Summer is here. Temperatures are rising, as are our frustrations, as the heat makes MS symptoms run amok. Add moisture and the effect worsens. Strength and stamina are reduced; fatigue increases. Numbness and tingling sensations are aggravated, knees bend, need to hang from furniture and walls as coordination and balance worsen.

Why is that?

Because heat slows the conduction of nerve impulses in everyone, but it’s particularly problematic for those with MS. When a person without MS gets out of a hot tub or sauna, they move much more slowly. By comparison, a person with MS may not be able to walk or stand at all.

The heat caused by the weather is not the only culprit. ANY type of heat has an adverse effect on MS symptoms: fever, room temperature, over-activity, hot flashes, being out in the sun too long, etc.

So what can we do? Speed ​​up the conduction of those nerves by putting on and staying cool.

Ice packs are my favorite; I put them behind my neck, my back, or rub them all over my body. I take them with me in a small six-pack cooler if I go hiking on a hot day. Carrying a frozen plastic bottle of water in the car works as an ice pack and ice water at the same time. Air conditioning is a must. Some people wear cooling vests. Sit in front of a fan.

Ice cold water and showers are very effective at quickly lowering your body temperature when you become overheated. Running cold water over your wrists for several minutes is also helpful. One can go from not walking to walking in a matter of minutes.

Want to sit in the sun to get some vitamin D? No problem, just have a spray bottle with ice cold water to spray yourself down, place an ice pack behind the column and have cold drinks. Be sure to use sunscreen not only to protect your skin but also to prevent sunburn; sunburn will actually raise your body temperature until your skin heals.

Another tip: A common side effect of some bladder medications in some people is reduced sweating. So if you are in the sun or somewhere with high temperatures, you will overheat faster. It’s a good idea to review the information leaflets that come with a medicine.

While dealing with heat is problematic, there is some good news about heat and how it affects MS that should always be remembered: Although heat definitely aggravates the nervous system and will cause symptoms to intensify, heat no cause an outbreak or attack.