Most people flock outdoors to enjoy summer weather activities, but for many who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS), warmer temperatures trigger a worsening of symptoms and physical distress.
Heat intolerance in MS manifests itself in several ways:
- decreased cognitive function
- numbness in extremities
- fatigue
- blurred vision
- tremor
- weakness
What causes this intolerance to heat? Individuals with MS have plaques on their nerves where demyelination (the loss of myelin--the fatty protective sheath surrounding nerve cells) has occured. Demyelination interrupts the ability of nerves to communicate with one another and slows down signals traveling along the nerves, particularly in hot environments. An increase in the body's core temperature as small as one-half degree can set off heat intolerance symptoms. Fortunately, when the body's temperature returns to normal, these exacerbated symptoms disappear.
What about stabilizing core body temperatures on hot days when participating in summer activities or performing daily routines? Until now, most body cooling devices have a bulky, industrial, unattractive appearance. They are either too heavy for women who have MS--twice as many women as men suffer from the illness--or cumbersome to be worn comfortably under street clothes. Evaporative cooling garments are always damp against the skin, need warm, dry circulating air to be effective, and breed mildew, bacteria and odor.
The good news is, CooltechMarketplace.com has recently launched a line of Cooling Sportswear that offers a more discreet, lightweight and sporty alternative to traditional utilitarian body cooling.
Cooltech's sportwear garments--the Cooling Sports Bra, Cooling Cami (Camisole) and Cooling Tee (T-shirt for men and women)--are made of , a high-wicking, highly breathable stretch fabric. They can be worn either as under or outer wear. Each garment contains inside pockets--one positioned horizontally across the chest and one vertically down the spine between the shoulder blades--into which lightweight cool packs are inserted. The non-toxic, non-flammable formula contained in the polymer cool packs, weighing 15 ounces in the women's garments and 27.6 ounces in the Cooling Tee, is blended to set and hold a comfortable 58 Degrees F (14 Degrees C) for up to two hours. Energizing the cool packs is quick and easy--30 minutes in the refrigerator or, to hasten the process, the packs can be immersed in ice water and ready in 15 minutes. Cooltech recommends keeping extra cool packs on hand for an extended cooling experience.
Individuals suffering from Multiple Sclerosis--twice as many women as men--now have a a more attractive, comfortable and sporty alternative for regulating body temperature.
It's always cool at CooltechMarketplace.com!
Reference: An Overview of Heat Intolerance and MS, by Julie Stachowiak, Ph.D., About.com, June 26, 2008.