In This Corner Inc

Happy 4th of July Weekend!! 🇺🇸

As this heat wave rolls in, please be extra mindful of heat safety. Hot weather can increase the risk of dehydration, fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure, and overheating—all of which can worsen Parkinson’s symptoms and increase the risk of falls.

Over the next few days, please be extra careful. Stay well hydrated, avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day, wear lightweight clothing, and listen to your body. If you begin feeling lightheaded, unusually tired, or overheated, get into a cool place right away and rest.

Take care of yourselves, and let’s all do our best to stay safe during this heat wave.

Key factors and tips for managing the heat:

• Dehydration Risk: Parkinson’s can impair natural thirst signals, making it easy to become dehydrated without realizing it. Drink fluids regularly throughout the day rather than only when thirsty.

◦ Worsening "OFF" Periods: Heat stress and excessive sweating increase your metabolic rate, causing medications like levodopa to wear off faster.

◦ Orthostatic Hypotension: Heat widens blood vessels, which can worsen sudden drops in blood pressure upon standing.

◦ Medication Side Effects: Certain Parkinson's drugs (like anticholinergics) can inhibit sweating and decrease your body's ability to cool down passively.

◦ Exacerbated Hallucinations: Extreme heat and the resulting dehydration can cause confusion or trigger hallucinations, particularly in those already prone to them.

To safely manage hot weather, limit time outdoors during peak sun hours (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM), wear loose and lightweight clothing, and utilize air conditioning. For personalized advice on navigating hot weather during travel or daily activities, consult resources like the Michael J. Fox Foundation Guide or the Parkinson's Foundation.

Stay cool out there!!