Does Summer Heat Have An Affect On Cerebral Palsy? That’s A Huge Yes!
It feels like people don’t believe me when I tell them, “It’s too dangerous for me to walk in this heat and humidity.” Those people brush it off and say, “Yeah, but walking stretches your legs.” Ok, I get that. But do you ever think or ask yourself if heat can affect Cerebral Palsy? News flash, people, it does! Let me explain.
See, today is the first day all summer that the heat hated me. It is crazy hot here, and the humidity is terrible. I had physical therapy which caused me to sweat excessively, and I had problems breathing. Plus, I wore my leg braces with long black socks, and I exerted myself walking everywhere. Yeah, not good.
I have written nothing about Cerebral Palsy yet for Coffee House Writers. I went into it a little in my debut article I wrote back in January titled, “I Am Jules: Get To Know Me.” But I haven’t touched on it fully here yet. So, for everyone to understand, I’ll explain my condition to you.
I have Mild Spastic Diplegia. I use a walker to get around, a wheelchair for long distances (my legs get tired quickly). I use lots of other equipment to help promote independence.
In the word diplegia, the contraction “Di” stands for two. It means it affects both the legs or the arms. In my case, it affects only my legs. I go to physical therapy because my muscles in my body, are spastic. It means tightening and contracting of muscles. Physical therapy helps control the spastic muscles and keep my limbs loose.
My walker is my “working legs.” My legs get wobbly, and it reduces my balance. I can’t walk on my own without using a walker, holding onto something steady, or someone else holding onto me. The walker is the only way for me to move independently. If the walker breaks or something happens to it, then I lost my functioning legs. Yes, you heard me, my walker is my legs.
Let’s Shed Some Light on Why Summer Weather Can Affect Cerebral Palsy
For everyone, summer is an exciting time of year. It’s hot and humid. You can travel, go to the beach and have fun. But, for people with Cerebral Palsy, heat is not our friend.
There are many consequences if people with Cerebral Palsy expose themselves to too much heat, such as:
- Unresponsive or high fevers
- Not normal or unusual weakness
- It is hard to wake up,
- Throwing up
- Difference in urine color
- Feeling dizzy
- Confusion
- Pale skin
- Fast heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
**Be cautious. Keep an eye out for these common heat exposures**
The red flags of heat exposure (may lead to heat stroke if left untreated)
- Breathing difficulties
- Lack of sweating (you don’t let off the normal amount of sweat)
- Flushed skin
- Seizures
- Fainting
- 104 fever or higher
**If you notice any of these flags, DO NOT brush them off**
To avoid heat exposure, you should:
- Move to an air-conditioned place
- Dress appropriately
- Drink ice cold water
- Eat cold food such as salad or fruit
- Carry a spray bottle
- Swim
Heat and Cerebral Palsy do not mix well. Keep these tips in mind, that way you and your child can have an enjoyable summer and avoid a trip to the emergency room. Heat affects Cerebral Palsy!
Happy Summer!
Inspired Article Source: Birth Injury Guide
