Heatwave and Hibernate

Extreme heat doesn't have to derail your plans or compromise your health. Smart planning and creative indoor alternatives can help you stay cool, comfortable, and engaged even when stepping outside feels like entering an oven.

High temperatures pose real health risks, particularly for individuals undergoing cancer treatment whose bodies may be more sensitive to heat stress. Many treatments can make you more sensitive to temperature changes, and that's completely normal. Rather than feeling trapped or frustrated by sweltering weather, you can transform these hot spells into opportunities for indoor exploration and relaxation.

Strategies for Keeping Cool:

Your home can become a sanctuary with the right approach, such as:

• Block the heat before it enters: Start by closing blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day to block heat-generating sunlight. 

• Heat rises: If you have multiple floors, the lower level is your friend. Set up your comfortable spot downstairs where you'll naturally stay cooler.

• Create cross-breezes: Even without air conditioning, strategically placed fans can make a remarkable difference in how your space feels.

Indoor Activities: 

These can be surprisingly engaging when chosen thoughtfully. Here are some examples.

• Deep Cleaning Projects: That project you've been postponing becomes more appealing when you can work in air-conditioned comfort.

• Art Projects: Using materials you already have can be surprisingly therapeutic. Even simple activities, such as adult coloring books or jigsaw puzzles, can provide hours of relaxing entertainment. 

• Meal Planning: During heat waves requires different strategies. Cold soups, such as gazpacho or cucumber-yogurt varieties, provide nutrition without adding kitchen heat. Salads with protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas or cheese offer complete meals without cooking. Sandwiches, wraps, and other no-cook options become more appealing when assembled with fresh, cooling ingredients.

• Personal Care Routines: can also help you feel more comfortable. Cool showers or baths provide immediate relief, while damp cloths on pulse points like wrists and neck can help lower body temperature quickly. 

Extreme weather shouldn't mean compromising your comfort or well-being. At New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, we understand that your treatment can change how your body responds to temperature, and we're here to help you navigate these changes.

Every patient's experience is different, and your care team knows your specific situation best. If you're finding that heat sensitivity is affecting your daily life or treatment experience, don't hesitate to reach out. We can work together on personalized strategies that fit your needs.