How to handle hot flashes in the heat

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you are suffering from hot flashes this summer, the temperatures could be making things much worse. So what can you do to help? Dr. Kenneth Sekine joined us live during the 9am hour of the morning show with some advice. While he suggests getting your hormone levels checked through a blood test, and then possibly balanced with hormone replacement, there are other things you can do for temporary relief.

  • Sip a cold drink. If you feel a hot flash coming on, this could help lower your body's temperature.
  • Pay attention to what you eat and drink. Hot and spicy foods, caffeinated drinks and alcohol can all be triggers.
  • Breathe. Anxiety over the hot flash can make it worse. Work on steadying your breathing; practice yoga, meditation or other helpful relaxation techniques.
  • Don't smoke. Tobacco use is linked to an increase in hot flashes.
  • Wear layers of clothing so you can peel them off when a hot flash hits.
  • Consider bio-identical hormonal treatments. They can regulate your hormones and help stop hot flashes all together.
  • Freeze something. An ice-cold washcloth around your neck can cool you off in a hurry. There are also products on the market you can drape around your neck.
  • Lose weight. Losing excess pounds can significantly alleviate—or even eliminate—hot flashes. Researchers found that each 11-pound decrease in weight yielded 33 percent greater odds of improvement in hot flashes.

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For more information on hormone replacement therapy and Dr. Kenneth Sekine, click or call his office at 904-262-5333