Tuesday Health & Wellness

Seattle Heatwaves Are No Joke

I have to be honest with you.

Monday humbled me.

Sunday’s temperatures were in the high 80s and Monday was just as warm. Most people probably thought, “It’s only in the 80s.”

But for me, it felt like my body was waving a white flag.

I already live with osteoarthritis and chronic pain. My hips remind me every day that they have opinions. But Monday was different. From my head to my hips, I hurt. I developed a headache, felt exhausted, and eventually called off work because I simply wasn’t feeling well enough to push through the day.

As I laid in bed with three fans going, sipping water and trying to cool down, I started wondering if the heat was playing a bigger role than I realized.

So, of course, I did what I always do.

I researched it.

Why Seattle Heat Hits Different

Seattle’s climate and housing were not designed for extended periods of high heat. Unlike many parts of the country, most homes in the Pacific Northwest do not have air conditioning.

That means when temperatures climb into the upper 80s and 90s, many homes become heat traps, holding onto warmth long after the sun goes down.

This can create serious health concerns, especially for:

• Older adults
• Young children
• Pregnant individuals
• People with chronic health conditions
• Those experiencing homelessness
• Outdoor workers

Common Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Exhaustion

• Heavy sweating
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Muscle weakness

Heat Stroke

• A medical emergency
• High body temperature
• Hot, dry skin
• Rapid pulse
• Confusion
• Possible seizures

How To Stay Safe

💧 Drink water before you feel thirsty.

🏠 Find cool spaces whenever possible.

🧊 Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day.

🪭 Use fans to circulate air.

🐾 Check on pets and loved ones.

👵 Pay special attention to older adults and those with chronic health conditions.

My Take

Monday reminded me that sometimes our bodies are trying to tell us something.

I spent most of the day resting, drinking water, keeping the blinds closed, and listening to what my body needed.

For those of us dealing with chronic pain, arthritis, mobility issues, or other health concerns, heat can sometimes feel much harder on our bodies than people realize.

So if you’re feeling more tired, achy, or uncomfortable during these hot days, give yourself a little grace.

Your body may be working harder than you think.

Stay cool.
Stay hydrated.
And most importantly, listen when your body asks for rest.

💛

Question of the Day:
How does hot weather affect your body? Do you love the heat, or do you find yourself slowing down when temperatures rise? 🌻

🌻 Lady Flava 🌻