What Are The 5 Ways In Which Cancer Patients Can Stay Safe During Summers?

Extreme summers can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke in even the healthiest of individuals. Therefore, it is imperative that cancer patients and survivors take special care of themselves during high temperatures. 

What you need to know:

• 5 lifestyle tips for cancer patients to beat the summer heat

5 lifestyle tips for cancer patients to beat the summer heat

Summer is upon us and it can be tough on more vulnerable cancer patients. Let us look at the 5 lifestyle tips you can undertake to survive high temperatures and stay safe and healthy while enjoying the season:

Stay hydrated

Cancer patients suffer from appetite loss due to which they are unable to meet their daily water intake and nutrition goals. A peak summer day is not the only cause of dehydration. Cancer and the side effects that emerge out of active cancer treatment alter the taste sensations. It also causes nausea from chemotherapy and diarrhea from immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy cancer patients resulting in dehydration.

Get enough water during the day so that the blood can effectively transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Increase your fluid intake with water and add cucumber or celery to make it more refreshing, drink fresh low-sugar juices, or consume water-rich foods, such as lettuce, watermelon, or broccoli to stay hydrated. Staying hydrated can keep your mucus membranes moist, lubricate your joints, and regulates your body temperature. Drinking water can also help cancer patients get rid of residual chemotherapy drugs, which the kidneys can easily filter out. Refrain from consuming caffeine or alcohol as they can trigger hot flashes and dehydration. 

Exercise with caution

Check with your doctor if you do not have any late effects of cancer treatment, like cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle where the heart finds it difficult to pump blood to other organs). If you are eligible to exercise, be mindful of where and when you exercise during the summer months. Try exercising early in the morning or in air-conditioned areas to stay cool and active. Avoid strenuous activities during high temperatures.

Fend off foodborne illnesses

Cancer also restricts the consumption of certain foods. Beware of potentially dangerous foods that can cause food poisoning or foodborne illnesses. Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables. Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products and raw or uncooked meat, poultry, or shellfish. Also, wash your hands before and after handling food.

Avoid overheating

If you are exposed to high temperatures, your body will take time to cool off. Overheating can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, excessive sweating, and fatigue. Therefore, work your way around the heat and try staying indoors. Also, watch for warning signs of heat exhaustion.

Avoid infections

Cancer patients are immunocompromised, that is, their weakened immune system is highly susceptible to infections and diseases. Chemotherapy decreases the white blood cell count, thereby, increasing the risk of infections in cancer patients. This restricts certain summertime activities like lounging in swimming pools. Therefore, taking a dip to cool off is out of the question as radiation therapy can make people sensitive to certain chemicals present in the pool.

Take extra precautions to beat the heat, especially if you have a medical condition like cancer. Get more information on nutrition and fitness by being an active participant in the Activ Living Community.