MS and the Holidays (Tips & Tricks!)
The Holidays are upon us… I love the Holiday’s, but as we all know it can be VERY stressful. With all the shopping, planning, wrapping, so many activities going on… the list can go on and on, really.
When we talk about what we want for Christmas, I think it’s pretty safe to say that in the world of being an MS patient, all we want for Christmas is a cure for Multiple Sclerosis!! Right??
However, since that unfortunately can’t be bought in a store, and there isn’t a known cure for MS yet, I thought I would go through some things that can help with different MS symptoms, and different tips and tricks that you can try – and some that you CAN buy in a store!
Here in Canada, where I (Kara) live it’s already started to snow. I personally LOVE winter, so this is very exciting for me. I’ve mentioned in a previous blog post that I have major issues with heat intolerance. This means that winter should be great for me since I hate being hot. Right? Well, not exactly. In the wintertime, I still deal with weather-related issues. For example, the cold weather really affects my feet. My feet are always cold (yes, even when the rest of me is overheating), so that gets worse in the winter. Something I’ve found that really helps is an electronic foot massager, with heat! I found a nice one on Amazon; you can check it out by clicking here. There are a lot of options!
On the flip side, there are some great products to help battle the heat in the summer time. I found a really great cooling vest, from First Line Tech – they’re amazing, and professionals use them. You can also check out MyMSAA – they have many different cooling products, and also offer a Cooling Program for patients – both adults and children – with Multiple Sclerosis. You do need to apply for this program. To see if you are eligible, and to apply, click here and follow the links on the website.
It is hard on a ‘healthy’ person having to get everything done on time, but having a chronic illness, like MS, thrown into the mix, and it’s crazy times 10!
I used to love going out and shopping for things, cause I didn’t always ‘know’ what I wanted to get someone. However, now I can’t even deal with all the talking, standing, carrying things… that is not even taking into account all the people and traffic.
So how do we get everything done that we need to have done, before all of the parties, family gatherings, presents, etc. I know it’s ‘not the same’, but I shop online, a lot. Usually I can get some free shipping out of the deal too, so that’s always a plus.
If I do have to go to a store, I tend to stick with the smaller stores, and don’t try and do all shopping in one day.
Speaking of shopping online be sure to use iGive & AmazonSmile while you shop! It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and you can donate to MS Cure Fund while you shop! You don’t realize how just a little bit here and there can really add up for non-profit organizations!
Anyways, I just wanted to share the info with everyone! Have a Happy Holiday!