Dr. Christina Prather – Geriatrician, UNC Geriatrics Specialty Clinic
North Carolina is blessed with four distinct seasons. The great outdoors beckons us for three of those seasons but even the harshest winter season has days of “spring-like” temperatures that call us to enjoy outdoor activities. Dr. Christina Prather offers advice for “Staying Healthy Outdoors”.
Where you see golf carts, I see back injuries.
Where you see flower shows, I see side effects from allergy medications.
Where you see outdoor musical performances and midday hikes, I see dehydration.
Where you see paths or cobblestone streets, I see falls.
As you plan your upcoming activities, I invite you to keep in mind some advice from your friendly neighborhood geriatrician. Consider the following recommendations as tips you can use to stay healthy and safe this spring and summer. As always, if you have questions about your health or medications, consult your physician for individualized recommendations.
Beware of over the counter allergy relief medications. Most allergy medications are related to a medication class called antihistamines. Some examples include diphenhydramine, loratadine, cetirizine, and fexofenadine. In addition to causing fatigue, these medications can impair your thinking and worsen memory problems. They can also cause dry mouth, difficulty with urination, and dizziness.
Beware of over the counter cold and flu medications. Like allergy medications, this class of medications can include antihistamines, especially diphenhydramine. They also usually include a decongestant. Some examples include pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, and oxymetazoline. Decongestants can be dangerous if you have glaucoma, kidney disease, high blood pressure, or history of a stroke. If you have one of these conditions, talk to your doctor before taking one of these medications.
Build up exercise and activity tolerance slowly. The first time you played golf you didn’t play 18 holes. Imagine how badly you would have ached the following days. Likewise, your first activity this year shouldn’t be on par with last year’s peak. If you are starting an exercise routine for the first time, consult your doctor to decrease your risk of injury. The idea that walking a mile daily could lead to an injury may seem silly, but many patients with injuries have come through my office thinking the same! If you have ever had a heart condition or diagnosis of cancer, local hospitals often offer supervised exercise programs to get you safely back on your feet. Your physician can help you find these resources and make a referral if necessary.
Stay hydrated! As we age, the body is more prone to dehydration. This is especially common when you stand for prolonged periods of time and is due to impaired blood return from your legs to your brain. Dizziness can result and lead to falls. Be sure to drink plenty of water and listen to your body’s signs that it is not getting enough.
Avoid heavy alcohol use. Remember alcohol does not count as hydration! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommend against more than one drink daily for women or two drinks daily for men. Individuals react differently to the same amounts of alcohol and most people are more sensitive to alcohol in the heat.
Utilize caution on unpaved surfaces. Tree roots on your favorite trail or loose stones on a cobblestone street can quickly ruin your plans. Tread carefully to avoid a sprained or broken joint. Also consider that bifocals impair your ability to look down and should be worn cautiously during outdoor activities.