Somewhere between 60 and 80 percent of people with MS have intolerance to heat, where a rise in internal or external temperature can temporarily increase symptoms. A hot and humid environment, a fever during illness, exercising, sunbathing — even hot showers and baths — can cause your symptoms to flare.

These temporary changes result from an increase in your core body temperature. Even as little as to one-quarter to one-half degree in temperature rise can cause you problems. A buildup of heat slows down nerve transmission, causing symptoms to worsen.

While this certainly doesn't bode well for your summer plans, the good news is that these symptoms are “phantom” symptoms and are not typically causing any type of permanent tissue damage. The symptoms decrease once the source of heat is removed.

So, what are the symptoms of heat intolerance? It shouldn't be hard to identify, but here are a few of the typical symptoms you may experience:

• Fatigue may increase as well as tremors and cognitive difficulties.

• Some people notice that their vision becomes blurred when they get overheated; this is known as Uhthoff's phenomenon.

• Other chronic symptoms — those that are familiar to you on a day-to-day basis — may also increase in the heat.

• Some people report swelling of the legs or feet.

Tips on Cooling Down

You don't have to stop doing the things you enjoy but you may have to change the way you do certain things. For example, taking a shower rather than a bath and decreasing the temperature might help. Everyone has his own set point for heat intolerance, so you might have to experiment to see what works for you.

• Drink plenty of fluids. Water or diluted fruit juices are best.

• When going outdoors consider taking frozen items, such as frozen lollipops or ice cubes.

• Try to stay indoors in an air conditioned environment on really hot and humid days.

• Decrease your core body temperature before engaging in an activity by taking a cool shower. This also helps some people with fatigue.

• Invest in equipment that helps you manage the heat, such as cooling vests, mister fans, and cooling gel wristbands.

• Eat cool foods. Salads, sandwiches, fruit, cold soups, raw veggies — these are all good cooling foods.

• Take a swim. Pools with water temperature under 85ºF are ideal for exercising or just cooling down.

• Get “the tag.” You might want to apply for a disabled parking placard even if you are able to walk. Walking through a parking lot on the hottest day of the year may convince you that this is a worthwhile venture.

• Window tinting may be expensive, but it can pay for itself in a few years by lowering your air conditioning bills. Window tinting is not just for cars anymore!

There are numerous ways to keep cool in hot weather, so be sure to get creative when rethinking outdoor activities. You don't want to stop doing those activities that bring you fulfillment.

In fact, real life with MS is about solutions — finding creative ways to get around the hurdles that MS presents to you, whether it's starting a family, traveling to Europe, or hiking in the summer months.

It's also about letting go of those things that no longer serve you, and accepting those that will make your life easier, whether it's letting someone else prepare the turkey this year or simply learning to accept help from others. The truth is that managing MS requires you to be in the driver's seat and firmly in control. The quality of your life depends on it.