Warm Weather - be prepared with FREE equipment

[Lulu54]

Johnnymutt's recent post about the unusual warm weather here in the midwest brings to mind this wonderful program that I hope all of you here in the US will use -

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America offers FREE cooling equipment to MS patients-  their cooling kit includes several items used to keep our core temperatures down.  Almost all people with MS will suffer pseudoexacerbations with increases in their temperature.  

The application can be found at:
http://www.msassociation.org/programs/cooling


This is a very generous organization and offers a variety of other items, such as walkers, wheelchairs and scooters.  They also have an MRI assistance program to help the undiagnosed without insurance to get those MRIs done.

And yes, this program really does work.  Shadowsister (DJ) has been the recipient of the cooling pack AND a new wheelchair.  

While on this hot topic, last summer someone mentioned that there are also electric cost subsidies in many states for the extra cost associated with air conditioning our homes.  It would be worthwhile to check those out, as well.

Does anyone know of other programs to help?  Please jump in and let us know.  

Stay cool,
Lulu

[Heather3418]

bump again - suppose to be in the high 90's again, a few days this week, in Virginia.  After all the dozens and dozens of inches of snow we got here last winter, I said then I'll bet we are going to have a heck of a hot summer.  I'm at the point where I don't remember many days in the 80's this year.  It went from fairly cool in the Spring to DERN HOT in the summer.

[jean_619]

bump.  I'm bumping this up since it is getting to be a "hot" topic again.

[Wobbly]

thanks for this info... I'll have to check around in Canada...maybe MS Canada will have some ideas for us up here..

stay cool
wobbly

[Lulu54]

More FREE stuff -
I always overlook this group that has a lot of assistance programs - cooling equipment, computers, equipment, etc.  It is worth looking over the list of program they offer  through the MS Foundation.

http://www.msfocus.org/programs-activities.aspx

[meg321]

Oh, i forgot, I got reduction for my PGE, just picked up a form at their office.  Its the medical form and you just have to get your Dr to sign it and confirm your disability.

I am in Calif but you can probably get the same thing no matter where you are.

hugs, meg

[meg321]

Thanks for the info, I didnt think I would qualify but I did.  But they have a few different kinds of vests and I hate making decisions plus I don't know which would be the best for me. I will look them up I guess.

I have used the neck wraps and they help a lot, i used them on the golf course when I was golfing too.  A lot of people make them and its very simple and you can get them in beautiful patterns and colors.

You can also use a small wet towel , i used to do that at my desk at work, its not great if you are out in public.  With a fan going inside it works well.  I have a couple of bottles with a fan on top and you feel it with water and you switch it on for a lite mist....you can buy anywhere in the summer, they are cheap, in fact I think mine came from the dollar store.

And you can get the neck wraps and ice bags free from Shared Solutions, of course the say Copaxone on them but great for home.  The make the good ice packs, they are the soft ones.

I ran out of words.....

hugs, meg

[johnnymutt]

Thanks for the heads up everyone, and Thanks Lulu for bringing this up. I have seen those products before, but have not purchased them, for fear they would be worthless. I see now that I should give them a serious second look.

[michelleric]

I wanted to add one more thing.  Lu is talking about getting a fishing vest from a sports store (like Dicks), they have lots and lots of pockets.

You can find a use for all those ice packs you meds come in and stuff all the pockets with them.

Also, you can get a floppy garden hat, and sew in a pocket at the top, and put in a soft ice pack to fit.

Just some more thoughts...

[michelleric]

Last summer I went here and got a great neck/spine cooler.  It is an online warehouse, but I live very  close to them, so I went and checked out all the products in person.

I recommend it. I used it for sitting through all the little leagues games I go to.

#KMNCEX Cool Collar
Neck & Upper Spine Wrap
Our cooling neck and upper spine collar cools both the upper spine and the key arteries of the neck.
$34.95 each

( It isn't the most attractive thing, but I am slowly getting over the "vainess" in me).

The website is:   http://www.polarsoftice.com/index.html  

They have a whole line for MS.  There are MANY products to choose from.

Also the MS chapters near you, might be able to give you some knowledge about free items.  They did for me, but it wasnt enough.

Michelle

[Lulu54]

Hi Ess, they have changed this program since last year and I didn't take the time to look at their application.  They did also add several new items to their cooling equipment.

The neck wraps that are filled with the hydrogel pellets and you soak in water before using, work great.  These would be easy to make for someone with a sewing machine.


I wish I could remember who it was last year that came up with the very creative cooling vest idea and went to a sporting goods store, bought a fishing vest with all the pockets, and used her own ice packs in the assorted pockets.  


Ess is right - lets hear it from some of you who have used these............

[essdipity]

Thanks for this reminder, Lu. I checked out the site you mention, and see that I don't qualify, because I don't meet the income requirements. I'm fortunate to be able to pay for this kind of equipment,  though money is still an object. Don't need or want to pay for the Cadillac of such things, when the Ford models are probably just as good.

So--------- Can anyone recommend a cooling vest that works well in hot, humid weather?

And what about neck wraps? They look so HOT, but I suffer greatly when my neck, especially the back of my neck, begins to perspire.

Will those of you who've tried these kinds of products check in with the good, the bad and the ugly?

Many thanks,
ess