take turns driving with another driver on long trips.
• Ask your doctor about additional medications for travel
• Airplane: Go through security with an empty water bottle and refill it after the check point.  You can request a wheel-chair when reserving your ticket.  You can also request to load the plane first in order to not wait in line while everyone is seated.  Hyperhydrate before take-off.  During take-off, put your feet in the chair and do counter maneuvers (this is the worst part of the trip).  Once the altitude levels out, you can relax.
• Traveling by car:  Stop at least every 2 hours.  At each stop, eat and drink to re-fuel.  Also be active for a few minutes.  A brisk 10 minute walk at each stop would be great if you can handle it. It recirculates the blood that has pooled while sitting.  When in the car, place bags or pillows under your feet and try to raise your legs as much as possible with out resting them on the dash (this could be dangerous in a wreck and could also hyperextend your knees.  Also be sure to properly wearing your seatbelt at all times.

I hope you got at least one idea from the list above! Today is a beautiful day so try to do something that you love.

xoxo