Summer can be a welcome change of pace, but for those living with Crohn’s disease, rising temperatures can also make symptoms harder to manage. Heat, dehydration, and changes in routine can all have an impact, making it important to take extra care during the warmer months. With the right approach, it’s still possible to feel your best and enjoy the season.
Beating the Heat: Living with Crohn’s in the Summer
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated in the summer is something that most people struggle with – it can be a hard balance to find the right amount of water to consume when it’s incredibly hot outside every single day. When living with Crohn’s disease, avoiding dehydration is even more important. Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms like diarrhea, and cause painful issues if you’ve had any surgery like a colon resection. To ensure you’re never without water, be sure to invest in a large water bottle that you can keep with you at all times.
Develop an Exercise Routine
Research shows that regular exercise can positively affect Crohn’s symptoms and even help prevent painful relapses. This summer, take advantage of the beautiful weather to exercise outdoors in moderation as temperatures rise. If you prefer to exercise inside, try streaming a workout class on YouTube, or Everyday Health recommends strength training, dancing, pilates, and yoga among several other activities that are particularly beneficial to people with Crohn’s disease.
Enjoy the Sunshine Cautiously
Practice smart self-care and always apply sunscreen when you’re going to be outdoors. The majority of those living with Crohn’s disease are on a type of medication that makes them more sensitive to sun exposure. Wearing a hat and sunglasses when spending time outside is recommended too.
Keep Up with Your Regular Care Plan
Summer schedules can be unpredictable, but falling off your prescribed treatment regimen can result in active bowel inflammation that could lead to more complications and surgery. At IVX Health, we provide infusion therapy in a comfortable, patient-centered setting, with flexible scheduling and more than 150 centers nationwide – making it easier to stay on schedule and focused on your health.
Living with Crohn’s doesn’t mean sitting out the season. By staying hydrated, keeping cool, and maintaining your routine, you can better manage symptoms and enjoy everything summer has to offer.
Treatment at IVX Health
If specialty infusion and injection biologics are a part of your chronic illness treatment plan, then consider choosing IVX Health for your ongoing care needs. IVX Health makes it possible to receive your therapy in a comfortable, convenient, and private environment.
With a private suite for every patient, you can watch your favorite streaming show or movie on the big screen TV in each room, use a laptop or other mobile device to surf the web, or simply hang out with family and friends. We always have chairs for guests, and each center has a family room that is spacious and private if you need to bring your kids to your treatment. We also offer flexible appointment scheduling – including evenings and Saturdays – at any of our convenient locations.
At IVX Health, we truly are invested in helping you live your best life. If you’re ready to experience a new kind of infusion clinic, click here to learn how to move your infusion or injection therapy to IVX Health.