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Blog / Practical tips / Summer heat and Parkinson’s: Tips for a safe and enjoyable summer, not just for Parkinson's patients
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Summer heat and Parkinson’s: Tips for a safe and enjoyable summer, not just for Parkinson’s patients

Today I am writing my first D-mine® Care Blog article, and it is very fitting for this moment:
finally it’s summertime – at least on the Northern Hemisphere 😊.
I live in Northern Germany, and there is always a cool breeze blowing on the coast. But the hot and sometimes sweltering temperatures of over 30 degrees that are currently prevailing and which are becoming more and more apparent due to climate change, are exhausting me. We know and take into account many things with the summer temperatures and the sun’s radiation. So, we also can help with tips for summer heat and Parkinson’s.

Summer brings sunshine, warmth, and often a lovely time outdoors. We are currently experiencing very warm weather in Europe. However, heat can pose a particular challenge for Parkinson’s patients. It is important to prepare well and listen to your body to make the hot days safe and enjoyable. Parkinson’s patients may suffer more from their symptoms during the summer heat. It is important to protect yourself from overheating and alleviate the symptoms. This includes regulating body temperature, drinking enough fluids, wearing light clothing, and avoiding physical exertion, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

I have a few helpful tips for you. Let’s take a look:

Ensure adequate fluid intake

At high temperatures, in the summer heat, your body loses a lot of water through sweating. So, it is especially important to drink enough and regularly (note: not just when you feel thirsty), as the body loses a lot of fluid and electrolytes (salts) through sweating. Preferably you should drink water, unsweetened teas, or diluted fruit juices. The appropriate amount of fluid to drink depends on age, activity, and individual factors. The following recommendations serve as a general guide for adults:

🌞 At least 2.5 to 3 liters of water per day

🌞 In extreme heat, physical exertion, or exercise: up to 4–5 liters

When you sweat a lot (e.g. during exercise or working in the sun), to compensate for the loss of electrolytes, you can resort to mineral water with a high sodium content Light isotonic drinks or homemade drinks (e.g., water with a little salt and juice).
Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated and extremely sweet beverages, as they can stimulate metabolism and lead to heat generation. Also try to avoid Ice-cold drinks in large gulps, as they can irritate the stomach.

My hint, if you find it difficult to drink large amounts of water, an ice cube or a popsicle might be a good alternative.

Nutrition

Be sure to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Eat cold foods like salads or cold soups to cool the body. I further recommend easily digestible carbohydrates (e.g., whole-grain rice, potatoes). Conversely, foods high in salt, such as chips, instant soups, sausages, or convenience foods, which often contain a lot of salt, should be avoided. Why? Parkinson’s medications (e.g., levodopa) and heat can lower blood pressure. However, too much salt can increase blood pressure and place additional strain on the circulatory system. Generally, eat smaller portions. The larger the portion, the more energy your body needs to expend for digestion, and as a result, your body temperature increases.

Protect yourself from the sun

Direct sunlight can strain the circulatory system. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or linen that covers the skin. Dark colors should be avoided because they retain more heat. Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor protects the skin from sunburn. Even an umbrella can be a great help in strong sunlight.

Schedule activities during the cooler hours and avoid strenuous activities

As temperatures rise, so does the strain on our bodies. Things we can do without problems on cooler days can quickly become dangerous in extreme heat.

Why is physical rest important? In hot weather, our cardiovascular system works at full speed to regulate body temperature. Physical exertion such as exercise, gardening, or heavy lifting can place additional strain on the body—especially in older people or those with underlying health conditions. Therefore, avoid strenuous activities between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., when it’s hottest. Temperatures are often more pleasant in the early morning and evening. Use these times for walks, light exercises, or other outdoor activities. At midday, when the sun is strongest, you should stay in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Plan breaks and regularly seek shade or cool rooms. Parkinson’s patients are sometimes more sensitive to heat. Listen to your body and watch signs of overheating: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, extreme fatigue, confusion, or weakness are warning signs. If you notice signs of overheating, you should immediately go into the shade, cool off, and drink enough.

Cool down your surroundings and yourself

Use fans, air conditioners, or wet cloths to lower the ambient temperature. Cool your wrists, neck, or forehead with damp cloths to regulate your body temperature. Special cooling towels or cloths such as hoodies, stockings or pants are available that provide instant cooling. For those without air conditioning at home, cooling bedding could be a good alternative. The cooling effect automatically regulates itself based on body temperature. Many contain high-quality silver, which has odorinhibiting and antibacterial properties.

Adjust your medications

Heat can affect the effectiveness of your Parkinson’s medication. Talk to your doctor about whether an adjustment is necessary and follow the recommended intake times. Also note how your medication must be stored. At a prescribed room temperature for medication, find a cool place in your apartment, e.g. on the floor near interior walls. You can also use a cool box. But please keep an eye on the temperature, because you should make sure it’s not too cold. And do not store your medication in a refrigerator.
My personal note: Keep the outdoor temperature in mind, when you pick up your medication from the pharmacy. If you store it in the trunk of your car while you enjoy a cool ice cream at the café, your medication may overheat in the trunk and then might be unusable. If you are using an apomorphine pen in hot weather, there are special self-cooling bags that are also used by diabetics, for example.

Stay in touch

Also pay attention to social security. If you live alone, you should regularly inform family, friends, or neighbors about your well-being. Arrange regular, short check-ins – a phone call, a text, or a brief meeting during the day is often enough. This way, others will quickly notice if something is wrong.

Heatstroke, circulatory collapse, or sudden weakness can occur more quickly than expected in the summer. In an emergency, every minute counts. If you know you’re alone and are looking after yourself, you can react quickly if anything unusual happens. So share your daily routine or any special risks with a trusted person, keep important phone numbers handy, and use emergency watches or apps that provide quick assistance in an emergency. Stay connected not only physically but also socially – this will make you safer in the summer. If you are interested in how to best travel with Parkinson’s medication, such as an infusion pump, you are welcome to read our blog post about “Traveling with an Apomorphine Pump”.

My conclusion:

Summer can be a lovely time for Parkinson’s patients if they take a few precautions. With enough fluids, sun protection, and smart activities, you can safely enjoy the hot days. Listen to your body and don’t hesitate to seek medical help if you feel unwell.

I welcome feedback about your experience with the heat and the sun. How are you and your Parkinson’s patients doing? What’s it like in the region where it’s often hot? Maybe I can learn from you who to overcome the heat in Northern Germany 😊

Sunny greetings from Anna


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