Dear Red Hot Mamas- July 2018

” It’s a sure sign of summer if the chair gets up when you do”

– Walter Winchell

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

Hello to all my “summer sisters”. I know many of you, like me, are feeling “Hot, Hot, Hot”. We’ve looked forward to the good ol’ summertime, outside fun, and summer road trips. But, now we seem to be looking for ways to beat the heat and have cool fun during this sizzlin’ summer.

As the temperature climbs outside, our hot flashes seem to ruthlessly exacerbate causing very soggy symptoms.  So, if you are feeling the slow boil due to the summer months and menopausal hot flashes, here are some practical ways that may invigorate you to cool. off:

• Watch videos on Antartica
• Jump in a park fountain with your bathing suit on
• Lounge in front of a fan
• Run through your rotating lawn sprinkler
• French braid your hair to keep it off your neck
• Keep a spray bottle of water at hand and give yourself a squirt when necessary
• Place a cold towel on the back of your neck to cool you off
• Keep your blinds closed
• Have a popsicle or ice cream to chill off
• Invite your friends over for dinner but only eat cool foods – salads, fresh fruit, and vegetables and don’t use your oven
• Put your sheets in a plastic bag and place them in the refrigerator. Just before you go to bed, put them on your bed
• Lose weight – overweight women suffer more hot flashes
• Don’t smoke as it increases hot flashes
• Use relaxation techniques – deep breathing, meditation
• Avoid triggers – skip the spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine
• Stay hydrated – drink lots of water
• Wear loose, cotton clothing, preferably light colors since dark colors absorbs more heat
• Cool the room – turn down the thermostat

And, remember, before you know it, August will roll around, then you’ll have to wave goodbye to the sizzlin’ summer.  In closing, change will soon come about, so it’s important to try to enjoy the ordinary beauty of a summer day and the glorious hot summer months.

Good Health to You All,

Karen Giblin