With the device: how to survive a moody summer

Recent natural disasters have sometimes made life unbearable for Russians. At the end of May, the so-called tropical nights came to Moscow, and in June, the record for low atmospheric pressure was broken and the weather was more like autumn. How such metamorphoses affect people's health, whether it is possible to predict the ailments associated with the vagaries of the weather and who suffers the most from temperature spikes and humidity fluctuations — in the Izvestia material.

What devices are needed at home for weather-dependent people

In addition to medical devices such as thermometers, blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and pulse oximeters, a modern person must have a barometer in their home, says Denis Prokofiev, a general practitioner with the status of "Moscow Doctor" and cardiologist.

— Our body is influenced by internal and external factors. The weather, of course, belongs to the second category. And here, unstable temperature conditions and fluctuations in barometer readings are most dangerous for people with cardiovascular pathology, the cardiologist warns.

We are talking about arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Such patients are constantly required to keep their finger on the pulse in every sense.

"If we are talking about fluctuations in humidity, then, of course, people with joint diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteochondrosis are primarily at risk," continues Denis Prokofiev.

Against the background of high humidity, these problems can worsen — it's not for nothing that older people complain of lower back and leg pain more often in rainy weather.

— It is very important to understand that when a person wakes up, he needs to look at his own thermometer and barometer, and not search the Internet for weather reports, — says Dr. Prokofiev. — Because it is impossible to focus solely on the data that the Hydrometeorological Center transmits to us — the geolocation of the weather station can be correct only for a certain area.

If a person understands that the weather is going to be hot, then it is better to act on interception. First of all, according to Dr. Prokofiev, blood pressure should be measured.

"With high numbers, it is necessary to increase your dose of antihypertensive medication or take an additional medication, because the heat can provoke the development of hypertensive crises," comments Dr. Prokofiev.

In the case of joints, the expert recommends assessing fluctuations in humidity, and if it increases, then take medications as a preventive course to prevent the development of rheumatic attacks and pain syndromes.

— Unfortunately, we cannot influence atmospheric pressure. But if possible, it is necessary to adjust the humidity and the optimal temperature inside the room," the doctor suggests.

The expert considers 45% humidity to be a normal level. This average is especially important for people with respiratory problems.

"Patients suffering from bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive bronchitis should breathe air of a certain humidity," the expert warns. — Its fluctuations can be detected using a special device to exclude complications of a pulmonological nature.

The cardiologist recommends purchasing an air humidifier, either conventional or in a system of climate control devices. The device will help regulate air temperature and humidity, which is necessary for patients at risk.

Denis Prokofiev notes that such devices are necessary not only for patients with cardiovascular diseases or respiratory system problems, but also for people without chronic diagnoses, when it is necessary, for example, to understand the origin of a headache — or to avoid it.

"This problem may be related to increased atmospheric pressure, which increases blood pressure," comments Prokofiev. — Again, high humidity can affect the state of health — due to the penetration of humidified air into the respiratory respiratory system, the load on the body increases.

Climate control devices are necessary in the same way as medical and first aid kits, the expert emphasizes once again. But at the same time, the doctor recommends determining the cause of the malaise and not blaming everything on a change in the weather.

— It is necessary to understand which factor, negatively affecting the body, causes a particular pain syndrome, discomfort or dysfunction. And work with this problem in a targeted manner. If these episodes become permanent, then, regardless of the weather, you need to consult a doctor and select individual schemes," summarizes Dr. Prokofiev.

Weather dependence: how weather anomalies affect the human condition

A sharp alternation of heat and humid, dank weather can affect the emotional and mental state of people who are generally sensitive to fluctuations in atmospheric pressure and temperature changes, says psychiatrist and psychotherapist Alexei Vilkov.

"The vagaries of the weather can cause sleep disorders, anxiety, or depressive experiences," warns the psychiatrist. "Usually, this condition is quickly compensated if a person takes certain medications. And some people adapt to changes over time - some faster, others slower. But mild exacerbation of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders usually occurs.

In order not to get discouraged if the weather gets on your nerves, it is important not to fixate on it, but to look for positive emotions in other areas, the psychotherapist believes.

— First of all, it is communication with loved ones, relatives, and friends. Get positive emotions from pleasant conversations, conversations and spending time together. It is also important to engage in physical activity — visiting a fitness club, gym, swimming pool, jogging or a regular walk help reduce anxiety," Vilkov continues.

The psychiatrist advises you to plan your vacation or day off in such a way as to get more impressions and do things that bring pleasure. Any hobbies, trips, and hobbies are good, in short, all those favorite activities that a person only dreamed of when he worked hard for a long time during the year. Then you can get a solid supply of psychological stability.

How to deal with insomnia in the heat: expert advice

In some cases, extreme heat and humidity can affect people who are initially characterized by emotional fluctuations, or they are characterized by anxiety or depressive experiences, the psychiatrist warns.

"Weather vagaries can also affect patients suffering from severe mental disorders, as their condition worsens," Alexey Vilkov adds.

Most often, weather-dependent people suffer from a deterioration in the quality of sleep, they are overcome by insomnia. And the stuffiness in the room only worsens the suffering.

— It happens that insomnia is accompanied by anxiety — in this state, a person is overcome by fears, anxious thoughts. And sometimes it is associated with apathy, when a person just looks at the ceiling, he doesn't have any bad thoughts, but he can't sleep," comments Alexey Vilkov.

In these cases, the therapist advises the use of self-regulation techniques, which include auto-training, muscle relaxation, meditation practices, yoga. From an expert's point of view, anything that provides muscle relaxation helps. Affirmations, which are positive statements that can be repeated mentally or out loud, have a beneficial effect on the emotional state. With their help, a person replaces negative thoughts with positive ones.

— This is the case when we literally influence our condition with the power of thought, — explains Alexey Vilkov. — But it is important to do this exercise regularly, every day, so that a new skill is formed, and the brain gradually gets used to self-regulation. Such training will lead to a gradual improvement in sleep.

At the same time, the therapist recommends following the bedtime routine — it is important to give up evening abuse of the Internet, gadgets, and TV in order not to excite the nervous system and prepare yourself for a night's rest. It is also necessary to optimize the lifestyle in order to experience less fatigue and experience neurasthenia in general. First of all, find time for a good rest.

— In some cases, mild sedatives may be used, for example, according to the indications of the attending physician, neurologist or psychotherapist. Combined, this has a good effect on improving sleep in hot and humid weather," says Alexey Vilkov.