Readers Respond: What Are Some Things That Help You Cope With The Heat?

Responses: 29

Updated July 01, 2009

This content is not monitored by About.com's Medical Review Board.
Before acting on this information, check with your health provider.

Freeze Pre-baked sweet potatoes or yams. You can peel them first and mash into cubes or just freeze them whole if they are organic and you like the skins. (I do) I pull them out and just eat them whole with nothing on, like a popsicle. Skin and all. As long as you have a good sweet batch of yams, it is a lovely treat on a hot day. Good with peanutbutter too.
—triara1

I carry a hand help , battery operated fan, wera 100% cotton clothes, and also wera a cool vest. You can get one free by joining the MSAA,if you can't afford it, otherwise it will run you ,200 dollars. The vest works like a charm. I've had people with out MS ask me where to get one. But be aware, it can be heavy
—Guest Lyn

Nothing is simpler than freezing a sweet bunch of ripe grapes. They go down slowly and cool the body well. Melon rounds frozen work too. Any frozen fruit can, of course, be blended into a cool smoothie with yogurt and low-fat milk.
—Guest Anne Batten

treat with homoeopathic medicine; tell your symtoms to your homoeopathic physians ; about your intolerece to heat and they give you some medicines
—Guest R.RAVICHANDIRAN

I Live in Florida, on a farm. I got a cooling scarf(13$) and get my hinny up early to feed the animals before it gets really hot.
—Guest donnacarol

Heat bothers me like most people with MS. I also am a veteran walker. Two knee replacements and one ankle reconstruction means no more running! When I walk, I wear a neck wrap straight from the freezer, carry a 16 oz. water container AND a small spray bottle of water. I drink the container of water but since I put ice in the water, I also pour water down the front and back of my neck as I walk—frequently! I use my spray on my wrists, the back of my neck and my face. All of this helps me continue my walks!
—Guest kmacmuth

Sometimes when I start feeling fatigue from being overheated I take a washcloth and soak it in cold water and put it on the back of my neck or splash my face with cold water. I also try to remember to keep myself hydrated with water. Staying indoors with the AC helps, too.
—thereseg79

my granddaughter has a small plastic swimming pool and insists grandma joins her and sit down...i technically can't be in the heat for long but i actually stayed in for 3 hours and got a little tanned...it was very enjoyable for myself and my 2 yr old granddaughter
—Guest karen gilley

i live in fla and have a pool where i make a point of swimming, and keeping cool each morning before the temp starts climbing and then again in the evening. i also drink water all day long and bring some with me if i'm out in the car. I also pace myself and stay in the A/C it the temp and humidity is high..it can be extremely draining for those of us with MS.
—dmelb

Sitting outside on my patio when it is so very hot I do use a mister fan. My husband bought me one from a company by the name of Frontgate. It is very nice and not very expensive like most mister fans. You can go to Frontgate.com, the price is around $149.99. I hope and pray that someone can use this information:)
—Guest Rosita

Not so much tip as a genuine positive about having MS. Went on holiday to a Greek Island recently and dreaded it. But having MS gave me a totally new perspective on managing the day. Instead of obsessively chasing a tan and sun-time, I was so much happier taking dips in the pool and retreating into the shade... And when our 3 year-old son took his afternoon nap, while others headed for the sunlounger, even if in the shade, I was happy to retire to the aircon bedroom and have a glorious 2-hour kip. One of the most refreshing holidays I have had in years, and all because MS wouldn't 'let me' spend time in the sun...
—Guest Mark Webb

I try to enjoy my pool as often as I can,although I avoid it during the hottest parts of the day
—Guest Elaine

Drinking water while I'm in the heat seems to help (AND avoiding lemonade, sweet tea, soft drinks) ... both with the tolerance of the heat and the symptoms associated with the heat.
—Guest Kim

Previous16-29 of 29

Julie Stachowiak, Ph.D.
Multiple Sclerosis Guide

Explore Multiple Sclerosis

Must Reads