Tips for beating the heat
Dr. William Koltun, Medical Director for the Medical Center for Clinical Research in San Diego, CA.
(NAPS)—After a long, cold winter, most women look forward to the warm days of summer and enjoying some fun in the sun. But if you’re among the approximately 75 percent of postmenopausal women who suffer from the symptoms of hot flashes, the added heat of summertime may be too much of a good thing, leaving you desperate to find relief.
Hot flashes, which are sudden feelings of warmth over areas such as the face, neck and chest, can occur a few times a week or several times a day. And since hot weather tends to be a common hot flash trigger, these sudden feelings of warmth can be exacerbated. Fortunately, there are a variety of self-care methods that women can turn to for relief. William Koltun, MD, Medical Director for the Medical Center for Clinical Research in San Diego, CA, has some helpful tips for managing hot flashes in the intense summer heat:
• Keep cool. Slight increases in your body’s core temperature can trigger hot flashes. Dress in layers so that they can be removed when feeling warm; use a fan or open a window to keep air flowing; decrease the room temperature; or sip a cold drink.
• Watch what you eat and drink. Hot and spicy foods, caffeinated drinks and alcohol can trigger a hot flash.
• Relax. Yoga, meditation or other helpful relaxation techniques can provide relief.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking is linked to an increase in hot flashes.
• Improve your diet. Many women find relief when they improve their diet.
If self-care methods don’t do the trick, you and your physician can explore treatment options.
