summer is coming

[Xvettech]

to cool down if you’re like me and can’t afford it then a cold, damp washcloth on the back of your neck cools down body temperature. It works tremendously well!

[kdali]

Works better if you freeze the wet wash cloth! Easy to make ahead of time, and teething babies also like to chew on them.

[Xvettech in reply to kdali]

oh I knew that for babies but I never thought to freeze one for me! Thank you!

[kdali in reply to Xvettech]

You're welcome. I have more! Do you have any gel ice packs? If you throw a towel on your couch then it won't get wet, but you can rest, cool, and watch TV all at the same time. The ideal spots for cooling are the whole cord (back of neck to between the shoulders) and the wrists, but I was keen on one on the top of my head too, like a hat (or in my hat). A double bagged bag of ice would work also, I prefer ziplock bags for those. The best idea might be freezing a bag of marshmallows! Two of those should cover your neck and back. Sipping on ice water helps speed up reviving your brain. A cold shower probably works well too.

We have a crafty member here who made their own ice vest, and MSAA has an application for a free Polar vest if you qualify, but if not, some insurance plans will reimburse it if they are provided with the prescription and reason.

[Xvettech in reply to kdali]

thank you!

Marshmallows would never last 😂

[starlight5 in reply to Xvettech]

I like the gel ice packs you use for injuries as they are pliable. With 3 boys I always kept one in the freezer to have on hand!

[Sandydemop in reply to Xvettech]

maybe string beans would last. definitely not marshmallows.

[Xvettech in reply to Sandydemop]

I don’t think they’d last either 😂. I eat like a rabbit. I like string beans. Drowned in hot sauce of course! Lol!

[Sandydemop in reply to Xvettech]

brussels sprouts?

[Xvettech in reply to Sandydemop]

😂. They’re my favorite!

[starlight5 in reply to kdali]

Never heard of freezing marshmallows!

[kdali in reply to starlight5]

I read it randomly recently and thought, wow, what a waste of marshmallows...but then I'm throwing corn or fries at my kid because I don't have an ice pack ready to go 🤦‍♀️ It's probably a great idea, softer than frozen fries for sure! 🤣

[Kit10]

My favourite cooling device is a spray bottle filled with water to spray on any available bare skin, If you re-purpose an empty household cleaner bottle be sure to rinse it out VERY thoroughly and relabel it so it can't possibly get mixed up with the new full one!

Spraying the water through a fine jet cools it and evaporation cools my skin.

[Xvettech in reply to Kit10]

great idea! I have a bottle to spray the cat but he gets what he’s allowed and not allowed to do now so I will repurpose that! Thank you!

[NorasMom]

I like using bandannas/oversized hankies whenever I'm outside, because I can tie them around my neck. Walmart used to sell them for $1 each, and a few times I found odd colors for half that price. The problem is that they're so thin, so they don't stay cold very long.

[Xvettech in reply to NorasMom]

a bandanna is a good idea! Thank you

[starlight5]

MSAA has a program that offers some free items for those whose income qualifies. I believe they have cooling devices. Click on the "how msaa can help" link to check it out. Good luck!

[Xvettech in reply to starlight5]

thank you! I will check it out

[Sandydemop]

a fan?

[Xvettech in reply to Sandydemop]

lol. I have several fans!

[jackiesj]

i take ice packs for cooler and use them carefully....great bed companion until ice packs wake husband.....hahahaha

[Xvettech in reply to jackiesj]

😂

[Robsmom]

Yes, MSAA offers cooling equipment at no cost. I have a set that has a waist band that I use during exercises. It has a neck scarf, wrist and ankle bands as well. They all have ice packs that specifically fit each piece.(2 of each) They stay cool for a long time too. For the ladies, I was at a MS event and this woman was selling these ice packs with covers that perfectly fit in your bra. If I have to go out in the afternoon in Atlanta they're perfect.

[Xvettech in reply to Robsmom]

thank you! The lot sounds awesome and very helpful. I will look into that. The bre thing sounds cold 🥶! 😂

[johnMSAA Partner]

Thank you to everyone recommending MSAA's Cooling Program, glad it is helping! For Xvettech and any others, here is an easy to remember direct link to our Cooling page:

mymsaa.org/cooling

- John, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA)

[Xvettech]

thank you! (I will check it out when I’m done here) 😂

[mrsmike9]

Last year I applied for a cooling vest. It was a lifesaver last summer when I wanted to work in the yard. The one I got has a 2nd set of ice packs so when my 1st set melted, I slide the 2nd set in the vest and the 1st back in the freezer.

[Xvettech in reply to mrsmike9]

thank you for the great idea!