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Heat intolerance is a common problem associated with many forms of dysautonomia . In this blog post, we will look at how it affects people and how to manage the symptoms. What is dysautonomia? Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for health conditions related to the autonomic nervous system . The term "autonomic" means ”self-governing,” which means it controls things you don't have to think about. This covers a wide range of bodily functions, such as breathing, digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, sweating, and much more. Symptoms of Heat Intolerance Symptoms of heat intolerance can vary from person to person, but may include: Feeling very hot in mildly warm temperatures Fatigue Excessive sweating or not sweating enough Dizziness Nausea Heat intolerance in dysautonomia patients will often exacerbate existing symptoms, such as abnormal heart rates, blood pressure, feeling faint, and breathlessness. Tips on managing heat intolerance Stay Hydrated:  Drinking plenty of fluids and increasing your salt intake will help to raise your blood volume, which is typically low in patients living with dysautonomia, especially POTS. It is recommended to drink three litres of water throughout the day to maintain a healthy level of hydration. Adding foods with high water content to your diet, like strawberries, cucumber, and celery, can also be a great way to stay hydrated in the summer weather. Other foods with high fluid content include soups, yoghurts, and jelly. Avoid alcohol:  As well as causing dehydration, alcohol can trigger symptoms in people with many other forms of dysautonomia. Avoiding excessive alcohol is important at all times of the year, but it's even more important during the hot summer months. Eat light meals:  Instead of eating three large meals, eat smaller meals more regularly throughout the day. Eating light, regular meals can help to avoid drops in your blood pressure from having a full stomach. Cooling your room:  Using air conditioning can maintain a comfortable temperature inside during the summer months. If you don't have air conditioning, keep your windows closed during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Alternatively, using a fan  alone can be helpful with temperatures up to around 30 degrees. Clothing:  Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing can help you maintain a cool body temperature while outside and around the house. Cool water:  Taking a cool bath or shower is a great way to lower your body temperature. You can also quickly cool yourself down by putting your hands and feet in cold water. Wrists and ankles have lots of pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you will cool down more quickly. Avoiding strenuous activity midday:  The sun tends to be at its hottest and brightest between 11am and 3pm. If you do spend time outside, take regular breaks in a shaded area. Useful tools: When outside, carrying a small portable fan can keep you cool while on the go; they can also be useful while in the car or at work. A cool mist or spray bottle can also be used to keep cool while outside. Wearing a cool towel around your neck is another way of lowering your body temperature when in the sun. The Complete Guide to Traveling with POTS/Dysautonomia Click the image above to learn some useful tips and trick on traveling with POTS/Dysautonomia.

Address : Canal Rd, Rochester ME2 4QS Location Strood Waterfront Park is located along the river Medway in Rochester. With its play area, gym and views over the lake, this location is ideal for visitors of all ages. What's there? Park Facilities include: Children's play area Outdoor gym Garden Tennis court River views At this location, you can also view the U-475 Black Widow Submarine moored in the river medway. For more information, click here . Parking To access the waterfront, you can park along Canal Rd, Rochester. Parking here is free . There is no parking from 10:30-11:00 am Monday to Friday. Visiting after 11 or anytime on the weekend is unrestricted. There are no disabled parking bays. Accessibility This location is ideal for people who struggle to walk long distances, with plenty of places to sit throughout the park as well as facing out over the river. Pictures are included below. The floor is level and suitable for wheelchair users. Conclusion Overall, this location is accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. The waterfront park is an ideal place to stop for lunch with its free parking, kids play area, as well as the unique view of the submarine.

Address : 8 Canal Rd, Rochester ME2 4DR About The U-475 Black Widow was a cold war era Soviet Navy submarine that is now privately owned. It is currently moored at Strood , on the River Medway , in South-East England . 74 Project 641-class submarines were built by the Soviet Navy between 1957 and 1983, as well as 17 others for the Libyan, Cuban and Indian navies. Black Widow was built at the Sudomekh shipyard in Leningrad and commissioned in 1967. It was based at Riga and served with the Soviet Baltic Fleet before being used as a training vessel for crews from overseas who would be operating Foxtrot-class subs in their own navies. It was decommissioned in 1993 and sold. The submarine is currently referred to as Foxtrot B-39 U-475 Black Widow. The B- designation stands for Bolshaya (Large). In 2004, it was moved to its present location in a state of disrepair and is currently awaiting restoration. Parking To view the submarine, you can park along Canal Rd, Rochester. Parking here is free . There is no parking from 10:30-11:00 am Monday to Friday. Visiting after 11 or anytime on the weekend is unrestricted. There are no disabled parking bays. Accessibility The distance from the roadside parking to the submarine will be 50-100 metres, depending on where you park. To view the submarine, you walk through strood waterfront park . The floor is level and suitable for wheelchair users. This location is ideal for people who struggle to walk long distances, with plenty of places to sit throughout the park as well as facing out over the river. Pictures are included below. Conclusion Overall, this location is accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. The waterfront park is an ideal place to stop for lunch with its free parking and view of the submarine.

Address : 142 Chertsey Ln, Staines TW18 3LS Location Truss's Island is a small riverside park in the River Thames, located between Staines-upon-Thames and Laleham. The island has fishing platforms suitable for disabled and able-bodied anglers, as well as lunch tables and open green areas, ideal for picnics. The island is suitable for birdwatching. There are always lots of swans, geese, and ducks, but I have also seen herons and a cormorant. Parking There is free parking on site with three disabled bays. The car park has never been full any of the times I have visited. Accessibility The island is 100 metres in length and there are plenty of benches, some with views of the river, and some in the centre of the island. The island and adjoining park are accessible for both wheelchair and mobility scooter users, with smooth, level paths. There are two bridges: one to access the island from the car park and one to the picnic area, both of which are suitable for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. The car park is located right next to the island. When to visit During the week, the island tends to be quiet and normally has only one or two visitors at a time. On weekends, it's a bit busier but never too crowded. I personally like to go during the week in the morning and often find I have the place to myself. Wildlife For lots of people, the main attraction is the hundreds of ducks & swans. The birds are used to people feeding them, so they are very friendly. It's a great place for kids and animal lovers to be around nature. Picnic Area After walking through the island, you reach a small green space, ideal for picnics. Here you will find a few picnic tables shaded by trees, which can be a perfect place to visit during the summer to escape the heat. Conclusion In conclusion, Truss's Island is a hidden gem, offering a serene and peaceful escape from the busy surrounding towns. With its accessible facilities, wildlife, and picturesque picnic areas, it's an ideal location for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to unwind. Whether you're an avid angler, a birdwatcher, or simply seeking a relaxing afternoon in the great outdoors, Truss's Island has something for everyone. With its free parking, wheelchair accessibility, and views of the river, Truss's Island is accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

Heat intolerance is a common problem associated with POTS; in this blog post we will look at at ways to manage the symptoms. Tips on managing heat intolerance Stay Hydrated:  Drinking plenty of fluids and increasing your salt intake will help to raise your blood volume, which is typically low in POTS patients. It is recommended to drink three litres of water throughout the day to maintain a healthy level of hydration. Adding foods with high water content to your diet, like strawberries, cucumber, and celery, can also be a great way to stay hydrated in the summer weather. Other foods with high fluid content include soups, yoghurts, and jelly. Avoid alcohol:  As well as causing dehydration, alcohol can trigger symptoms in people with many other forms of dysautonomia. Avoiding excessive alcohol is important at all times of the year, but it's even more important during the hot summer months. Eat light meals:  Instead of eating three large meals, eat smaller meals more regularly throughout the day. Eating light, regular meals can help to avoid drops in your blood pressure from having a full stomach. Cooling your room:  Using air conditioning can maintain a comfortable temperature inside during the summer months. If you don't have air conditioning, keep your windows closed during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Alternatively, using a fan  alone can be helpful with temperatures up to around 30 degrees. Clothing:  Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing can help you maintain a cool body temperature while outside and around the house. Cool water:  Taking a cool bath or shower is a great way to lower your body temperature. You can also quickly cool yourself down by putting your hands and feet in cold water. Wrists and ankles have lots of pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you will cool down more quickly. Avoiding strenuous activity midday:  The sun tends to be at its hottest and brightest between 11am and 3pm. If you do spend time outside, take regular breaks in a shaded area. Useful tools: When outside, carrying a small portable fan  can keep you cool while on the go; they can also be useful while in the car or at work. A cool mist or spray bottle  can also be used to keep cool while outside. Wearing a  cool towel  around your neck is another way of lowering your body temperature when in the sun. Dysautonomia: Heat intolerance Click the image above to learn about the symptoms of heat intolerance and how to treat them.

What is dysautonomia? Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for health conditions related to the autonomic nervous system. The term "autonomic" means ”self-governing,” which means it controls things you don't have to think about. This covers a wide range of bodily functions, such as breathing, digestion, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, sweating and much more. Some of the most common forms include POTS, orthostatic hypotension, vasovagal syncope and autonomic dysreflexia. What causes dysautonomia? There are several possible causes of autonomic dysfunction ; these can be divided into primary and secondary causes. Examples of primary causes are genetic or degenerative illnesses, while secondary causes could be injury, infection, or environmental factors. While some people with a form of dysautonomia can trace their illness to a single cause, often it can be the culmination of multiple factors. Getting a Diagnosis Dysautonomia can be a challenge to diagnose, with many symptoms that may appear unrelated at first. A diagnosis normally comes when your doctor has ruled out other illnesses. Another challenge is the lack of awareness of the illness , even in the medical field, so finding a specialist can be useful if you need a faster diagnosis. Tests Tilt table test A tilt table test is the most common, and normally the final, test they use when diagnosing POTS and many other forms of dysautonomia. Healthcare providers monitor your vitals while the table you’re on tilts at various angles. This allows them to find out why you faint and how your blood pressure and heart rate are affected by a change of positions. Electrocardiogram Because a typical EKG tracks your heart’s electrical activity for a very short time, it probably won’t pick up irregularities that only happen once in a while. It’s like when your internet is acting up but seems fine when someone comes to repair it. To capture erratic symptoms, your provider can give you: Holter monitor: You wear this device for 24 to 48 hours to get a continuous recording of your heart’s electrical activity for that time frame. Event monitor: You wear this device for a week or more and may need to click a button to start recording when you feel symptoms. Blood Tests Doctors will use blood tests to test for antibodies that indicate an autoimmune disorder or levels of certain neurotransmitters like catecholamines; these can help diagnose dysautonomia while also ruling out other illnesses. Symptom specific tests While getting my diagnosis, I also had a lung function test, physical stress test, x-rays, and ultrasounds. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor will use a variety of tests to rule out other possible causes. How long does it take? Th e diagnostic journey for dysautonomia can be long, complicated, and frustrating . The delay in diagnosis and misdiagnosis often occurs because symptoms overlap with other conditions. This is why finding a specialist can be useful, saving time, and getting you treatment sooner. In December of 2013, Dysautonomia International conducted a survey of over 700 POTS patients and found that only 25% of patients are diagnosed within the first year of symptoms.

Steyne Gardens, Worthing BN11 3DZ Location Located in the centre of Worthing , Steyne Gardens offers an open green space great for picnics. At the southern end of the gardens, facing the sea, is a war memorial commemorating the Boer War . The site is used for various events throughout the year, including the Seafront Fayre in summer and the Worthing Ice Rink in winter. Parking There are parking spaces along the road around the gardens. There have always been spaces during my visits on weekdays, but parking may be more difficult during peak times, such as the summer holidays. An alternative place to park is along the Marine Parade. Pay-and-display parking is £1.20 per hour, and you can park for a maximum of 4 hours. Parking is free for those with blue badges. Accessibility With a length of approximately 175 metres, and plenty of benches, Steyne Gardens are a great place to visit for people who struggle to walk long distances. The paths are suitable for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Conclusion Overall, with its well maintained gardens, Steyne Gardens is an ideal place to stop for lunch or a picnic. Its close proximity to the beach and local shops make it a good place to park to access some of Worthing's main attractions. To find out more about Worthing's pier and seafront, visit https://www.accessibledaytrips.com/post/worthing-pier-and-beach

Address : Central Parade, Herne Bay CT6 5JN Location Located on the north coast of Kent, Herne Bay is a seaside town situated 6 miles north of Canterbury and 4 miles east of Whitstable. Herne Bay Pier is free to enter, and offers lots of attractions for visitors of all ages. The Pier opens daily from 8.00 am, and the small shops open at 11.00 am. Fishing and crab fishing are popular on the pier, and it's free of charge. History Herne Bay Pier has gone through many changes since its construction in 1832. The first pier was 1,101 meters in length and was accessed by boat. A sail trolley running on tracks, powered by the wind or manpower when the conditions were not right, ran the length of the pier from the 13th of June 1833, carrying passengers and baggage. It was followed in 1861 by the railway station , which aided the town's growth into a holiday resort. The first pier was taken down in 1871 due to fewer people arriving on paddle steam boats, and deterioration from shipworm. The second pier was constructed in 1873. This pier was made of metal, and at a length of 100 metres was a lot shorter than the original. Although the new pier owners built a wooden theatre, shops, toilets, and ticket office across its entrance in June 1884 it made no money. In 1891, the owners were granted the right to construct a deep-sea pier. It was completed in 1899, and at 1,154 metres, was the second longest in England. In the first year, the tram fares made £488. The pier was used by paddle steamers until 1963. Storms from 1978 and 1979 caused the collapse of the central portion of the pier, and its remains were dismantled in 1980. The old pier head can still be seen today, but there are concerns about its strength and the risk of collapse. What's there? At Herne Pier, you will find: Fairground rides and games Small independent shops Entertainment stage Food huts Parking There are numerous pay-and-display roadside parking spaces available along Central Parade. There are 12 disabled parking spaces along the Central Parade in between the pier and clock tower. Parking is free for blue badge holders. Neptune car park Located 500 meters from the pier, the Neptune car park is large and also offers five spaces for overnight motorhome parking . The car park has barriers, and you play when you leave. There are 6 disabled parking bays. Prices: 1 hour: £2.70 Maximum fee, all day: £25.00 Overnight: £2.00 (in after 21:00 out by 07:30) You can sign up online for automatic payments, and there are 2 hours free for blue badge holders. Click Here   for more info. Accessibility The distance from the roadside parking to the pier ranges from 50 metres, to 500 metres at the furthest point. During off-seasons, I have always been able to park less than 200 metres from the pier. Herne Bay is ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances, with plenty of benches along the seaside paths and on the pier. The paths are smooth and level, making them accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There are public toilets located just over 100 metres west of the pier. Conclusion Overall, Herne Bay Pier is accessible, and has something to offer, for visitors of all ages and abilities. There are also weekly events held at the stage to the end of the pier. Click here to learn about Herne Bay Beaches accessibility

Address: 55 High St, Isle of Grain, Rochester ME3 0BS Location Grain Beach is located at the opening between the rivers Medway and Thames, on the Isle of Grain in Rochester. The sand and shingle beach is dog friendly, and there's a level path around the shoreline. Grain Coastal Park is less than 30 miles from the centre of London but feels fairly remote, once you have passed the industrial estate before the village. Parking There is a medium-sized car park just 50 metres from the beach, free of charge. There is a height limit of 1.9 metres. The car park had no markings, so there were no specified disabled parking spaces; but during my visit there was plenty of space. Accessibility From the car park, there's a 50 metre walk down a few steps to the beach. Alternatively, wheelchair users can use a sloped path by turning right when leaving the car park. This route is around 150 metres to the beach. Pictures of both paths are included at the bottom of the page. There are fairly frequent benches, about every 50 metres, throughout the park. There are steps that run along coastline path, these can be useful if you need to stop and rest while walking along the beach. Conclusion Overall, Grain Beach is an ideal place to stop and take in the views. You can see the opening of the River Thames and ships pass by frequently. The short distance from the car park to Grain Beach is perfect for people who struggle to walk long distances. The Coastal Park is a bit hilly, with uneven and slippery surfaces, so this could be a challenge for some visitors.

Address: Hamm Moor Ln, Addlestone KT15 2SD The Location Coxes Lock was built between 1651 and 1653 as part of an important link to transport heavy goods between London and Guildford. It's located in Addlestone, Surrey. There are three mill buildings closely grouped together that have been converted into apartments, but the outside has remained unchanged. What's There? At the lock you can see the old mill buildings and hear the water that used to power the Mill running down the stream. Boats pass through the lock fairly regularly and there are often people fishing around the mill pond and along the canal. There are also lots of ducks, swans, geese, and other birds in the area, so this location can be a good place for bird watchers. Parking There are parking bays along the street next to the Wey Navigation which are free to use. I have found there are almost always spaces unless it's during a peak time in the holidays. Accessibility The distance from the roadside parking to the lock is about 100 metres. There are multiple benches along the path, around every 20 metres or so, and all of them have a good view of the water. The path to the lock is accessed by two short but fairly steep slopes (pictured at the bottom of the page) that are wheelchair accessible but may be a struggle if you are on your own. The paths are suitable for wheelchair and mobility scooter users, level but bumpy. Conclusion Overall, Coxes Lock is a great place to visit for people of all ages. I'd recommend stopping off for lunch or a picnic so you can sit and watch the boats go by. This location may be more challenging to access for wheelchair users, but would be possible with the help of a friend.

With heat intolerance being a common symptom of dysautonomia, keeping cool will help you make the most of this summer. How to keep cool this summer Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids and increasing your salt intake will help to increase your blood volume, which is typically low in pots patients. It is recommended to drink three litres of water throughout the day to maintain a healthy level of hydration. Adding foods with high water content to your diet, like strawberries, cucumber, and celery, can also be a great way to stay hydrated in the summer weather. Other foods with high fluid content include soups, yoghurts, and jelly. Avoid alcohol: As well as causing dehydration, alcohol can trigger symptoms in people with many other forms of dysautonomia. Avoiding excessive alcohol is important at all times of the year, but it's even more important during the hot summer months. Eat light meals: Instead of eating three large meals, eat smaller meals more regularly throughout the day. Eating light, regular meals can help to avoid drops in your blood pressure from having a full stomach. Cooling your room: Using air conditioning can maintain a comfortable temperature inside during the summer months. Alternatively, using a fan alone can be helpful with temperatures up to around 30 degrees. If you don't have air conditioning, keep your windows closed during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Clothing: Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing can help you maintain a cool body temperature while outside and around the house. Cool water: Taking a cool bath or shower is a great way to lower your body temperature. You can also quickly cool yourself down by putting your hands and feet in cold water. Wrists and ankles have lots of pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you will cool down more quickly. Avoiding strenuous activity midday: The sun tends to be at its hottest and brightest between 11am and 3pm. If you do spend time outside, take regular breaks in a shaded area. Useful tools: When outside, carrying a small portable fan can keep you cool while on the go; they can also be useful while in the car or at work. A cool mist or spray bottle can also be used to keep cool while outside. Wearing a cool towel around your neck is another way of lowering your body temperature when in the sun.

Address: Guards Club Park, Maidenhead, Windsor and Maidenhead SL6 1X Location The Maidenhead Railway Bridge crosses the River Thames in Maidenhead, Berkshire. The bridge can be viewed from Guards Club Park and its accompanying island. History The Maidenhead Railway Bridge, also known as the Maidenhead Viaduct was constructed in 1838. The bridge carries the Great Western Main Line (GWML) over the River Thames between Maidenhead, Berkshire, and Taplow, Buckinghamshire. When it was built, Maidenhead Bridge boasted the flattest yet widest brick constructed arches in the world. From 1890-1892 the Bridge is widened on both sides by Sir John Fowler; and in 2009, the lines were electrified. What's there? With the use of the bridge between the Guards Club Park and island you can see the Maidenhead Railway Bridge, as well as the 13th century Maidenhead Bridge. At the Guards Club Park you will find: Open green space ideal for small dog walks Riverside views Gazebo (pictured at the bottom of the page) Access bridge to Guards Club Island View of Maidenhead Railway Bridge View of Maidenhead Bridge Parking There is a small car park on site. Parking is free, and the gates are locked half an hour before sunset. There are no specified disabled parking spaces. Accessibility Due to its small size and plentiful benches, Guards Club Park is ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances. There are less than 50 metres to walk to reach the river, with a view of the bridges. There is no path from the car park to the riverside, but the grass is fairly level, so it should not be an issue for wheelchair or mobility scooter users. There are a few steps to access the bridge, making it not accessible for wheelchair users, but you can still see the bridges from is riverside path. There are no public toilets at the park. Conclusion Overall, getting a view of the bridge is accessible for people of all ages and abilities. The park tends to be quiet and peaceful throughout the day.