Heat intolerance has become a big deal in my household. The temps and humidity sky rocketed around here last weekend – the thermometer may have said 92, but the humidity said it was 110 and impossible to breathe.
Obviously, the moment I got outside, I hit a wall of heat and was miserable.
MS and heat simply don’t mix for most people. All of my symptoms get worse when I’m overheated. Even small elevations can result in nerve function getting worse.
Demyelinated nerves are already functioning at a deficit, and heat further impairs the impulses getting through. Thankfully, these symptoms are temporary and abate quickly once we cool our core temperature back down.
But, it’s summer, and I really love being outside. I know quite a few other MS warriors who agree with me – there’s just something about being out in nature that calms my symptoms down.
Like I mentioned in my What Is MS post, my symptoms all get worse when I’m hot. My foot will start dropping, and I’ll be exhausted until I’m cooled off again.
So, I’ve had to figure out some easy ways to cool off so I can get the benefits of being outside. Here are the best ones I’ve tried so far!
Ice, Ice…Bottle
This one used to be my favorite, beause it’s s o simple and basically free. Using ice at pulse points, like your wrists, neck, and underarms, is a great way to reduce your core temperature. If you use a frozen water bottle, you can also roll it under both feet to help quickly alleviate foot drop. So grab a cube or two – your temp will be down in no time.
Eat and Drink Cold Treats
One of the fastest ways to lower your core temperature is by consuming cold food or drink. Chilled fruit, like watermelon or cantaloupe, or a salad, is great for this. Popsicles or snowcones are good too, but I try to keep sugar free on hand, so I’m not battling blood sugar spikes AND the heat. Always keep a cold drink at hand, too. Cooling down this way is one of the fastest ways to assuage heat induced symptoms.
Use Cooling Clothing
I was very fortunate to win a cooling towel from Koldtec at the beginning of the summer in a giveaway on Instagram. It has been an absolute game. changer.
It says it’s supposed to last two hours – it lasted 3 for me at the fair in 85 degree heat with killer humidity. I had a couple people ask me about it, and it actually started a conversation with someone about MS! I can’t recommend these towels enough – it was such an easy, lightweight, and hands-free way to stay cool while enjoying a summertime favorite of mine.
Outside of cooling towels, there are also other options for wearable heat management. I personally also have a cooling vest. They’re a bit pricier, and can get heavy as they cool down. Before I had my Koldtec though, I took it with me everywhere.
With it in tow, I wasn’t worried about camping or hiking a couple weeks ago. As soon as I got overheated, I just slipped it on over my bathing suit grabbed my cane, and I was good to go!
Cool thing about this vest from the MSAA is that its sides are open, so I’m automatically a little cooler. It’s also adjustable, which was crucial this year with my weight loss. I keep an extra set of my cooling strips for both this and my towel in the freezer, that way if a strip runs out, I’ll have a fresh one ready to pop in whatever I’m wearing.
Like I said before, some can get a little pricey. I found this one and this one on Amazon – they had the best reviews for options under $100. One has ice packs like the one above, and one is submergable. There is also a program available through the MSAA if money is tight, where you can apply to receive one for free if you have MS and qualify. That’s where mine came from, and I couldn’t be more grateful!
Utilize Mobility Aids
When I was camping, I was quick to grab my cane when I got hot. If you’ve been reading, the reason is obvious – heat = foot drop for me. If I don’t use my cane when I get overheated, I could fall, and I’m just not going to risk that.
Don’t hesitate to use a mobility aid, whether it be a cane or other type. Even if you aren’t, just think about it. Conservation of energy is e v e r y t h i n g for people with MS. I’ve considered getting either walking sticks or a walker for traveling, too.
I was 26 when I started using my cane – did I have to swallow a bit of my pride and learn some new coping mechanisms? Absolutely. But, it has been worth it. I can walk further, and without fear of falling, in the heat. I get to enjoy life more, so it’s a trade I’m happy to make.
Change Your Clothes
I’ve begun investing in an MS friendly wardrobe – this ranges from getting specific types of leggings that aren’t “itchy” (for lack of a better description) to new workout tank tops that double as a top + bra.
For summer, I got a few pairs of breathable running shorts and loose tank tops. I also try to plan ahead – if it’s chilly in the early morning, I’ll layer a shirt over a tank top so I’m not left sweltering at noon if I can’t go home to change.
Speaking of Planning Ahead
This is one of the best ways to beat the heat. Work smarter, not harder – simply stay inside when it’s warmest, if possible. This ranges from day to day plans, all the way to planning vacations.
I run errands in the morning, before it warms up too much. This past weekend when it was miserable outside, we found fun stuff to do inside. Summer is a great time to explore new museum exhibits, check out new book stores, or go to the pool. Speaking of the pool – if we go when it’s hot out, I make sure to pick a pool with lots of shade, and where I have access to ice for free or cheap.
We don’t plan very many camping trips in July or August, because it’s usually sweltering outside. Longer vacations are saved for winter, believe it or not. That’s when Florida or Mexico weather is PERFECT for me, and honestly, who doesn’t need a vacay mid-midwestern winter?
This week, the weather is much milder, and I’ve been able to enjoy being outside a little more. When the weather heats back up, I’ll be prepared with all these tips. Do you have issues with heat intolerance, too? Let me know below!
Until next time,
