Depending on where you live, it could already be chilly out; you may have even seen snow already. Perhaps you’re in a part of the country that is still enjoying warmer weather. Or you could be in an area that is still deciding whether it wants to be fall or winter – warm one day, chilly the next. Regardless of where you are, you know the colder temperatures are coming. The  big question is: are you ready for them?

Before the winter hits (and along with it, snowy and icy conditions), it’s a good idea to make sure you’re prepared to deal with whatever comes your way. Here are a few tips to help you survive the cold.

Winterize your Gear

For an inexpensive DIY alternative to snow tires, click here.

Your wheelchair, cane, walker, and even your accessible van all need TLC to keep running smoothly. Cold weather and road grime can affect their performance, so it’s a good idea to have a maintenance plan in effect before the weather gets cold. For manual wheelchair users, you should check tire pressure, wheel balance, and whether there are any loose bolts and nuts. It is a good idea to lubricate all pivot points as well.  If you live in an area that might get snow, it is recommended that you change tires in the winter because the new treads can grip better; you can also purchase snow tires from many online retailers. Spinlife.com has a checklist for manual wheelchair maintenance as well as one for power chairs. Power chairs will have to be maintained by an authorized service provider, but the guide can you help to listen and feel for any problems you might encounter.

If you have balance issues, the thought of walking through snow and ice might be terrifying; however, if you need to go somewhere, it might be beneficial to purchase ice tips for your cane or walker. For added support, wear hiking boots or another shoe with deep, rugged treads, or get spiked shoe covers.

Don’t forget to winterize your vehicle as well.

Stay Warm 

While it’s widely known that MS and hot weather don’t get along, more and more research shows that cold weather can have similar effects. Because of the correlation between vitamin D and MS, it is possible that the lack of the vitamin received in colder months can worsen symptoms. The National MS Society has a few tips to increase your vitamin D levels:

• Soak up the sunshine. As much as you can stand to be outside during the warmest part of a sunny winter day, do it (within reason). Help your body produce vitamin D. Even better, get a little exercise outside while you are at it.
• Don’t overdo the heat inside. I tend to get a little dramatic when I get too cold and, as a result I take really hot baths or showers. Recently, I got dangerously dizzy from my hot shower. Remember, extreme heat is not our friend, either.
• Warm yourself from the inside. Try drinking a hot beverage to take the chill off and warm your core faster.

(Source: National MS Society)

Dress Appropriately

If you are spending any time in the cold weather, remember to dress in layers and wear gloves and head protection. Make sure you have a pair of gloves with some type of grip — you won’t be able to hold onto your cane or move your wheelchair with a pair of knit gloves. If you can, invest in some waterproof rain boots or pants, especially if you’re in a wheelchair. Sleet and snow can kick up onto your clothing and leave you cold and wet.

And now it’s time for your MS Monday Motivational Moment:

Multiple Sclerosis Resources

UroMed provides links to the following educational resources for patients, caregivers and medical professionals to help increase awareness, support and assistance for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

We are also strong advocates. Almost 20% of UroMed’s Customer Care Associates or one of their family members has some form of disability, enabling us to share our understanding and expertise when working with you.

20% of UroMed employees either have a disability or a family member with a disability.

Just Diagnosed

You may have a wide range of questions and concerns if you or a loved one has just been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has created a special page to help you with the information and support you need to live comfortably and confidently with this change in your life. Please visit http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/newly-diagnosed/index.aspx

Advanced MS

Although MS is a progressive disease, the rate of progression differs from one person to another. The key message to anyone living with advanced MS is that there is always more that can be done to improve the situation. For people whose MS has become more disabling—and their family members and friends—the NMSS has provided information about how to manage the challenges they face at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/living-with-advanced-ms/index.aspx

Multiple Sclerosis & Urology Questions

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society also has produced an excellent brochure to assist people with urological information, Living with an MS Bladder.

About the Author: Lindsey Beacham, from Atlanta, serves as Marketing Coordinator for UroMed. She graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in Criminology and from Georgia State University with a B.B.A in Marketing. When she’s not busy with marketing or studying for additional degrees, she enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her family.