MS And Cold Weather: Tips On How To Stay Well In Winter

If you have multiple sclerosis (MS), you know that cold weather can be tough on your system. You might notice more fatigue, stiffness, pain, or other disease symptoms in the winter months. But there are things that you can do to make cold weather easier on your system. Here are some tips from experts who have been through it all:

Use Layers

When staying warm in winter, it is important to dress in layers. The layer closest to your skin should be made of a fabric that will insulate and keep you dry. Wool sweaters, long underwear, and wool socks are great examples of this type of clothing. The middle layer should provide warmth without adding too much bulk—fleece jackets are perfect for this purpose. Finally, the outermost layer should be waterproof or at least water-resistant so that you don't get soaked from snow or rain when walking outside during colder days.

Why do we wear these layers? It's because our bodies heat themselves by releasing body heat into the air around us—and if there isn't enough air between us (i.e., we're wearing too many clothes), then there won't be enough room for our body heat to escape as fast as it normally would! In order to maintain a comfortable temperature while outside during winter weather conditions (i.e., anything below 40 degrees F), it's important not only that we keep ourselves dry but also that our extremities stay warm—this includes hands and feet as well as heads!

Invest In A Humidifier

Invest in a humidifier if you have MS and live in a cold climate. Humidifiers are an excellent way to maintain moisture in the air during winter. They're perfect for people with dry skin, nasal congestion, sinus problems, and breathing issues that worsen during colder weather. If you struggle with dry eyes due to cold winds or low humidity levels, consider adding one of these devices to your home this winter!

Protect Your Extremities

The hands and feet are vulnerable to cold, especially if you're doing something like walking or running outside. If you have to go outside, keep these areas covered with a scarf or hat and wear warm boots or gloves. If you can't avoid going out in the cold, consider wearing ski masks as well for extra protection against the elements.

You'll also want to be sure that all of your windows are sealed so that drafts aren't blowing through them; open windows allow for an escape path for heat from inside, which will make it harder for the HVAC system in your home to stay warm if it's struggling already due to weather conditions outside!

Exercise Daily, Especially In Warm Water

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It can help you stay well, manage your symptoms, and feel better. In fact, exercise is often recommended as a treatment option for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Exercise helps keep muscles strong and flexible; it also increases blood flow to the brain and reduces stress. Exercise helps build stamina so that you're able to do more physical activities with less effort or fatigue. Exercising regularly may also improve energy levels and lessen depression symptoms caused by MS-related fatigue or depression.

Ease The Pain With Hot And Cold Therapy

Another way to ease the pain is with hot and cold therapy. The idea is to alternate between 10 minutes of heat and 30 minutes of rest. This can be repeated three times a day for the best results.

If you have MS and find that cold weather bothers your joints, try using a heating pad or hot water bottle on your back for 10 minutes at a time.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has helped you understand what MS is, what it means for people with the disease, and how to cope with it. We know that winter can be hard on anybody, but if you have MS, it's especially important to pay attention to how cold weather affects your symptoms. The best way to do this is by keeping track of them throughout the year so that when winter comes around again next year—or sooner!—you'll have an idea of what works best for managing your symptoms during those chilly months (and maybe even some great tips!).