Staying Cool, Staying Well: A Summer Health Guide for Chronic Conditions

Summer heat can be tough on anyone. But if you’re living with a chronic illness, it can be downright dangerous. According to the CDC, people with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or asthma—along with older adults and children—are at a much higher risk for heat-related illnesses, especially during long stretches of hot weather. In fact, extreme heat claims the lives of more than 700 Americans every year.

Why do summer months increase risk for people with chronic conditions?

When temperatures spike, your body has to work harder to stay cool. That extra stress can quickly worsen conditions like high blood pressure, heart or lung disease, kidney issues, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Research shows that older adults with multiple chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable, with a significantly higher chance of needing emergency care during heat waves.

On top of that, some chronic conditions and the medications used to manage them can make it even harder for your body to cool itself down. The CDC points out that heart conditions, poor circulation, obesity, and certain medications may reduce your ability to regulate body temperature, making hot weather even more risky.

But with a few smart precautions, you can stay safe and well all summer long. Here’s your go-to guide for staying cool and managing your health during summer.

Hydration and Nutrition

Carry a water bottle and sip often, even if you’re not very thirsty. Dehydration can worsen chronic conditions (it thickens the blood and stresses the heart and kidneys). Aim for light-colored urine and replenish fluids before you feel thirsty. If you sweat heavily, replace salts and minerals by adding a pinch of salt to food or drinking an electrolyte solution (consult your doctor if you need to monitor sodium).

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine on hot days, as these can promote dehydration.
• Keep electrolyte-rich fluids on hand (sports drinks, coconut water, or salty broth), and talk to your doctor about safe ways to replace salt if you are following a fluid-restricting diet.

In addition to drinking water, you also want to embrace a healthy diet. Summer fruits and vegetables – watermelon, berries, oranges, cucumbers, lettuce, etc. – are high in water content and nutrients.

These foods help boost hydration and energy while providing vitamins and minerals. Enjoy a fruit salad or veggie snacks throughout the day to stay nourished. Light, plant-based meals (salads, smoothies, grilled veggies) will be easier on your system than heavy, salty meals, and they help you carry extra water into your body.

Medication Management in Heat

Store medicines properly. High temperatures can damage drugs or delivery devices. For example, inhalers may burst in heat, EpiPens malfunction, and insulin left in the sun or a hot car can become less effective. Follow the storage instructions on your prescriptions: keep insulin refrigerated until use, and never leave medications in a hot car. Always carry medicines in a shaded pouch or insulated bag if you go out.

• Check drug interactions: Many common medicines make you more sensitive to heat. The CDC warns that diuretics, certain blood pressure drugs (ACE inhibitors/ARBs with diuretics), anticholinergics, antidepressants/antipsychotics, and stimulants can reduce sweating or thirst and raise heat risk. Tell your doctor or pharmacist you’ll be in hot weather – you may need dose adjustments (never stop a med suddenly).
• Photosensitive drugs: Some medications increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. If you're taking these, make sun protection a priority to avoid harmful side effects.
• Keep meds handy: Have all your essential meds on you (not left at home) if a heat spike forces you out of the house. Consider a pill organizer or travel case so you never miss a dose.

Sun Protection and Cooling Techniques

Shield your skin. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) on all exposed skin and reapply every 2 hours or after sweating. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and long sleeves or pants made of lightweight, tightly woven fabric. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing keeps you cooler by reflecting sunlight.

Seek shade whenever possible – e.g., bring an umbrella or sit under a tree. Remember that sand, pavement, or water can reflect UV rays, so sun-protective clothing and sunscreen are still needed even in “partial” sun.

• Time it right: Plan outdoor activities in the coolest parts of the day (early morning or late evening). Avoid hiking, gardening, or walking from about 10 AM to 4 PM, when the sun and humidity are highest.
• Use cooling aids: Carry a small handheld fan or cooling towel. If you feel overheated, use portable misters or sit under a spray of water. Take frequent breaks indoors or in air conditioning to let your body cool down. Even a cool, wet cloth on the neck or forehead can help.
• Stay cool indoors: When you’re home, set fans or air conditioning to match the changes in temperature. Take cool showers or baths to cool down. If you don’t have AC, spend the hottest hours in public places like malls, libraries, or senior centers that do.
• Never lock it up: Never sit in a closed car in the sun – you could be at risk of heat stroke or other issues. (Extreme heat can set in within minutes.) Likewise, avoid ovens or hot stoves in the kitchen during peak heat.

If you feel dizzy, overly tired, or confused in the heat, immediately move to a cool spot. Early signs of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, rapid pulse, or muscle cramps. If symptoms worsen (high fever, fainting, confusion), get medical help right away.

Staying Active Safely

You don’t have to be completely sedentary, but adjust exercise to the weather. When it’s hot, switch to indoor workouts (walking on a treadmill, gentle yoga) or water-based activities (swimming, water aerobics) to stay cool. If you walk or exercise outside, start slowly and notice how you feel.

• Walk in the shade when possible and carry a bottle of water.
• Wear moisture-wicking, loose athletic wear, and a hat.
• Take frequent breaks to rest and rehydrate. “Pace yourself” is a good motto: slow your usual pace by at least 25-50% on hot days.
• Avoid heat stress: the CDC advises against very strenuous activity during heat waves. Plan shorter, easier sessions and stop at the first sign of overheating.

Even yard work or household chores count as physical activity, so try to do them in cooler hours or let someone else handle heavy work during the day. Gentle stretching or chair exercises indoors can keep you moving without overheating.

Tips for Specific Conditions

• Asthma & Allergies: Ozone and pollen often peak in summer, which can worsen breathing issues. Check the Air Quality Index each day before going out. On high-ozone or high-pollen days, stay indoors in filtered air. Always carry your rescue inhaler or allergy meds with you. Air conditioning helps not only cool you but it can also filters many summer asthma triggers.
• Diabetes: Heat and dehydration can affect blood sugar. Check your glucose levels more frequently, as hot weather can lower blood sugar or alter insulin requirements. Keep insulin and diabetes supplies (pumps, glucose meters) cool and shaded. If you pump insulin or use a glucometer, follow storage guidelines and never expose them to high temperatures.
• Heart Disease/High Blood Pressure: Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lower blood pressure and make your heart work harder. Take it easy and rest often when outside. Watch for chest pain or palpitations as signs you may be overheating. If you take beta-blockers, diuretics, or other heart medications, make sure to stay hydrated—low fluid and those drugs can cause dizziness or fainting. Sit or lie down if you feel lightheaded.
• Joint Pain/Arthritis: Some people find joint stiffness or pain increases in humid weather. Stay cool with fans, and consider a cool pack on sore joints. Engage in gentle exercises (stretching, swimming) that won’t put extra strain on joints.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Neurological Disorders: Many with MS are sensitive to heat. Even a small rise in body temperature can trigger temporary symptom flares (blurry vision, fatigue, weakness) – this is called Uhthoff’s phenomenon. Use cooling strategies like vests or neck scarves, and rest at the first sign of a flare. Keep a fan on you, or use a misting spray.
• Kidney Disease: If you have kidney issues, dehydration can quickly become dangerous. Stick to a hydration schedule recommended by your nephrologist, and avoid very salty foods or excessive protein.

No matter your condition, listen to your body. If something feels wrong in the heat – fatigue, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or severe cramps – it’s time to cool down and seek help. Talk with your doctor ahead of the summer about any special instructions for your medications or care.

Participating in Research from Home

You can manage your chronic condition without missing out on medical advancements – even in summer. Science 37 specializes in decentralized clinical trials, meaning patients can participate from home instead of traveling to a research site.

Our Metasite™ platform “gives access to trials regardless of site proximity, and [lets you] participate from the comfort of home.” In practice, this means virtual check-ins with study doctors (via video or phone), home health visits, and mail-in lab kits. You get the same oversight and treatment without leaving your house in the heat.

Science 37 aims to make it “easier for patients around the globe to find and enroll in clinical research studies while providing a technology-enabled patient experience.” If you’re interested in contributing to science safely, visit Science 37’s website or ask your doctor about ongoing trials in your condition.

You can learn more and contact Science 37 today to find a study that fits your needs and summer schedule. Participating in research from home keeps you out of the sun and can give you more control over your care this season