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Surviving the Winter with MS

© Pamela Martin

"Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..."

Heavy Snow. Freezing rain. Biting winds. Slippery pavements. Stalled cars. Falling temperatures.

After a few years of relatively mild weather--courtesy of El Ninõ--we've got to face the cold (no pun intended)truth. It really is beginning to look a lot like winter this year.

A blustery blizzard is tough for even the hardiest of giants to manage. But, inclement weather is particularly brutal for many who suffer with MS. Mobility problems, cold intolerance, diminished sensations, and poor vision can make falling snow more stressful than blissful. In addition, many people with MS struggle to afford adequate heating due to limited incomes and rising energy prices. Others may resist assistance from others even though they could really use the help.

Of course, severe winter weather is not merely an annoyance; it can be downright dangerous. This is a time when those of us who hate to ask for help must swallow our misplaced pride and let our needs be known. It is a time for family and friends to keep the lines of communications open-to regularly check on those who live alone and make sure that they have adequate supplies to get through winter safely.

Indoor Safety

1. Stay indoors as much as possible. To prevent hypothermia, try to keep at least one room heated to 70 degrees.

2. Sleep warm: extra blankets, cap, socks and layered clothing can help. If you use an electric blanket, do not place wet items or other blankets on top of it. Avoid using an electric blanket on any sick person who cannot operate the controls.

3. Eat high-energy foods along with warm drinks and soup, but avoid alcoholic beverages.

4. Be especially careful when using fireplaces and wood stoves. Check portable heaters for frayed cords or broken filaments. In addition, keep flammable materials away from heaters and avoid using portable heaters and lit candles near curtains and furniture.

5. Before bad weather hits, it's a good idea to have all home heating systems and your furnace checked by a professional. Carbon monoxide poisoning and home fires are winter hazards that can be caused by faulty or improperly used heating sources.

6. Assemble a "Disaster Supplies Kit" containing-- First aid kit and essential medications, battery-powered NOAA Weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries, canned food and can opener. bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days), and finally, extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.

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