Columns Making a Difference - a Column by Cathy Chester. How to Survive Summer Heat Intolerance How to Survive Summer Heat Intolerance by Cathy Chester | May 17, 2017 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link With summer right around the corner, itās time to start making plans. We all love spending time outdoors during the long hours of sunshine and warm temperatures, donāt we? Well, not everyone does. If youāre reading this, youāre probably living with multiple sclerosis. That means that for you, spending long hours in the sun and heat may affect your MS. Itās long been known that for a majority of patients, staying in the sun for too long is a no-no. Symptoms can temporarily worsen if body temperature rises. Much like the rise in core body temperature from the flu, with heat our bodies may begin feeling symptoms such as weakness, tingling, dizziness or difficulty speaking and thinking clearly. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, an elevated temperature can impair the ability of a demyelinated nerve to conduct electrical impulses. That means that when the body is overheated it doesnāt function properly because the myelin covering the nerves is damaged. People with MS need to be cautious about spending too much time in the sun. Activities such as sunbathing, biking and walking outdoors can cause heat intolerance. If you become overheated here are some ways to help you cool down: Ice and ice packs: Iāve always found that I can cool my body temperature by placing ice or ice packs on my wrist, the back of my neck or on my chest. (The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America offers free cooling devices for those who qualify. Check their website to fill out an application.) Plan ahead: If youāre planning to spend time at the beach, bring an umbrella and face your beach chair away from the sun. If youāre on an airplane, train, bus or in a car, sit in an area away from the sun. Pack a cooling device in your purse, backpack or carry-on luggage. Ask for ice on a train or plane. Layer your clothing for varying temperatures. Pay attention to your body: Learn to listen to what your body is telling you. Much like painĀ tells you that something is wrong, symptoms like weakness or vision problems are your bodyās way of telling you itās time to head indoors. Clothing: Wear lightweight, breathable and loose clothing. Drinks: Make popsicles ahead of time and suck on them to stay cool, or drink an icy, nonalcoholic drink. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Water: Jump into a cool pool or swim in the ocean. Take a cool bath to reduce the core temperature of your body. Symptoms of heat intolerance are temporary. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society,Ā “It does not cause more disease activity (demyelination or damage to the nerves themselves). The symptoms generally reverse quickly when the source of increased temperature is removed.” With careful planning, you can have a rich, full summer filled with enjoyable fun activities. Happy days! *** Note:Ā Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those ofĀ Multiple Sclerosis News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis. Print This Page About the Author Cathy Chester Cathy Chester is an award-winning health advocate and freelance writer whose flourishing blog, www.anempoweredspirit.com, focuses on staying positive despite a diagnosis of MS. Diagnosed with RRMS in 1986 (before any approved medications or the internet) Cathy knows how frightening this unpredictable disease can be. Today she helps others manage their MS journey by using her unique skills as a writer, patient, and certified health advocate. Her work has been featured in the National Multiple Sclerosis Societyās Momentum magazine, NARCOMS Now, MSAA, and in countless online publications including Midlife Boulevard, BetterAfter50, The Mighty, BlogHer, SheSpeaks, Erma Bombeck Writers' Workshop and The Huffington Post. Cathy lives in New Jersey with her loving husband and son, plus two adorable cats. Tags heat intolerance, summer, sun Comments Kim I have found that a mixture of alcohol and water in the freezer will make a slushy and easy to use to cool yourself down. Reply Leave a comment Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published. Your Name Your Email Your Comment Post Comment
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