Discover essential tips for managing an ostomy during the summer months. From choosing breathable clothing and staying hydrated to monitoring your pouch and being prepared for outdoor activities, learn how to navigate the heat comfortably. These practical insights will help you enjoy summer without compromising your health and well-being.
Having an ostomy during the warmer months can present unique challenges. Here are five tips to help you navigate summer more comfortably:
1. Choose the Right Clothing
Opt for light, breathable fabrics or loose-fitting clothing to minimize sweating and prevent skin irritation or pouch issues. Linen or cotton shorts, skirts, and pants are excellent options to keep the area around your bag cool in the heat. If you’re concerned about swimming, consider ostomy-specific swimwear or swimming bag covers.
2. Stay Hydrated
Summer heat can lead to increased sweating, which means it’s vital to stay hydrated, especially for those with an ostomy. Incorporate hydrating foods like watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, or apples into your diet, along with plenty of water. If you sweat a lot, feel dehydrated, or engage in physical activities, think about supplementing with sports drinks or electrolyte beverages to replenish lost fluids.
Visit this article on Staying Hydrated With An Ostomy, with hydration expert Dr. Raman, GI, for information: https://www.ostomycanada.ca/blog/2024/ostomy-hydration/
3. Monitor Your Pouch
Pay attention to how swimming or sweating affects your pouch’s seal. You may need to change your pouch more frequently or use barrier extenders or rings to ensure a proper seal. If your peristomal skin appears more irritated, consider using stoma powder to absorb excess moisture. If you’re experiencing difficulties with your seal or skin in the heat, consult your healthcare provider or a Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (NSWOC) for a personalized care plan.
4. Be Prepared
Having an ostomy doesn’t mean you should miss out on summer activities like hiking, swimming, fishing, or camping. Always be prepared with a change of clothes, skin care items (such as barrier wipes or stoma powder), extra supplies, as well as water and snacks. Bringing an electrolyte packet may also be helpful.
5. Listen to Your Body
If you’re feeling fatigued from summer activities or the heat, allow yourself a day to rest and recover. Social gatherings, hot weather, and physical activities can be exhausting, especially for those with an ostomy. It’s perfectly fine to take a day indoors to relax with a book or a movie. Your health should be a priority! However, don’t let your ostomy keep you from enjoying outdoor activities or swimming. Being prepared and using the right products for your skin can help you participate fully.
Bonus Tip: Keep your ostomy supplies in a cool, dry place since heat can affect the adhesion of your flange. If you keep an extra set of supplies in your car, consider swapping them out if they’ve been exposed to heat for extended periods.
Source
By Hannah Martin-Spencer, BKin, Ostomy Canada Marketing Team.
Hannah, a passionate 24-year-old from the Greater Toronto Area, is expanding her expertise in acupuncture at a Calgary post-secondary institution. With a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Psychology, she blends her knowledge into her new acupuncture pursuit. Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at 16 and unsuccessful biological drug treatments, she underwent ileostomy surgery at 20. Hannah is driven to advocate for ostomy individuals. As a new volunteer, she will support Ostomy Canada with social media and fundraising. She enjoys outdoor activities, baking, and painting in her free time. Hannah’s journey of resilience and determination, with her ostomy transformation showcasing her strength, aims to inspire and support the ostomy community.
