These Conditions May be Helped by a Dry Heat Environment

Ever hear that dry heat is good for us? Well, it turns out it’s not just an old wives’ tale. A hot, dry climate can alleviate the symptoms associated with a host of chronic health conditions, including lung issues, heart disease, arthritis and depression. How? The low humidity, low amount of precipitation and warmer temperatures when compared with other climates, is good for the mind and body. Let's look at how a dry heat environment can help improve these conditions and what states offer these benefits.

What is a Dry Heat Environment?

But what exactly is a hot, dry climate? According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, a region is considered to be hot and dry if it gets less than 20 inches of precipitation annually and maintains a 45 degree and above temperature. In the United States, hot, dry climates are most often found in the Southwest. Some of the driest states include Nevada, New Mexico, parts of California, parts of Arizona, and parts of Texas. Living in one of these states can offer numerous benefits for those with chronic health conditions.

Asthma

Extreme weather and asthma do not mix, says the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Hot, humid air triggers asthma symptoms and provides an environment that’s perfect for other common triggers — dust mites, mold, air pollution and pollen — to thrive in. Cold air can also exacerbate asthma symptoms by narrowing airways. Warm, dry air, on the other hand, soothes the symptoms of asthma and keeps triggers at bay.

Arthritis

People who have arthritis often complain that their symptoms get worse right before bad weather moves in. This is somewhat supported by limited studies looking at the impact of barometric pressure on arthritis pain. Temperature drops and rain have also been found to impact pain levels. A warmer, drier climate may help ease this pain. However, there is another benefit of living in a warmer climate: you move your body more when it’s nice outside. Moving around more also reduces pain.

Heart Disease

People with cardiovascular disease can experience more symptoms and/or angina in cold weather, according to the American Heart Association. Cold weather puts more strain on the heart and the cardiovascular system as a whole. Snow and inclement weather can also make it more difficult to be outdoors, which can cause further strain as we become sedentary. But beware because people with cardiovascular disease are also at an increased risk of heatstroke. A warm, dry environment is best only as long as temperatures don’t fall too low or soar too high.

Depression

Sunlight provides more than light; it also offers vitamin D. Because vitamin D deficiency has been associated with seasonal affective disorder, depression and anxiety, people with these conditions can benefit from living in a warm, sunny climate. Furthermore, there’s nothing like great weather to brighten the outlook and optimism is also associated with great health outcomes.

If you suffer from lung disease, heart disease, arthritis or depression, a hot, dry climate may be just what the doctor ordered. Before you decide to move to the desert, however, please have a discussion with a doctor. There may be treatment options for conditions that are less expensive and disruptive than a move across the country — but a mid-winter respite from the cold and damp could be just what the doctor orders.

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