How to Manage Your Hot Flashes On the Road
How to Manage Your Hot Flashes On the Road

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How to Manage Your Hot Flashes On the Road

How to Manage Your Hot Flashes On the Road

  If you’re going through menopause, you never know when hot flashes will strike. But while an unexpected burst of heat is merely unpleasant and inconvenient in most situations, it can be downright dangerous when you’re driving. Fortunately, taking some simple steps can ensure safe driving throughout menopause. Follow these tips for managing your hot flashes on the road.

Don’t Panic

When you’re driving — especially if you’re in busy rush hour traffic — you might feel trapped, or at the very least, not able to step out easily for fresh air. That’s why if you feel a hot flash coming on the road, your first instinct might be to panic. Don’t. Take a deep breath, observe your surroundings and realize you’re going to be okay. After all, if you’re going through menopause, chances are you’ve been through hot flashes before. You know what to expect.

Find a Safe Spot to Pull Over

This may seem obvious, but driving is such an everyday routine that many people forget they’re hurtling at high speeds in a heavy hunk of steel; It’s best not to take chances. If you feel a hot flash coming on, turn your blinkers on, get to the side of the road and find the first safe place to stop.

Open a Window

If pulling over isn’t possible, be sure to open a window to help yourself cool off. It is the next best thing to stepping outside. If your vehicle has a/c, turn it up and allow the cool air to blow onto your face. You’ll likely feel some immediate relief.

Pack a Cool Drink

  If hot flashes are a common occurrence, it’s best to be prepared. Pack a thermos filled with ice water or another cool drink and keep it beside you in a cup holder. You’ll thank yourself later. There’s nothing better to have on hand when you’re suffering a hot flash.

Following these tips can help you when you’re in a fix, but if hot flashes are a common problem, you may want to talk to a medical professional about your treatment options. Simple lifestyle changes like exercising more and introducing healthier foods into your diet may be all you need, but sometimes herbal supplements or medications like short-term HRT are the best fit.

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Sources:
  • Sikon, Andrea and Holly Thacker M.D. "Treatment for Menopausal Hot Flashes". Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. July 2004: 71 (7).
  • "Hot flashes ... in January". Canadian Medical Association Journal. 2004: 170 (1).
  • Miller, Heather and Rose Maria Li, M.D. "Measuring Hot Flashes: Summary of a National Institutes of Health Workshop." Conference report. Mayo Clinic. June 2004: 79.