Be Safe in This Heat Wave
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For those in areas affected by this heat wave, please stay safe and hydrated. If you’re working out doors, hiking, gardening, etc. try to do it in the early morning or at twilight when the heat is not so intense. We’re having record breaking temperatures across the US and Canada and it is blistering hot outside. Check in on your family and friends, especially the elderly. If you do go outside, wear a hat.
One thing that I’ve found helpful is drinking rehydration salts. If you find yourself getting a lot of muscle cramps in this heat, the problem may be dehydration and electrolyte imbalance (usually calcium, potassium, or salt). Rehydration salts correct this. My physical therapist recommended them last year and I have found them extremely helpful. I mention this here because it’s not something I”d have considered prior to that recommendation. I use a brand called Liquid IV, but I think there are probably other brands available. (I like to mix them with Emergen-C).
Whatever you do, stay safe.
Most of all, stay hydrated.
Posted on June 29, 2021, in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
What if you need to keep your sodium levels low? Like if you have high-blood pressure or edema (swelling of the feet and legs which is my problem)?
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well, before I knew about rehydration salts, and when I was still dancing, we were told to drink water and eat a banana. I suspect coconut water might be useful in such a case (I can’t stand the stuff!). I have issues with high bp too. 😦
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Bananas can help with leg cramps. If potassium is one of your problems.
There’s also an over the counter drug, it’s now in generic form so various pharmacies may have their own version of it, this is just one of them: Hyland’s Leg Cramps. https://shop.hylands.com/products/hylands-leg-cramps
Also rehydrating salts and electrolytes are in various sports beverages like Gatorade, Powerade, etc. They have robust lines so you might be able to see if one of their options works with your own medical conditions.
Water is also important. 1 gallon of water a day when facing extreme heat. Most people don’t realize it, but even if you’re getting that much water, you may not have enough if you’re trying to carry on as usual. So if you usually run 3 miles a day, but suddenly it’s super hot, now’s not the time to keep up on that trend. People who train for certain weather conditions, know you start hydrating weeks in advance for extreme heat.
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Dehydration creeps in. My roommate, Sara, and I have made the ER run twice this year. One run resulted in a four-day stay. Take care of yourselves.
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