It was glorious! Warm enough for shorts during the day and cool for sleeping at night. The only difference we found from September to June is that in June they have mosquitoes and in September there are no bugs at all. And this year the mosquitoes are as big as hummingbirds! A stop to buy some "Deep Woods Off" was first on the agenda.

We rented a boat on Monday and I had my first try at docking a boat on my own. I have to say it wasn't a pretty sight. I'm glad Ernest was having a nap! There was another cottager sitting outside who saw the fiasco. She just shook her head and looked the other way to avoid my embarrassment. Oh well, I got it in there in one piece and everything still worked when we returned the boat. That's the main thing. Obviously, I need more practice! <grin>

Next weekend I'm driving down to Windsor to visit my family. I'd planned to go in May but had to cancel the trip due to my recent MS relapse. I'm grateful to say that I'm back in remission now. Thanks for all the well wishes that everyone sent after my May newsletter!

The first week of July will see me as a subject of a 3-hour photo shoot. Imagine! The Teva Neuroscience, Shared Solutions publication msdialogue^® is planning to feature me in their fall issue. The photographer is coming all the way from Montreal for the day to see me. I'll update you further when I know when that issue will be out. There will be an online link to the magazine that you can access.  I'm so excited!

Till next time, take care and God bless.  

~~ Trish :-)

trish@changingpaces.com ~~ 905-967-3014 ~~ www.ChangingPaces.com 

Finding ways to “beat the heat” for those of us with a chronic health condition is about far more than just comfort level.  When you have a condition that's negatively effected by the heat, staying cool (or as cool as possible) over the summer can mean the difference between maintaining energy, equilibrium and perhaps even mobility and spending the season in what I call “horizontal mode”. 

Here are ten tips to help you stay cool when the temperature soars.  Try as many as you can to lower your internal thermometer.

1.  Air conditioning

Whether that means central air or a window unit, air conditioning is going to be your best friend.  I have a window unit in my bedroom for maximum benefit while sleeping.  If air conditioning isn’t possible, a dehumidifier and a couple of fans can help.  By removing some of the humidity from the air and creating a current, the temperature will feel cooler.  When all else fails, go to the mall, the library or any place that has air conditioning.

2.  Keep the sun out

During the summer months, the mid-day sun is a killer.  Be sure to keep the window shades drawn from around 11:00 am till at least 2:00 pm.  The sun shining into the house during this period can leave the temperature much warmer in the afternoon and evening than it needs to be.

3.  Sleep alone

I know, it sounds a little lonely but it’ll be much cooler than that abundance of body heat that comes with a spouse, a child, a dog or even the family cat sharing the bed with you.

4.  Wear cotton

Cotton takes perspiration away from the skin leaving you drier and more comfortable.  Go for light coloured cotton clothes, cotton nightwear and bedding.  Cotton sheets will not only absorb night sweats, but will also permit your skin to breath, allowing you to be more comfortable and less restless.  We all know that better sleep leads to more energy and better mobility during the day.

5.  Cool showers & baths

People with MS shouldn’t be taking hot showers or baths even in the most temperate climate but during the heat of the summer, there’s nothing more satisfying than a cool bath or shower for anyone.  I’ve even found that between showers running cold water over my wrists (or any other pulse point) for a few minutes at a time cools me down.  When I can’t sleep at night because of the heat, I fill a pan with cold water and soak my feet.  It really helps to lower the body temperature.

6.  Keep exercise moderate

Exercise is so important for our general well being.  I know that it’s temping to skip it entirely when it’s hot out but this can be detrimental at so many levels.  The best rule of thumb would be to keep it moderate.  Don’t push yourself to working up an all out sweat.  Keep it at a moderate level and be sure to take a cool shower afterwards to bring your body temperature back down.

7.  Try swimming

If at all possible, choose swimming as your form of exercise during the summer.  Swimming is a wonderful activity for people with MS because it works all the major muscle groups while maintaining a lower body temperature.  It also helps with balance and mobility.  Swimming is  wonderful for anyone with a chronic health condition due to the low-impact nature, the weightlessness and the "fun factor". 

8.  Seek shade

When you’re going to be outside, always sit in the shade.  Even better, sit in the shade where there’s a breeze if possible. 

9.  Wear a hat

The sun beating down on your head has a great deal of impact on your overall body temperature.  Always wear a hat when you’re out in the sun.  And if you’re going to be in the sun for more than a minute or so, always wear sunscreen. 

10.  Try cooling clothing

There are a number of manufacturers now making the cooling vests, hats, etc.  Last summer my husband even came home with some cooling bandanas.  They have some form of gel crystals in them that retain cold when wet.  You just run it under cold water and tie it around your head.  As long as it stays wet, it stays cool – Neat!

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TeleClass

Are you ready to break free of the bindings that are holding you back from discovering your own personal level of optimal health?  We all have one - no matter what the condition is that ails us. I challenge you to want to discover yours!  

Class Description:

Over the course of one hour we'll explore 3 great strategies that you can incorporate into your life right away that will help you live well with chronic illness.  The key messages that you'll take away with you will include the ABC's for finally taking control.  Class notes will be provided by email following the session.

How do I register for the class?

“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.”                                                                                                      ~~ Marie Curie