Summer 2011 - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

Beat the heat and stay active
The summer heat will soon
be here. For people with
MS hot weather can often
bring additional challenges,
especially when it comes to being
physically active. Heat can cause
symptoms to appear or make the
ones you already experience feel
worse. A majority of people with MS
experience heat-related symptoms,
which have been known to cause
decreased cognitive functioning,
numbness in extremities, fatigue,
blurred vision, tremors and/or
weakness.
Fortunately, the effects of
heat are usually temporary.
People with MS need to
take time to assess their
sensitivity to heat and
find strategies that will
help ease the effects.
Cooling has been
shown to decrease
fatigue and improve
dexterity, mobility,
balance, and cognitive
function. It’s important
to note that cooling
should not only be
considered something
you do to beat the
heat, but as a lifestyle
strategy which can be
used no matter the
8 MS Connections Summer 2011
Don’t let the summer months interrupt
your workout schedule
activity or season.
There are many ways to beat the
heat and still be active. One option is to
try exercising or being active in a cool
environment. Pick cooler times
of the day, usually
early morning or evening, or use air
conditioning or a fan to help maintain
body temperature. On those extremely
hot or humid days, choose to be active in
an air-conditioned environment. Instead
of walking, golfing or biking outside, take
a walk in your local mall, hit the indoor
driving range or use a stationary bike at a
local gym.
When active, try to wear clothing
seasonally appropriate for the
temperature and activity. This would
mean wearing lightweight, light-coloured,
loose, breathable cotton or silk clothing
rather than man-made fibres like
polyester. If you are going to be outside,
wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the
sun off your head and neck.
Another option is to use cooling
products (vests, neck wraps,
bandanas, etc.) during exercise or
outdoor activity or try making your
own personal cooling system
using thermal bags containing
‘blue ice’ gel packs. A simple
damp towel, a frozen water
bottle, or chilled hat can
also be helpful, inexpensive
options. Spraying yourself
with a hand-held spray bottle
or misting fan can also help to
keep you cool.
While exercising, to help
avoid increasing your body
temperature, make sure to
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