July 2015 Health


Plan for Diabetes Care in Heat & Emergencies


Plan ahead for diabetes care during summer heat, storms, and emergencies BY RONALD COLEMAN


If you have diabetes,


you know how important it is to have a care routine. Yet summer weather, with its high temperatures


and extreme


storms, can cause problems with that routine and make it more difficult to manage diabetes.


Diabetes makes it harder for your body to handle high heat and humidity. You may need to make changes in your medication and what you eat and drink when temperatures rise. During emergencies and natural disasters


such as hurricanes or


tornadoes, you may have other needs related to diabetes.


Identify yourself as a person with


diabetes so you can get appropriate care.


If you're a High Heat


Hot weather—temperatures of 80°F (about 27°C) or above, especially with high humidity—can affect medication, testing supplies and your health. The heat index, which measures how hot it really feels by combining temperature and humidity readings, advises caution starting 80°F with 40% humidity. Extreme heat


at family member,


caregiver, or health care provider for someone with diabetes , share this information with them.


is especially dangerous to people aged 65 and older, children younger than 4 years, people with mental illnesses, and people with chronic diseases such as diabetes.


Check medication package inserts


to learn when high temperatures can affect them. Carry medications with you if you'll need to take them while you're away from home, and protect them from the heat. If you're traveling with insulin, don't store it in direct sunlight or in a hot car. Keep it in a cooler, but don't place it directly on ice or on a gel pack. Check glucose meter and test strip packages for information on use during times of high heat and humidity. Heat can damage insulin pumps and other equipment. Don't leave


the disconnected pump or


supplies in a hot car, by a pool, in the direct sun, or on the beach.


Drink plenty of fluids, especially


water, to avoid dehydration. Don't wait until you’re thirsty: it's a sign you're already dehydrated. Avoid sug-


www.hamptonroadsmessenger.com


The Hampton Roads Messenger 7


ar-sweetened drinks such as sweet tea and sodas.


If your doctor has limited how


much liquid you can drink, ask what to do during times of high heat to stay hydrated.


Know the signs of heat-related illness and how to respond to symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment isn't provided.


Wear sunscreen and use a lip balm with sunscreen.


Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.


ditioned


Get physical activity in air-con- areas,


or exercise outside


early or late in the day, during cooler temperatures.


to


Use your air conditioner or go air-conditioned buildings


in your


community to stay cool. What to Do During Emergencies People with diabetes face extra


challenges natural


during emergencies and


disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes. If you're evacuating—leaving your home to get away from a threat—or staying in an emergency shelter, let others know that you have diabetes so that they can help you take care of your health. If you have other health problems, such as chronic kidney disease or heart disease, let others know about those, too.


Drink plenty of fluids, especially


water. Safe drinking water may be hard to find in emergencies, but if you don't drink enough water, you could develop


DIABETES PAGE 14


primary care close to home & health insurance enrollment


Our Mission Southeastern Virginia Health System, (SEVHS) provides high quality, comprehensive, affordable


health care and wellness services to all.


Operating for over 35 years, the Southeastern Virginia Health System (formerly PICH) is the premier community based health care initiative in Hampton roads for the insured, uninsured and under insured.


Now Accepting New Patients


East End Physicians 1033 28th Street


Newport News // 757.952.2160


48th Street Physicians 4714 Marshall Avenue


Newport News // 757.380.8709


Stoneybrook Physicians 15425-H Warwick Boulevard Newport News // 757.874.8400


Victoria Boulevard Physicians 3130 Victoria Boulevard Hampton // 757.952.0180


Main Street Physicians 157 N. Main Street, Suite A Suffolk // 757.925.1866


Town Center Physicians 10980 Buckley Hall Road Mathews // 804.725.9191


Virginia Beach Family Medical Center 940 General Booth Boulevard, Suite A Virginia Beach // 757.425.3610


Chesapeake Community Health Center 490 Liberty Street


Chesapeake // 757.228.1288


We Offer Community Dental Services Newport News // 757.928.3810 Suffolk // 757.942.1280


www.sevhs.org SVHS YourPlaceAd_10x7.75_Messenger.indd 1 5/28/14 1:44 PM


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16