In the summertime……. It’s getting very hot! As you might have seen from the news and weather updates we are currently experiencing very hot temperatures across the United Kingdom (above 30 degrees in some places) and although most of us like the sunshine (it helps with vitamin D but we do need to stay safe) it can be very difficult to manage hot and humid temperatures particularly if we’re taking antidepressant medication and/or have a long-term health condition such as diabetes, asthma or COPD.

There are many people who are considered to be at risk when the temperatures rise, and we have included some information below and how you can keep yourself well.

Diabetes:
The hot weather can make managing blood sugar levels more challenging because we might not as active when sitting in the sun but also if you use insulin to manage your diabetes to can be absorbed more quickly in the warmer weather and we can be at higher risk of experiencing hypos. We also need to ensure that we stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids (particularly water) to help manage our blood sugar levels.

We can still have fun in the sunshine but need to make sure we look after ourselves by:

• Drinking plenty of fluids (particularly water) to stay hydrated
• Checking our blood sugar levels more often
• Sometimes we might need extra carbohydrates before swimming or keeping an extra snack on us just in case
• Keep test strips and meters away from the sun (they aren’t a fan of the heat…!)
• Store your insulin properly
• Always wear flipflops/sandals when walking on the hot ground especially if you have neuropathy

Asthma and COPD:
The hot weather can affect our lungs, particularly if it’s humid outside. Although, not everyone with asthma or COPD will experience changes to their symptoms, it’s still important to look after ourselves. The hot weather may make us feel breathless, more wheezy and can produce more pollen making hayfever symptoms worsen (you can read more about managing hayfever on our blog).

We can look after ourselves by:

• Drinking plenty of fluids to keep hydrated
• Keep your inhalers with you at all times and take them as prescribed
• Use your asthma action plan (if you have one from your nurse)
• Know your triggers and try to avoid them
• Store your medication properly (away from direct sunlight!)
• Taking cool showers or baths
• Using wrap around sunglasses (they can help to stop pollen getting into your eyes)

Medication:
There are some types of medication that can make us more vulnerable to hot temperatures particularly beta blockers (used to manage blood pressure – they can make it harder to sweat), antidepressant or antipsychotic medications can lead to us feeling more dehydrated, harder to sweat and we might find it is more difficult to regulate our body temperature. It’s very important to continue taking your medication as prescribed by your GP. If you have any concerns regarding your medication, please contact your GP surgery, call NHS 111 or visit your local pharmacist.

To help manage the hot weather we can:

• Keep ourselves hydrated – drinking plenty of fluids (sometimes, eating certain fruits/vegetables can support us in feeling hydrated).
• Keep out of the direct sun between 11am-3pm
• Wearing sunscreen, hat and sunglasses can help
• Avoiding exercise if it makes you feel hotter
• Having a cool shower
• Keeping your windows closed during the day and open them at night when temperatures have cooled down (a fan can also help!)

Look out for yourselves and others in the hot weather and if you feel very unwell – please contact your local GP surgery, call NHS 111 or in an emergency dial 999.