Expert Support
Hot time! Summer in the city
Colleen Harris, Nurse Practitioner
Well, the hot, hazy days of summer have finally arrived and it’s time to kick back and relax. But, when the temperature soars, so does your sensitivity to heat. Hot weather often aggravates MS symptoms and can quickly ruin your summer fun if you don’t protect yourself properly.
Colleen Harris, a nurse practitioner at the MS clinic in Calgary, advises her patients to pay attention to their core body temperature during the hot summer months. “If you have MS, plan your outdoor activities for the morning or evening,” she suggests. “Body temperature naturally rises in the mid-afternoon so it’s best to stay out of the sun and rest during the middle of the day. Try sitting in the shade or taking a dip in the pool to bring your core temperature down. And stay inside in the air conditioning when the sun is at its peak. To avoid a flare-up of MS symptoms, it's important to conserve your energy and keep your body cool.”
Heat poses a safety risk
Prolonged exposure to heat makes some people with MS feel weak and fatigued and may trigger a recurrence of symptoms that were previously under control. “Hot weather can pose a safety risk for people with MS,” explains Colleen. “If you’re walking or exercising outside, take someone with you in case you’re too tired to make it back on your own. Hot tubs can also be risky because the high heat quickly saps your strength and energy. We advise people to stay in a hot tub for just a few minutes and to avoid drinking alcohol before they go in. And never go into a hot tub alone!”
Take action if symptoms persist
If you do develop heat-aggravated MS symptoms, it’s important to get plenty of rest and cool your body down as soon as possible. “Symptoms caused by heat usually disappear within a few hours, once you bring your body temperature back to normal,” states Colleen. “But, if your new symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, you could be having a relapse. If you suspect a relapse during your vacation, take it easy for a few days and modify your activities to include regular rest breaks. A mild relapse does not usually require immediate attention, so you can wait until you return home to talk to your doctor. However, if you have concerns or your symptoms are more serious, contact your doctor, a local physician or the local chapter of the MS Society for advice. You should also have some basic medical tests to rule out the possibility that a bladder infection or some other type of infection is causing your symptoms.”
Before you make your travel plans, get to know your own body and understand the situations that trigger your MS symptoms. MS affects everyone differently, so heat may not be a problem for you. When you travel, it’s wise to be prepared for every eventuality but don’t let the experiences of others limit your horizons. Listen to your body and take the precautions that are right for you.
Beat the heat!
Don’t let the heat put a damper on your vacation. Follow these practical tips and enjoy your summertime fun!
Drink plenty of fluids: If you’re feeling overheated, drink cold water or enjoy an ice-cold slurpie or popsicle to cool off quickly.
Dress lightly: Light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton clothes are ideal in the heat. Wear a wide brimmed hat, sunscreen and sunglasses when you go outside. Cooling vests and hats may also help keep your core temperature down.
Use fans and air conditioning: Air conditioning offers the best protection from the summer heat. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, use a fan or visit a mall or library when the temperature soars. Carry a hand-held fan to keep cool while you’re waiting in line or sitting outside. Note: You may be able to claim an income tax deduction for installing air conditioning in your home. Check with your local MS Society for more information.
Exercise in moderation: Work out in a cool environment and avoid exercising in the middle of the day. Exercising in the pool is a great way to stay fit and still beat the heat.
Take a cold shower: For quick relief from the heat, take a cool bath or shower or rinse your hands and feet in cool water. A cool bath before exercising may help your core body temperature rise more slowly.
Heat sensitivity
Heat will not cause a relapse or make your MS worse. However, some people find that heat aggravates their MS symptoms. Heat sensitivity is most common in hot weather but a fever, a hot bath, intense exercise, even working in a hot kitchen can trigger a heat response. Manage your exposure to heat carefully to keep your symptoms under control.
This feature is intended solely for informational purposes and is not a substitute for routine or urgent medical evaluation, treatment or consultation. Colleen Harris’ guest editorial should not be construed as a medical opinion aimed at establishing a diagnosis or course of treatment. Individuals who are being treated should not construe information here as replacing or superseding recommendations of their own physician.
