The Gout & Uric Acid Education Society (GUAES) is committed to raising public awareness about gout and arming health care professionals, like you, with resources to share with patients and the most up-to-date information about gout diagnosis and treatment.

This month, we encourage you to help patients recognize July as a time that may contribute to an increase in painful gout flares. With warmer weather and an increase of outdoor festivities, remind your patients to limit their consumption of high-purine, summer foods -such as hot dogs and burgers - and to stay hydrated, decreasing their likelihood of elevated serum uric acid (sUA) levels and minimizing their risk of gout.In addition to eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated, patients should also know their target sUA levels, keep to 6 mg/dL or below, and have their sUA levels tested twice per year. Health care professionals are encouraged to work with their patients to find a treatment plan that's right for them.

Heat, dehydration, and consumption of large amounts of purine-rich food are just some of the factors that can elevate uric acid levels and trigger a gout flare. While your patients enjoy the warm summer days, they should continue to follow a healthy lifestyle, eat foods that are good for them and low in purines, and adhere to prescribed medications.