STL's weekend forecast: sunny with a high of 91 degrees and humidity at 84%. Personally, nothing about that is appealing, thus you will probably catch me indoors with the AC cranked up. The heat can pose problems for many people, but for those living with MG; extreme temperatures can trigger an exacerbation. Moreover, summer in the Midwest is like sitting in a sauna regularly; it is incredibly difficult to breathe, especially with such poor air quality. Some MG patients have existing breathing issues—heat or no heat, and with the mask mandate, this can pose many problems for those who struggle to take in air. However; according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cloth face coverings should not be worn by:
-Children under the age of 2
-Anyone who has trouble breathing
-Anyone who is unconscious or incapacitated
-Anyone who is unable to remove the mask without assistance.
*If you are concerned about wearing a mask and managing your MG, please consult with your neurologist/healthcare provider to determine what is appropriate for you.
Here are some of the things I do to combat the heat:
-Hydrate! I don’t think I can stress this enough. Water is crucial for just about everything in the body, but in terms of the heat; water helps regulate body temperature. I carry a water bottle with me most of the time. I really like the ones that have time markers printed on them. Hitting the daily required goals keeps me motivated to stay hydrated, even when I don’t feel like it.
-Ask for assistance. I am not immune to the responsibilities of daily life, therefore when I have things I need to get accomplished or errands to run, I ask for help. Sometimes it is just easier to give my “to-dos” to someone else but when I need to get out of the house, I drive with them in a temperature-controlled car. Getting in and out of the car exacerbates my MG, so if you have a loved one that can check things off your list with you, that really helps!
-Accessorize. If I can’t avoid being outside, you will usually see me sporting some sort of hat and sunglasses. I know some people with MG have tried cooling vests— I personally have not but I have heard good things. I also tend to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing because it is easy to put on when I am tired and keeps me cool. Lastly, my next investment will be a personal portable fan that I can connect to my phone. Have you seen these? Some clip-on whereas others can be connected through the USB port. These fans seem like an inexpensive and easy way to cool down!
The summer heat can cause many issues for people with MG. Approach the heat with caution and limit your outdoor activity when you can. Those who don’t have MG may not necessarily understand why the heat can be challenging. Have a conversation with them and educate them on your personal triggers. Know your limitations and as always, stay in communication with your healthcare providers and loved ones to ensure your safety and health.
Keep calm and cool off!
#MGA #MGADigest #MGStrong #MyastheniaGravis #IHaveHeardOfMG #MGTriggers #MGExacerbations #HeatAndChronicIllness
This blog post was written by Meridith O'Connor, St. Louis Program Coordinator of the Myasthenia Gravis Association.
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