MORE HELPFUL HINTS
Summer Health Tips
Traveling with PH – plan ahead be sure you have enough medicine with you and a few extra – just in case. If needed for an extra long stay – ask your specialty pharmacy to mail/deliver supply ahead. Ask your PH Specialist who would be a doctor to contact in the area you are visiting – just in case
Communicate with your health care providers – PH Specialist, Specialty Pharmacy, and your Oxygen Company
If your trip will involve customs or security check points, obtain a letter from your doctor describing your medications and if applicable your pump
Ask your PH specialist if you will need oxygen or additional oxygen when flying or traveling. And remember most airlines require at least a 48 hour notice if you need oxygen to fly – some charge an additional fee per leg of your trip. Can you use a concentrator on that airline – also make arrangements for oxygen to be delivered to your destination
If you have to check in your medications – keep at least a 3 day supply with you in an overnight case – do not “check these in”
Ask for wheelchair assistance to and from the “gate”
Try to travel with someone who knows your condition and your medications
Remember when on vacation your eating habits need to be watched carefully – most restaurant foods are high in sodium – when visiting family or friends let them know that you may need a low sodium diet (if you do and most of us do). Eating increased amounts of salt can increase the amount of fluid in your tissues and cause you to swell. The more fluid in your body, the harder your heart has to work
General Summer Tips
Although sunshine helps the body to produce or get vitamin D, it also helps to combat symptoms of depression.
Experts agree that there is no such thing as a safe tan. The risks of sunburn and skin damage are very real, but protective sunscreen and clothing will allow you to enjoy your time in the sun. All it takes is a little preparation before you head out the door—to ensure that your skin is protected for the day, and for the years to come.
Wear lighter colored clothing as the darker colors attract the sun. Now here's another view – Wearing tightly woven fabrics and darkly colored clothes will block more UV rays than wearing thinner, lighter-colored fabrics. If you can see light through a material, UV rays can get through too. Wear light weight clothing – something to absorb your sweat – cotton..
Wear sun glasses and a wide brimmed hat when out in the sun and depending upon the medication you are taking you may also need to cover or protect your “limbs” as well as your face, neck, ears and scalp. Baseball caps offer some protection to your face but leave other areas vulnerable - neck.
Always wear a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound frames when you’re outside. Eyelids and the skin around your eyes are common sites for skin cancer and sun-related aging. Sunglasses also help reduce the risk of cataracts.
Remember most PH meds are vasodilators; makes us more prone to sun burn
Wear Sun Block when out doors – SPF of 15 is preferred and remember to reapply every one to two hours or so and to reapply if sweating too much or after swimming – even if labeled waterproof and if you are allowed to swim. Even if your skin isn't turning red, it can still be damaged, so re-apply your sunscreen often.
Apply suncreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure in order for the ingredients to fully protect the skin
Apply enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass (about one ounce) in order to thoroughly cover all of your exposed skin. During a long day outdoors, one person should use about one half of a full eight-ounce bottle of sunscreen
For those exceptionally hot days, stay inside with air conditioning – if you don't have AC – think about going to a mall or public building (Library) that would have AC
Don't do outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day – gardening etc. Don't over-exert yourself when outdoors; or move too quickly
If you feel lightheaded – take a cool damp towel and put it over your head and on your neck or take a cool shower or bath.
In the summertime for your shower; run the cold water first, then add the hot, less humidity that way. Keep a window open or exhaust fan going
Do not leave your medications in the car, depending upon the medication, this can “break it down”
If on eprostenol (Flolan or generic) be sure to have extra ice packs available and at the ready. Wrapping them in a paper towel will help prevent them from melting too quickly – also helps keep the pump dry.
If on an IV Med or Sub Cu you may need to change your dressing more frequently because of sweating – that site needs to be kept dry to prevent irritation and infections.
Water Retention or Dehydration
Our bodies need water more than food, sleep or even exercise to stay active. Water cushions and lubricates brain and joint tissue, and helps regulate body temperature. So when you are out enjoying the warm weather this summer, it is very important that you remember to stay hydrated!
Causes of dehydration include diarrhea, excessive sweating, blood loss, fluid accumulation, inadequate fluid intake, and fever. Illnesses that entail excessive urination, such as diabetes and hyperglycemia, may also put people at risk for dehydration.
Potential consequences of dehydration include constipation, falls, dizziness, medication toxicity, urinary-tract and respiratory infections, delirium, renal failure, seizure, electrolyte imbalance, hyperthermia, and longer time to wound healing (especially pressure ulcers).
For older adults especially, the need to be aware of water intake is important. As we grow older, we often drink less than our bodies need. So here are some tips to make sure you are getting your prescribed daily intake:
Have a beverage that you enjoy with every meal and snack. A glass of water or a cup of juice can really help. Even caffeinated drinks—while they should not be your primary source of hydration—can contribute to your daily water needs; some studies show caffeine can enhance athletic performance while contributing to hydration; some studies show it can cause dehydration
Don't exclusively rely on thirst. We don't always detect thirst and remember, certain medications can cause dehydration.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. Most fruits have 80 to 90 percent water content. They are a great alternative and supplement, to drinking plain water.
Use the color of your urine as a guide. If the color is light yellow or clear, you’re drinking enough fluids. If it is dark yellow, you need to drink more.
Under average circumstances the body loses and needs to replace approximately two to three quarts of water daily, and experts recommend that when we are sick we need even more. But because of our possible water retention, always check with your doctor first as to how much you need or can drink per day.
