{"id":59080,"date":"2023-07-06T09:30:35","date_gmt":"2023-07-06T13:30:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=59080"},"modified":"2025-06-03T09:52:28","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T13:52:28","slug":"helping-patients-manage-summer-heat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/helping-patients-manage-summer-heat\/","title":{"rendered":"How to help your patients manage the summer heat"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we approach the heart of summer, temperatures continue to rise, and people are spending more time engaged in outdoor activities. People look forward to days by the pool, beach, picnics, and ballgames, but summer also brings more challenges for patients with various health conditions. The sweltering heat can be particularly demanding for patients with heart-related issues, diabetes, and cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As patients stop by the pharmacy to grab sunscreen along with their monthly refills, they may need <\/span>a refresher on the precautions to take while coping with the inevitable heat waves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, pharmacists may want to tell their clients that staying adequately hydrated is key to managing summertime health struggles. Proper hydration not only assists the heart in pumping blood more efficiently but may also improve the <\/span>overall efficiency of muscles<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Continue reading to learn more about how pharmacists can support patients in adapting to the summer heat.<\/span><\/p>\n

The effects of heat and hot weather on the body<\/span><\/h2>\n

During summer\u2019s heat, the body attempts to maintain a healthy temperature by sweating, which helps regulate our internal temperature. However, when the body is exposed to high temperatures for extended periods, it may begin to experience heat stress, which can lead to<\/span> heat exhaustion or heat stroke<\/span><\/a>. Certain factors, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic diseases like asthma or heart disease, may increase an individual’s risk of heat-related illnesses.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

When a person becomes overheated, their internal temperature may rise above the normal range (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), which may cause a series of health problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dehydration, headaches, a fast but weak pulse, and dizziness. A body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher could indicate heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Patient populations at high risk of problems from heat<\/span><\/h2>\n

Specific individuals face a higher risk of experiencing health issues due to extreme heat. These populations include older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions. According to the CDC, <\/span>more than 700<\/span><\/a> people die from extreme heat every year in the United States.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And as a secondary risk, the warmer temperatures can also lead to higher ozone levels, which cause further health complications for at-risk groups.<\/span><\/p>\n

Groups of people that may have increased heat-related risks may include:<\/span><\/p>\n