HOTFLASHES | July 2023

Preventing a Heat Stroke

As temperatures rise, the chances of a heat stroke rise too. Heatstroke is where your body overheats, usually because of a long time in high heat or working or exercising in the heat. Heatstroke is the most serious form of heat injury, and it happens when your body temperature rises to 104 F or higher. It is a medical emergency, and it can damage your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles.

While heatstroke is very dangerous, it is preventable. Know if you are at a higher risk factor due to certain medications, health conditions, lack of air conditioning, or your age. If you are at a higher risk, it’s important to be very cautious in hot weather, and it’s important for everyone to following these tips to prevent heatstroke:

Wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing to allow your body to cool properly.
Protect yourself against sunburn with sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
Stay hydrated, so your body can sweat and help you maintain a normal body temperature.
Never leave anyone in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked and/or the car is in the shade.
Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Be cautious if you’re at an increased risk of heat stroke.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581

Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism

Thyroid disease is very common—it’s estimated than 20 million people in the U.S. have some type of thyroid disorder. In this article, we’ll go over two the most common thyroid issues, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland is underactive, and you’re not able to produce enough of the hormones you need. Hypothyroidism is usually caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a surgery that removed your thyroid gland, or damage from radiation treatment. Other possible causes include thyroiditis, congenital hypothyroidism, iodine deficiency, pituitary gland or hypothalamus disorders, and certain medications.

When your thyroid is underactive, it can lead to symptoms like:

Fatigue
Dry skin and hair
Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
Memory problems
Constipation
Depression
Weight gain
Weakness or muscle and joint pain
Slow heart rate
Heavy and irregular menstruation
Fertility problems
Coma

If you are experiencing these symptoms, your doctor will perform blood tests to measure certain hormone levels. They may also order ultrasounds or scans, and if you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you will likely have to take thyroid hormone pills.

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is the oppositive of hypothyroidism. Your thyroid gland is overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone. This causes many of your bodily functions to speed up. It can lead to symptoms like:

Restlessness
Nervousness
Racing heart rate
Irritability
Increased sweating
Shaking
Anxiety
Trouble sleeping
Thin skin
Brittle hair and nails
Muscle weakness
Weight loss
Increased appetite
Frequent bowel movements
Bulging eyes

Hyperthyroidism is caused by Graves’ disease in the vast majority of cases, but it can also be caused by thyroid gland inflammation, too much iodine, too much thyroid medication, overactive thyroid nodules, or noncancerous pituitary gland tumor.

As with hypothyroidism, your provider can diagnose you with hyperthyroidism by running blood tests and performing certain scans. If you are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, there are a few different treatment options including: antithyroid medication, radioiodine therapy, beta-blockers, and/or surgery.

What’s the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?

The major difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism is the activity of your thyroid. With hypothyroidism, your thyroid is not active enough, and with hyperthyroidism, your thyroid is too active.

https://www.healthline.com/health/common-thyroid-disorders#hyperthyroidism

Summer Peach and Blackberry Galette

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
4 to 5 tablespoons of ice water, divided
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 pound peaches, peeled and cut into 1 inch thick wedges
8 ounces fresh blackperries
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
4 thyme sprigs
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons light-colored jelly or jam

Directions:

Combine flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in bowl of a food processor. Pulse until well combined, about 5 times. Add cubed chilled butter; pulse until mixture resembles small peas, about 12 times. Add 1/4 cup ice water; pulse until mixture is evenly moistened, about 8 times. Mixture should hold together when pinched. If it doesn’t, add remaining 1 tablespoon ice water, 1 teaspoon at a time, pulsing 3 times after each addition. Turn mixture out onto a clean work surface. Shape into a ball, and flatten into a disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
Unwrap dough, and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll out into a 14-inch circle (about 1/8 inch thick). Trim into a 12-inch circle; discard scraps. Place dough circle on a parchment paper–lined rimmed baking sheet, and chill, uncovered, until firm, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°F. Whisk together cornstarch, 1/3 cup sugar, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add peaches, blackberries, melted butter, lemon zest and juice, and thyme sprigs; toss to combine.
Arrange fruit mixture in center of chilled dough circle, leaving a 1 1/2-inch border. Fold dough edges up and over filling (dough will only partially cover filling), pleating every 3 inches. Lightly brush folded dough edges with beaten egg. Sprinkle dough edges and filling with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar.
Bake in preheated oven 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (without opening oven door), and bake until crust is golden brown and fruit mixture bubbles in middle, 40 to 45 minutes.
Transfer baking sheet with galette to a wire rack, and let cool 30 minutes. Microwave jelly in a small microwavable bowl until melted, 30 to 45 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds. Brush jelly over warm fruit filling. Serve galette warm, or let cool completely to room temperature, about 1 hour.

https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/summer-peach-and-blackberry-galette