Heat intolerance is a common problem associated with POTS; in this blog post, we will look at ways to keep those unwanted symptoms at bay. Tips on managing heat intolerance Stay Hydrated :  Drinking plenty of fluids and increasing your salt intake will help to raise your blood volume, which is typically low in POTS patients. It is recommended to drink three litres of water throughout the day to maintain a healthy level of hydration. Adding foods with high water content to your diet, like strawberries, cucumber, and celery, can also be a great way to stay hydrated in the summer weather. Other foods with high fluid content include soups, yoghurts, and jelly. Avoid alcohol:  As well as causing dehydration, alcohol can trigger symptoms in people with many forms of dysautonomia. Avoiding excessive alcohol is important at all times of the year, but it's even more important during the hot summer months. Eat light meals:  Instead of eating three large meals, eat smaller meals more regularly throughout the day. Eating light meals can help to avoid drops in your blood pressure from having a full stomach. Click here to learn about a POTS friendly diet. Cooling your room:  Using air conditioning can maintain a comfortable temperature inside during the summer months. If you don't have air conditioning, keep your windows closed during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Alternatively, using a fan  alone can be helpful with temperatures up to around 30 degrees. Clothing:  Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing can help you maintain a cool body temperature while outside and around the house. Cool water:  Taking a cool bath or shower is a great way to lower your body temperature. You can also quickly cool yourself down by running cold water over your hands and feet. Wrists and ankles have lots of pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you will cool down more quickly. Avoiding strenuous activity midday:  The sun tends to be at its hottest and brightest between 11am and 3pm. If you do spend time outside, take regular breaks in a shaded area. Useful tools: When outside, carrying a small portable fan  can keep you cool while on the go; they can also be useful while in the car or at work. A cool mist or spray bottle  can also be used to keep cool while outside. Wearing a  cool towel  around your neck is another way of lowering your body temperature when in the sun. Dysautonomia: Heat intolerance Click the image above to learn about the symptoms of heat intolerance and how to treat them.

Address : Richfield Ave, Reading RG1 8BD Location Rivermead Park is a green space in the town of Reading. A riverside promenade runs along the park with views over the River Thames. View of Caversham Bridge from the promenade When walking along the river, you'll often a large number of ducks and geese, making it an ideal spot for feeding the birds. The open field is perfect for dog walks and is a popular location for picnicking during the summer months. Parking The Thameside Promenade Car Park is pay and display; you can pay with cash or on RingGo with the location code 9460. This car park has: 2 disabled parking spaces 2 charging points for electric vehicles A height limit of 2 metres Time Price 1 hour £1 2 hours £1.50 3 hours £2 4 hours £2.70 5 hours £3.50 Saturday 8am to Monday 8am Free Parking is free for Blue Badge holders and all other visitors after 5pm. Accessibility Along the promenade, there are benches around every 20 meters, making this location ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances. The distance from the car park to the river is about 50 metres. The paths along the promenade are level, making them accessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. The field is fairly level, but there are few paved paths. There are some dirt/gravel paths that should be suitable for most visitors during good weather. Conclusion Rivermead Park is an ideal location for people looking for a relaxing break from the busy town of Reading. With level paths and plenty of benches, this location is accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Attwells Memorial Fountain

Despite the excitement of going on holiday, travelling can be a stressful experience for many people, especially those living with a chronic illness. In this post, we will share some useful tips and tricks for travelling with POTS or other forms of dysautonomia . First, we will look at pre-trip preparation and then how to make the most of your trip while you're away. Preparation Before you set off, a little research and preparation can go a long way. Being prepared can ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Let's take a look at some things to consider before you start your journey. Location: Whether it's a day trip or a week away, it's best to know a bit about where you are going. The first thing to consider is your accommodation; are you looking for a hotel, Airbnb, or camp site? Things you should look out for include: The parking availability The number of stairs/the availability of ground level accommodation Air conditioning if you are going away in the summer. Distance from local attractions you might want to visit. Plan plenty of options: Having a variety of activities planned that account for both good and bad health days can be very reassuring; it's great to plan bigger days out where you will be more active while also having a backup plan in case of unexpected down days. Hydration : In the days leading up to your trip, increasing your hydration will put your body in the best possible condition before you start your journey. Food Prep: Bringing a few meals with you can save a trip to the shops while you are away, leaving you with more energy for the fun stuff. This can also come in handy if you feel worn-out during your trip, giving you a chance to recharge. Click here to learn about a POTS friendly diet. Useful items to take with you: Hydration tablets : These will help you maintain your blood pressure throughout the day. Camping stool : Consider bringing a camping stool if the location you're planning to visit may have limited opportunities to stop and rest. Small bag : Using a smaller bag can save on weight, making walking less strenuous. These can carry extra medication in case you have a flare-up , as well as a small packed lunch. Water bottles : I usually bring a large bottle to keep in the car and a smaller one for when I'm out and about. Handheld fans : These can also be a great option to keep yourself cool during the summer, as heat is a common trigger for people with POTS. Medication: I t's important to make sure you have plenty of medication to last the trip. This could also include things like ibuprofen, for example, if you often get a tight chest. Mobility aids: The use of physical aids such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters can help to increase your mobility and independence. Alternatively, the use of electric bikes can be a great option for those who feel uncomfortable using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. While you are away Once you've arrived, using these tips and tricks will help you avoid unwanted symptoms and make the most of your trip. Continue your regular self-care routine: While you are away, it's best to not forget your regular self-care routines. Making sure you drink before getting up in the morning, and maintain hydration during the day is even more important than normal, as you will likely be more active during your trip. Getting enough sleep is also important for people suffering with many forms of dysautonomia; continuing your sleep routine will help your body stay in rhythm and well rested. Also, continuing meditation and breathing exercises is a great way to calm your nervous system after busy days out. Pace yourself: When you are away, taking things slowly can pay off in the long run. Whether it's making sure to stop and rest while walking or planning rest days during your trip, this can prevent burnout and save you from straining yourself during your holiday. Eat small meals: After eating a large meal, lots of our blood is redirected to the stomach to aid in digestion, which can cause a rise in unwanted symptoms . Therefore, it is recommended to eat several smaller meals throughout the day rather than two or three large ones . Controlling Temperature: Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and avoid strenuous activities midday when the temperature is at its hottest. When outside, carrying a small portable fan can keep you cool while on the go; they can also be useful while travelling by car or on public transport. Using a mist spray or a cool towel around your neck can also be used to keep cool while outside. Click here to learn some more useful ways of keeping cool. Bring a friend: Since 2021, the number of people travelling alone has doubled to 23%, but there are many positives to bringing a friend or family member with you on your travels. A travel buddy can help lower the physical strain during your trip and offer support when needed. Enjoy the Journey and Celebrate Your Victories Lastly, remember to enjoy the journey and celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Travelling with dysautonomia is a testament to your resilience and adaptability. Take pride in conquering challenges and creating memorable experiences that showcase your strength. Managing symptoms of dysautonomia There are many types of dysautonomia, and there's no quick fix, but with some lifestyle adjustments things can get easier. Click the image above for some useful tips and tricks to help manage and keep unwanted symptoms at bay.

Address : Abbot's Walk, Reading, RG1 3HW Location The Reading Abbey Ruins are a Grade 1 listed historical site located in the centre of Reading. The Abbey is connected to Forbury Gardens Park and backs on to the River Kennet. Entry to the abbey is free. History Reading Abbey was founded by King Henry the 1st in 1121 and was one of Europe's largest monasteries at the time. When Henry the 1st died in Normandy in 1135, his body was returned to Reading and was buried in the then incomplete abbey. In 1538, the abbey was largely destroyed during Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries . During this time, the last abbot, Hugh Faringdon, was hanged, drawn, and quartered. St James' Church, which is adjacent to the abbey, was built in 1837, utilising some of the ruins materials. What's There? Throughout the abbey, there are display boards sharing information on the ruins history. To one end of the ruins, there is an open green with benches on either side, ideal for lunch or picnics. The abbey is connected to the Grade 2 listed Forbury Gardens . The gardens are ideal for visitors looking for a relaxing break and also have their own fair share of history. Parking There is no on-site car park at this location, but there is pay and display roadside parking along Valpy Street and The Forbury road. Pay-and-display parking has a two-hour limit. There are seven disabled parking spaces next to the gardens on The Forbury road. Blue badge holders park for free for four hours. Accessibility The abbey is ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances, with frequent benches throughout its grounds. When parking along Valpy Street and The Forbury road, the distance to the abbey is around 150-200 metres, through Forbury Gardens. There are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. The paths are smooth and suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There is a somewhat steep slope to access the abbey, pictured at the bottom of the page. There are no public toilets at this location. Conclusion Overall, Reading Abbey is ideal for history enthusiasts and offers a peaceful space to stop for lunch or a picnic. With free entry, and Forbury Gardens next door, this location is perfect for a cheap day out. Sloped path to Forbury Gardens Gate from Forbury Gardens to Reading Abbey

Address : Fo rbury Gardens, 26 The Forbury, Reading, RG1 3EJ Location Forbury Gardens are located in the centre of Reading , Berkshire . The gardens are Grade II listed and back on to the 11th-century Reading Abbey . What's there? At Forbury Gardens, you will find: Maiwand Lion Statue WW1 Memorial Cafe Bandstand Fountain Rose gardens Picnic areas Forbury Hill Access to Reading Abbey Walking through the gardens, you will find flower beds full of colour, rustic garden walls, and plenty of hidden nooks and crannies where you can stop and take in the views. Throughout the park, you will find display boards sharing details on each section of the garden's history. The Forbury Gardens also have direct access to Reading Abbey, as well as the River Kennet. During the summer, live music is performed at the bandstand every weekend. There is also an on-site cafe that serves coffee, ice cream, and lunches. Parking There is no on-site car park at this location, but there is pay and display roadside parking along Valpy Street and The Forbury road. Pay-and-display parking has a two-hour limit. There are seven disabled parking spaces next to the gardens on The Forbury road. Blue badge holders park for free for four hours. Accessibility Forbury Gardens are accessible for people who struggle to walk long distances, with plenty of benches (every 20 metres or so) located throughout its grounds. The park is also accessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users, with level paths and plenty of space. There is a steep ramp to access Forbury Hill by wheelchair. On foot, there are a small number of steps. There is a slope to access Reading Abbey (picture included below). Conclusion Overall, Forbury Gardens are accessible for people of all ages and abilities. The park is ideal for visitors looking for a relaxing break from the busy town of Reading. The Gardens and abbey also have a lot to offer history enthusiasts. The small number of parking spaces is something that you may need to consider before visiting the park during peak times. Steps to Forbury Hill (can also be accessed by ramp) Sloped path to Abbey from Gardens Reading Abbey Ruins

Address : Central Parade, Herne Bay CT6 5JN Location Located on the north coast of Kent, Herne Bay is a seaside town situated 6 miles north of Canterbury and 4 miles east of Whitstable. Herne Bay Pier is free to enter, and offers lots of attractions for visitors of all ages. The Pier opens daily from 8.00 am, and the small shops open at 11.00 am. Fishing and crab fishing are popular on the pier, and it's free of charge. History Herne Bay Pier has gone through many changes since its construction in 1832. The first pier was 1,101 meters in length and was accessed by boat. A sail trolley running on tracks, powered by the wind or manpower when the conditions were not right, ran the length of the pier from the 13th of June 1833, carrying passengers and baggage. It was followed in 1861 by the railway station , which aided the town's growth into a holiday resort. The first pier was taken down in 1871 due to fewer people arriving on paddle steam boats, and deterioration from shipworm. The second pier was constructed in 1873. This pier was made of metal, and at a length of 100 metres was a lot shorter than the original. In 1891, the owners were granted the right to construct a deep-sea pier. It was completed in 1899, and at 1,154 metres, was the second longest in England. In the first year, the tram fares made £488. The pier was used by paddle steamers until 1963. Storms from 1978 and 1979 caused the collapse of the central portion of the pier, and its remains were dismantled in 1980. The old pier head can still be seen today, but there are concerns about its strength and the risk of collapse. What's there? At Herne Pier, you will find: Fairground rides and games Small independent shops Entertainment stage Food huts Parking There are numerous pay-and-display roadside parking spaces available along Central Parade. There are 12 disabled parking spaces along the Central Parade in between the pier and clock tower. Parking is free for blue badge holders. Neptune car park Located 500 meters from the pier, the Neptune car park is large and also offers five spaces for overnight motorhome parking . The car park has barriers, and you play when you leave. There are 6 disabled parking bays. Prices: 1 hour: £2.70 Maximum fee, all day: £25.00 Overnight: £2.00 (in after 21:00 out by 07:30) You can sign up online for automatic payments, and there are 2 hours free for blue badge holders. Click Here   for more info. Accessibility The distance from the roadside parking to the pier ranges from 50 metres, to 500 metres at the furthest point. During off-seasons, I have always been able to park less than 200 metres from the pier. Herne Bay is ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances, with plenty of benches along the seaside paths and on the pier. The paths are smooth and level, making them accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There are public toilets located just over 100 metres west of the pier. Conclusion Overall, Herne Bay Pier is accessible, and has something to offer, for visitors of all ages and abilities. There are also weekly events held at the stage to the end of the pier. Click here to learn about Herne Bay Beaches accessibility

Address : Herne Bay, CT6 5HZ Location Herne Bay is located on the north coast of Kent. It is 6 miles north of Canterbury and 4 miles east of Whitstable. With two miles of coastline, colourful beach huts, seafront gardens, and a pier, Herne Bay is the epitome of a traditional British seaside town. What's there? At Herne Bay, you will find: Sand and shingle beaches Herne Pier Herne Bay clock tower Waltrop Gardens Walkable breakwater Bandstand Arcades Cafes Public toilets Car park and roadside parking At Herne Pier, you will find: Fairground rides and games Small independent shops An entertainment stage Food huts Click Here for more information about the accessibility of Herne Pier. Parking There's plenty of roadside parking along the Central Parade. The roadside parking is pay-and-display. There are 12 disabled parking spaces along the Central Parade in-between the pier and clock tower. Parking is free for blue badge holders. Neptune car park The Neptune car park is large, and also has five spaces for overnight motorhome parking. The car park has barriers, and you play when you leave. There are 6 disabled parking bays. Prices: 1 hour: £2.70 Maximum fee, all day: £25.00 Overnight: £2.00 (in after 21:00 out by 07:30) You can sign up online for automatic payments, and there are 2 hours free for blue badge holders. Click Here for more info. Accessibility With the use of roadside parking and the Neptune car park, Herne Bay is accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. There are plenty of benches along the seaside path, as well as on the pier, making this location ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances. The paths along the beach and on the pier are level and suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. (Images of paths and benches are included at the bottom of the page.) The only place that lacked benches was the breakwater, so this could be a challenge for some visitors without the use of mobility aids. The public toilets are located just over 100 metres west of the pier. Conclusion Overall, Herne Bay is a wonderful place to explore, with accessible attractions for people of all ages and abilities. I have always been able to find a place to park next to the beach, usually less than 200 meters from the pier.

Heat intolerance is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of dysautonomia. Keeping cool will help you make the most of this summer. How to keep cool this summer Stay Hydrated : Drinking plenty of fluids and increasing your salt intake will help to increase your blood volume, which is typically low in pots patients. It is recommended to drink three litres of water throughout the day to maintain a healthy level of hydration. Adding foods with high water content to your diet, like strawberries, cucumber, and celery, can also be a great way to stay hydrated in the summer weather. Other foods with high fluid content include soups, yoghurts, and jelly. Avoid alcohol: As well as causing dehydration, alcohol can trigger symptoms in people with many other forms of dysautonomia. Avoiding excessive alcohol is important at all times of the year, but it's even more important during the hot summer months. Eat light meals: Instead of eating three large meals, eat smaller meals more regularly throughout the day. Eating light, regular meals can help to avoid drops in your blood pressure from having a full stomach. Clich here to hear about a POTS friendly diet. Cooling your room: Using air conditioning can maintain a comfortable temperature inside during the summer months. Alternatively, using a fan alone can be helpful with temperatures up to around 30 degrees. If you don't have air conditioning, keep your windows closed during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Clothing: Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing can help you maintain a cool body temperature while outside and around the house. Cool water: Taking a cool bath or shower is a great way to lower your body temperature. You can also quickly cool yourself down by putting your hands and feet in cold water. Wrists and ankles have lots of pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you will cool down more quickly. Avoiding strenuous activity midday:  The sun tends to be at its hottest and brightest between 11am and 3pm. If you do spend time outside, take regular breaks in a shaded area. Useful tools: When outside, carrying a small portable fan can keep you cool while on the go; they can also be useful while in the car or at work. A cool mist or spray bottle can also be used to keep cool while outside. Wearing a cool towel around your neck is another way of lowering your body temperature when in the sun.

Address: Guards Club Park, Maidenhead, Windsor and Maidenhead SL6 1X Location T he Maidenhead Railway Bridge crosses the River Thames in Maidenhead, Berkshire . The bridge can be viewed from Guards Club Park and its accompanying island. History T he Maidenhead Railway Bridge, also known as the Maidenhead Viaduct was constructed in 1838. The bridge carries the Great Western Main Line (GWML) over the River Thames between Maidenhead , Berkshire , and Taplow , Buckinghamshire . When it was built, Maidenhead Bridge boasted the flattest yet widest brick constructed arches in the world.  From 1890-1892 the Bridge is widened on both sides by Sir John Fowler; and in 2009, the lines were electrified. What's there? With the use of the bridge between the Guards Club Park and island you can see the Maidenhead Railway Bridge, as well as the 13th century Maidenhead Bridge. At the Guards Club Park you will find: Open green space ideal for small dog walks Riverside views Gazebo (pictured at the bottom of the page) Access bridge to Guards Club Island View of Maidenhead Railway Bridge View of Maidenhead Bridge Parking There is a small on-site car park. Parking is free, and the gates are locked half an hour before sunset. There are no specified disabled parking spaces. Accessibility Due to its small size and plentiful benches, Guards Club Park is ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances. There's less than 50 metres between the car park and the river. There is no path from the car park to the riverside, but the grass is fairly level, so it should not be an issue for wheelchair or mobility scooter users. There are a few steps to access the bridge, unfortunately making it inaccessible for wheelchair users, but you can still see the bridge from the riverside path. There are no public toilets at the park. Conclusion Overall, getting a view of the bridge is accessible for people of all ages and abilities. The park tends to be quiet and peaceful throughout the day.

Address: Guards Club Park, Maidenhead, Windsor and Maidenhead SL6 1X Location Guards Club Park is a 1.1 hectare green space located in Maidenhead. The park backs on to the River Thames and has bridge access to Guards Club Island. The island is closed each year between December and June due to nesting waterfowl ; however, the park remains open all year round. History Guards Club Park was created by Maidenhead Civic Society as a Silver Jubilee project, which began in 1976 and ended in 1980. The centrepiece was the restoration of the footbridge, which was built prior to 1880. For more information: Click Here From the park, you can al so see the Maidenhead Railway Bridge , also known as the Maidenhead Viaduct. The bridge was completed in 1838 and carries the Great Western Main Line (GWML) over the River Thames between Maidenhead , Berkshire , and Taplow , Buckinghamshire . What's there? At Guards Club Park, you will find: Open green space ideal for small dog walks Riverside views Gazebo (pictured at the bottom of the page) Bridge to Guards Club Island View of Maidenhead Railway Bridge View of 13th century Maidenhead Bridge Maidenhead Railway Bridge Parking There is a small on site car park. Parking is free, and the gates are locked half an hour before sunset. There are no specified disabled parking spaces. Accessibility Due to its small size and plentiful benches, Guards Club Park is ideal for visitors who struggle to walk long distances. There are less than 50 metres to walk to reach the river. There is no path from the car park to the riverside, but the grass is fairly level, so it should not be an issue for wheelchair or mobility scooter users. There are a few steps to access the bridge to Guard Club Island, unfortunately making it inaccessible for wheelchair users. There are no public toilets at the park. Conclusion Overall, Guards Club Park is accessible for people of all ages and abilities. The park tends to be quiet and peaceful throughout the day. With plenty of waterfowl in the area, it can be a good idea to bring some duck food. For more info on the Maidenhead Railway Bridge Click Here

The autonomic nervous system is a complex network of nerves that regulate unconscious processes in the body, such as breathing and heart rate. It is divided into three main sections, each with its own unique function: Sympathetic Nervous System: This system activates the body's processes and is responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response. Parasympathetic Nervous System: The opposite of the sympathetic nervous system, this part controls the "rest-and-digest" functions of the body. Enteric Nervous System: This section manages digestion. History The autonomic nervous system was first recognised by Aelius Galenus (September 129 – 216 AD), a Greek physician, author, and philosopher, working in Rome . His studies of the nervous system, heart, and circulatory systems, although flawed, had surpassed anything previously known, and would be used until the 1500s. In 1665, T homas Willis (27 January 1621 – 11 November 1675), known as the father of neurology, published the most complete and accurate account of the nervous system of its time. Thomas Willis was also the first person to use the term " neurology. " In 1898, John Newport Langley (2 November 1852 – 5 November 1925) coined the term " autonomic nervous system " (ANS). He also defined the two divisions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems i n 1921 . Illness Autonomic dysfunction, or dysautonomia , can occur when the autonomic nervous system malfunctions. Autonomic dysfunction can vary in symptoms and severity, and it can stem from a variety of different   causes . Understanding the autonomic nervous system is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. Common forms of dysautonomia include: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) Neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS) Vasovagal Syncope (VVS) Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) For more info, visit: What's dysautonomia? https://www.dysautonomiainternational.org/page.php?ID=34 Sympathetic Nervous System https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23262-sympathetic-nervous-system-sns-fight-or-flight Parasympathetic Nervous System https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23266-parasympathetic-nervous-system-psns Enteric Nervous System https://www.google.com/search?q=Enteric+Nervous+System&oq=Enteric+Nervous+System&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBBzQxOWowajmoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Address : Lower St, Shere, Guildford GU5 9HT Location Shere is a picturesque village located between the towns of Guildford and Dorking. The village is home to many charming historic buildings, including the 12th-century St James Church. There are lots of small shops, cafes, and pubs, as well as a stream that runs through the centre of the village. Shere is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is a short distance from Newlands Corner , one of the most popular parts of the Surrey Hills . Shere has been featured in many films and tv shows, including Silent Witness, Bridge t Jones, and The Mummy (2017). For the full list: Click Here What's there? Local shops and facilities include: The White Horse pub The Bray pub The Dabbling Duck Cafe Shere Delights ice cream shop Playground Museum Stream views Public toilets And much more Parking Shere car park is free to use, and is located a short walk from the centre of the village (about 100 metres). There are 3 blue-badge parking spaces. This car park can be busy during peak seasons. When visiting during less busy periods, you can also find parking on Lower Street, next to the stream. There are also a few places to park by St James Church. Accessibility Shere is accessible for visitors who struggle to walk long distances, due to its small size and useful parking location. There are benches facing the stream in the village centre, as well as a seating area (pictured above). Shere is wheelchair accessible, with plenty of paths with dropped curbs. There are some slight hills, particularly up to the church. Conclusion Shere has something to offer visitors of all ages and abilities. The village has lots of history and wonderful views. With a plentiful option of cafes, pubs, and shops, as well as the kids playground, Shere is a great place to visit with the family. Visiting during the holidays can be busy, but outside of busy seasons, Shere remains a very peaceful and relaxing village to visit. Disabled parking space near village centre