How to Cope with RA During Hot Weather
The summer months can be really difficult for a person with rheumatoid arthritis. These tips may help you get through the season so you can be as healthy and comfortable as possible.
Adjust Your Dosage
When the weather changes, the air pressure changes and this causes your body to hurt more. It causes your joints to hurt and your body just to feel miserable.
When the humidity is very high, in the summer, it does cause more inflammation throughout your body. If you are on any anti-inflammatory medications, speak to your doctor about this, and maybe he or she can adjust that for you during the season when it's hot, and you're just really miserable because you don't want to be miserable.
Wear the Right Clothing
When you are going out, wear materials that are very cool, such as 100% cotton. Cotton is a material that allows your skin to breath.
You can even try wearing silk, a lot of people think that it's a hot material, but it is natural and it is a breathable material and you won't feel as hot and sticky.
Another important tip is to wear light-colored clothing. When wearing dark colors in the summer, you will find that the sun is extra attracted to you and this may cause your RA to turn painful.
Keep a Bottle of Water with You
When you are outside, bring a water bottle with you, or stop off and get some water. If you have some errands to do, don't try to get them all done within an hour's time.
Take your time and take some breaks to get a nice cool drink, maybe get something healthy to eat or snack on, and keep your body as healthy as you possibly can.
Keep Moving
Try not to be sedentary.
When you're sedentary, those joints just get stiffer — just try to get out there. If it's not outside, indoors, move around, get up, go for a little walk around your home.
