Surviving the Winter with MS


Outdoor Safety

  1. If you must venture outdoors, ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat, and water-resistant, low-heeled boots with sure-grip soles. Layered clothing and a hat to prevent rapid heat loss are good bets. Be sure to cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite.

  2. Those who have vision problems should wear sunglasses to protect sensitive eyes against winter glare. Also, if you are troubled by night vision problems, remember that it gets dark much earlier in the winter than other times of year so plan accordingly.

  3. If you have mobility and balance difficulties, be extra cautious while walking. Watch for slippery patches and don't overload your arms or it will be difficult to keep your balance. If possible, walk on the sidewalks. If you use a cane, a walker or other mobility aid, find out if your aid can be safely used during winter conditions.

  4. Those who suffer from MS fatigue during the mildest of days should prepare to rest often during the worst of the winter months. Try to avoid fatigue and exhaustion during cold weather. For example, overexertion when shoveling snow can strain the heart, and can also set you up for a possible exacerbation of symptoms.

  5. Winterize your car and stay tuned for storm warnings. Try to keep your gas tank near full to prevent a frozen fuel line. Carry extra clothing, blankets and high-energy snack bars in your car in the event your car stalls or weather conditions leave you stranded.

  6. If at all possible, don't travel alone. It's always good to have a companion with you in case the worst happens. It's doubly important for those who are weak from MS to have someone travel with you out-of-doors.

  7. Consider investing in a mobile digital/cellular phone so that you can call for help. Some of the major carriers have low monthly rate plans for those who primarily want the use of a car phone for infrequent and urgent calls. Just be sure to read the fine print. These companies tend to have "free phone" promotions but require a 6-month to 2-year contract obligation.

  8. Assemble a "Disaster Supplies Kit" for your car (See Indoor Safety Tip number "6" ).

In Case of Emergency

In a 1997 report, the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension offered this advice for dealing with hazardous weather:

"Be prepared for energy problems. Heavy snows and high winds can often cause power outages, so
The copyright of the article Surviving the Winter with MS in Multiple Sclerosis/MS is owned by Pamela Martin. Permission to republish Surviving the Winter with MS in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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