Cool Down MS Giveaway

By MultipleSclerosis.net Team

2 min read

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated.

There's no way to go around it. This summer of 2023 has been hot, humid, and borderline unbearable! Summertime for many people means fun in the sun and outdoor activities, but for those with MS, it can be the most challenging time of the year. Many with MS experience overheating due to high temperatures and humidity, quickly turning some outdoor activities into a frantic search for cooler indoor temperatures.

In an effort to provide some relief, we are thrilled to be partnering once again with the wonderful folks at KoldTec to give away some goodies to help you keep cool during the rest of this hot, hot summer! This giveaway will run from Wednesday, August 16th from 9:00 AM EST until Friday, September 1st at 11:59 PM EST.

The Prize

The coolest folks (pun intended) at KoldTec have generously donated the following bundle of wearable cooling technology for one lucky person to receive.

1 Ice Towel - Our patented FlexIce keeps you 5X colder than an ordinary ‘wet’ cooling towel. Why cool with water when you can have the deep freeze of real ice? Up to 2 hours of continuous cooling with your 2 FlexIce strips! These can be used for anything from hanging outside in the heat to exercising and trying to keep from overheating.

Sportie 1 Sportie - Our patented, engineered FlexIce bends and molds to the natural shape of your neck keeping you 5X colder than ordinary wet cooling towels. There is no drippy, soggy wet mess with the sportie. It's always soft and dry against your skin. Made with premium, sport micro mesh – it is cool, breathable, and moisture-wicking. One size fits most adults (14" - 17" neck).

1 Ice Bandana - The KoldTec Ice Bandana delivers an instant and long-lasting chill. The patented, engineered FlexIce bends and molds to the natural shape of your neck and is 5X colder than ordinary wet cooling towels. The ice bandana provides no drippy, soggy wet messes and is always soft and dry against your skin. The bandana is made from premium, natural cotton and is one size fits all with a custom adjustable fit.

How to Enter

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated.

The giveaway ends on Friday, September 1st, 2023, at 11:59 PM EST. The winner will be notified via email. The winner has 48 hours to claim their prize before an alternate winner will be selected. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions. Good luck!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The MultipleSclerosis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

Join the conversation

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CommunityMember728f9b Member
The extreme heat and especially the humidity wears me out much faster and really drags me down. It feels like a heavy weight over my whole body. My legs get really weak and makes it difficult to walk or do much. I never really got too hot before MS and I never used to sweat. I was diagnosed in 2018. The last maybe 10 years or so I can’t handle the heat like I used to. I get much hotter and I can’t cool down. I sweat and get soaked. My coordination is bad anytime but worse in the heat. My comprehension and memory is the worst and that seems to be worse too when I’m too hot. The cold isn’t good either. I have more pain and stiffness in the winter months…or especially when weather changes drastically overnight. The heat itself isn’t as bad…it seems like it’s the worst when it’s very humid 
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 I think you described how heat and humidity can affect a person with MS PERFECTLY. And frankly, it's been a pretty hot and humid summer in many parts of the US and the Northern hemisphere. I think many of us are ready for a break! Thank you for sharing! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
CommunityMember088f65 Member
Please choose me. I am hurting...
AngelinDisguise Member
The heat and humidity in Florida is terrible and I can't even go outside to do stuff in it. Takes away all of what energy I do have and makes me feel really sick. #CoolDownMS
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 You're right, <inline-mention username="AngelinDisguise" user-id="3944404"/>! My sister lives in Florida and that level of humidity is next level! The weather doesn't mess around in Florida! It makes you want to hibernate indoors with the AC blasting until October! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
CommunityMember559635 Member
#CoolDownMS In piping-hot weather like this Summer, I just can't function! Daytime fatigue, amplified anxiety, and my inner voice saying, "go inside and get some water!" 😮‍💨
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 I hope you listen to that inner voice and stay hydrated, <inline-mention username="CommunityMember559635" user-id="4002528"/>! Or, heck, just stay indoors until Autumn, but I know that's not realistic for most of us. Thank you for sharing! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
CommunityMember66f1e0 Member
The summertime I dread it makes me absolutely useless. I hate it and do not look forward to it like others may. My pain is awful my right side is numb, and I have no get-up and go. Cooking is a chore I have to sit down halfway through because my legs are like rubber. I am tired and just have no ambition at all. I HATE SUMMER!
Dawn S Member
Summers are absolutely horrendous especially when the humidity kicks in. Sometimes can’t even go outside to get my own mail. It affects my balance so bad that I can’t even enjoy myself outside in my yard with my grandchildren sometimes. The neuropathy in my left foot and leg is so bad and it seriously affects my balance even worse in the heat and humidity 😡😞
CommunityMemberd5b7b8 Member
Heat has been horrible for me this summer. My MS symptoms are dizzy & short of breath. #cooldownMS
Erica chester dwyer Member
This heat and humidity is so bad for me Tires me out fast on top of the fatigue #CoolDownMS
CommunityMemberbe0a4c Member
The worst thing about the heat for me is that it increases the feeling of pressure in my head and makes my legs weak. #CoolDownMS
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 That sounds pretty unpleasant, <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberbe0a4c" user-id="8641349"/>! I hope you are able to stay out of the heat and avoid episodes like this, although I know it might be hard to do with the summer we've been having! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
kimber.airman516 Member
Heat makes my head feel fluffy and like it is going to explode making me feel sick. #CoolDown MS
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 As you can probably see by the comments on this thread, you are definitely not alone in this, <inline-mention username="kimber.airman516" user-id="6792438"/>! MS doesn't fight fair and neither does the summer heat. Stay cool and thank you for sharing with the community! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
Deestuff Member
The heat makes me feel so sluggish and by the late afternoon my brain doesn't work as well. I have a hard time with getting words out, they just won't come to my brain. It makes it really hard to talk to my kids and husband and other people. 
1. Latoya.Juniel Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Deestuff" user-id="8641370"/> I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with these challenges. Dealing with both the physical symptoms of multiple sclerosis and the cognitive effects that come with heat sensitivity makes for a rough rollercoaster ride to endure. I hate that you have to deal with this at all. Is your family able to be of any help to you when your struggling to communicate? Sending you much encouragement. Warmly, Latoya (Team Member)
KWB575058 Member
The summer heat zaps me of energy and makes my legs and feet go numb. #CoolDownMS
1. Latoya.Juniel Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="KWB575058" user-id="4021324"/> Ugh, I can only imagine how uncomfortable and frustrating it is to deal with the zaps of no energy and numbness. It can make one feel like a zombie. I hope the weather cools down soon so that you don't have to feel this way. Hang in there, Latoya (Team Member)
Nicolerodgers Member
 I’m in Texas (and work in EMS) so the heat is horrible. My brain goes haywire when I get too hot, and if I’m not careful I’ll pass out. I have found some tricks. Hand sanitizer/alcohol spritz with a fan/wind source will help you cool down quick. Also I have came to the conclusion that if I can keep my head cool than I don’t over heat as easily. I carry a flash freeze kit with me, a portable power bank, a usb powered fan, hand sanitizer (higher the ETOH content the better) and a face mist (a refreshing spray, spray moisturizer, a toner. I don’t recommend spraying alcohol in your face) and when I start getting the feeling that I get (I start feeling like I need water now, hands are on fire, face is starting to redden, and the torrential sweat starts to fall down my face. I don’t know how to explain the feeling I get in my chest, but it’s like anxiety and sortness of breath kinda). Its like when I feel like I need to pant I need to cool off. This just my experience and the way I try to manage all this heat 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥#CoolDownMS 
1. Latoya.Juniel Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="Nicolerodgers" user-id="6699503"/> I am in Texas also so I know what you're going through first hand! You have a great system and plan in place to keep you cool. You have to have something prepared to stand the triple digit heat we're experiencing. I hope the weather cools down for us really soon! Continue to hang in there! Your Texan neighbor, Latoya (Team Member)
CommunityMember03e079 Member
Oh, MAN!!!! This summertime heat absolutely drains me! The fatigue robs my day of any ambition or plans, replaced with rest and the cranked a/c. I am looking forward to cooler days and wintery weather. #CoolDownMS
1. Latoya.Juniel Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember03e079" user-id="3938506"/> I'm with you on this one! I am sucked dry of all ambition and desire. My plans and to-do list suffers greatly. But, we will make it! Continue to do you best to stay cool! We're fighting this heat together! Kindly, Latoya (Team Member)
CommunityMemberb9ffc5 Member
The heat makes me really sick and dizzy I really have to make sure I stay cool in the warm weather “#CoolDownMS”
1. Latoya.Juniel Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberb9ffc5" user-id="6882949"/> Are you also staying hydrated? Proper hydration is essential, especially in hot weather. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help maintain your body's temperature and support cognitive function. I hope cooler weather and relief finds you soon! Kindly, Latoya (Team Member)
lizschneider5051 Member
With my Multiple Sclerosis the heat makes me weak, light headed and disoriented! #CoolDownMS
nicnackk Member
Severe Fatigue #CoolDownMS
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 We know that MS fatigue is a whole other level of fatigue, <inline-mention username="nicnackk" user-id="4057146"/>! And the heat surely doesn't help! Thanks for sharing! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
CommunityMemberb7d82e Member
When I get hot my energy level goes to nothing. Even my thought pattern is effected. My walking is impaired as well as my sight. I live in North Florida so in the Summer I live mainly in house. My partner was taking me to Publix so I could walk around but that got to expensive. I have an exercise program I do at home. I crank the AC and go for it. I do drink a lot of Ice Water. I do what I can to stay cool. Somedays early morning or late evening I can get out when it is cooler and not as humid. At night I don't sleep as well because it's hard to cool the house down from the heat of the day. Old concrete house with no insulation. Sometimes I think the humidity is as bad as the heat. I just pray every month I can afford the electric bill. So far so good. When the weather starts to cool off life is much better.#CoolDownMS
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 I like that you do what you can to stay active, despite the heat, <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberb7d82e" user-id="8612032"/>! Did you find an online program to follow along with? And I know Florida heat and humidity are SERIOUS business, so keep doing what you're doing to stay cool! Those utility bills can be quite the shocker, I know. I live in the North, but we've had a very hot summer and the sticker shock of the utility bills has been pretty tough to swallow! Thank goodness for AC, though! Thank you for sharing! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
CommunityMembera61418 Member
I feel like a prisoner of my house during the summer months. I went out last week to be with family and they pretty much had to carry me back to the car. Even though I tried to stay in the shade it was in the 90's. When I started walking to the car my legs turned to cement and couldn't move. #CoolDownMS 
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 I know it stinks when you can't enjoy the longer days of summer due to the heat, <inline-mention username="CommunityMembera61418" user-id="6659805"/>. I am glad your family was there to help you when you experienced that scary episode, but I am so sorry it happened at all! Thank you for sharing! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
CommunityMembere53782 Member
The heat has started effecting my balance and coordination. I get over heated and start stumbling, even falling several times. It drains any energy I might have had, and causes severe pain in my legs, hips, and back. I usually end up locked up in my house from the end of May until the end of September.
CommunityMember522d73 Member
Heat causes me to become very sleepy. I have recently progressed from RRMS to Secondary RRMS. My leg drags causing me to stumble so if I get to hot and try to hurry then I end up falling.
Emily77 Member
The heat makes my head go all fuzzy and I can't think straight!!
CommunityMember8e04a9 Member
The heat makes very sluggish, hard to concentrate and even makes me feel just so weak. I find myself having a hard time focusing and keeping myself upright. I seem to fall way more during this time also.
Lyons Member
 Yes the heat in Florida is unbearable. That and the humidity. Lately with the heat index it’s been somewhere around 115 most days with extreme heat warnings everyday. The kids in school aren’t allowed outside for recess because of the heat warnings. It makes it difficult to go pick up my daughters from school because of my heat intolerance. I try to stay inside as much as possible. We hope and pray for the cooler seasons. But in Florida we are lucky to get a couple of weeks if we are lucky. Winning so of that cooling gear would be great. This is me and my service dog that helps me walk. We are air condition buddies due to the heat. <img src="/content/images/2023/08/27/7369c51cf065f2842662ad09bd5a91c7_medium.jpeg" alt="" class="uploaded-image"/>
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 Thank you for sharing and for also sharing the wonderful pic of you and your service dog. She/he is absolutely lovely! I know many of our members can relate to your struggles with heat intolerance. I hope you and your daughters weather the heat ok. I know you're probably used to it, but who can deal with temps above 100 degrees?? That's pretty intolerable! Thank you for entering the giveaway and good luck! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
lori1684 Member
The Summer heat caused extreme fatigue #CoolDownMS
CommunityMember487ee2 Member
#CoolDownMS The heat and MS make me sluggish
marie66mm Member
The heat aggravate my M.S symptoms especially walking, spasticity and being active. I suffer from hot flashes. Then, the situation is more challenging and hard on me .I suffer day and night. 
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 I am sorry your MS get so aggravated by the heat, <inline-mention username="marie66mm" user-id="4052187"/>. And it's especially hard when you don't even get relief at night! Thank you for sharing and I hope you are staying as cool as possible! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
tobme Member
#CoolDownMS
Zandee Member
The extreme heat and humidity exacerbates my foot drop the most, but also makes me physically sick as well. Just not fun. #CoolDownMS
StaceyL Member
 With humidity, my whole body feels weak and clumsy
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 You're definitely not alone in this, <inline-mention username="StaceyL" user-id="8643592"/>! I know many of our community members have mentioned feeling weak and clumsy in the summer heat. Thank you for sharing! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
ml9m1v Member
Heat causes most of my body to go numb. It makes me stutter and have cognitive issues #CoolDownMS.
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 I am sorry the heat has such an impact on your MS symptoms, <inline-mention username="ml9m1v" user-id="4094052"/>! I know it can be hard to manage daily tasks when the heat and humidity is so high! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
CommunityMemberf10191 Member
A cooling bundle would be awesome to help fight fatigue with the humidity 
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 I know cooling products can really help people with MS enjoy the outdoors without overheating! Thank you for being a part of the giveaway! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
CommunityMemberf10191 Member
#cooldownms The humidity cause fatigue and my legs become very restless at night. 
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 I know the humidity can be a real problem for people living with MS, <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberf10191" user-id="8643686"/>! And dealing with restless legs when you're trying to sleep can be so frustrating! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
Prowe Member
#CoolDownMS The Hot summer days cause extreme fatigue. Winning some cooling gear would maybe help relieve my neck and pain pain I deal with everyday.
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 Summer weather and MS definitely don't mix, do they, <inline-mention username="Prowe" user-id="5492011"/>? Thank you for entering the giveaway and good luck! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
74 09 Member
Heat make me more in slow motion, everything slowly deteriorates.
CommunityMemberf1b358 Member
Oh mylanta! Heat! Makes me weak, the whole right side of my body goes numb😔not fun at all! #cooldownms
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 I love your "Oh, mylanta" 😉 . That said, I am sorry the heat makes your body week and numb. MS and heat definitely don't get along! Thank you for sharing and for joining the giveaway! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
CommunityMemberdf09ed Member
Heat and cold make my symptoms worse 
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 Well, that's a double whammy, <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberdf09ed" user-id="8644325"/>! You can't catch a break in the Summer OR the Winter! I hope you can at least enjoy the Spring and Fall. And you're not the only one here that finds temperature extremes on either end to be detrimental to their MS symptoms. Thank you for sharing and I hope you are able to enjoy the fall weather that should be arriving . . . eventually! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
Tech Ed Member
#CooldownMS Heat increases the degree of Fatigue I experience and also causes urinary incontinence. Sleep is impacted greatly which then complicates everything else.
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 Oh, goodness, <inline-mention username="Tech Ed" user-id="8644482"/>. As if the symptoms you described weren't hard enough, then to have your sleep affected! Ugh! I am sorry you deal with this. Thank you for sharing and for entering the giveaway! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
CommunityMemberfb4740 Member
When I get overheated I tend to vomit and pass out. Really cranky also. Unfortunately I live in Phoenix Arizona. Just coming up on 50 days of over 110* Try to stay cool and positive all. #COOL DOWN MS
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 Yikes, <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberfb4740" user-id="4108652"/>! I bet living in Phoenix in the Summer must feel like living two inches from the sun. I do hope you are well rewarded for surviving the heat by having a long, mild winter. Keep doing what you can to stay cool! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
CommunityMemberfb4740 Member
<img src="/content/images/2023/08/31/ea71ea0c969ca9d82dad849ce63438ca_medium.jpeg" alt="Uplifting quote " class="uploaded-image"/>
CommunityMember887c08 Member
I am a caretaker of My Wife for the last 20 years the ups and downs is saddens me to see my wife in so much pain. But I normalize it for her in many ways so she could live a normal life. Love, my wife.jinette 
1. Latoya.Juniel Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember887c08" user-id="8644629"/> Caring for a loved one is not easy and it takes so much strength to carry such a load. It's so good that you try to keep things normal for your wife, that's so important and necessary. I know she appreciates it. We acknowledge and honor all that our caretakers do! Best wishes, Latoya (Team Member)
1213fh Member
The heat exacerbates my fatigue and pain. In the summer I hardly go out of the house and even with air-condition the humidity still makes me weak and numb.
firstblood22 Member
This heat is making it harder for me me to walk for long periods of time. Drop leg
x2awjk Member
Heat has taught me to avoid it, this includes warm/hot baths. Fortunately, my wife prefers it cool even more than more so than I do. I have found that for me keeping my head cool is most beneficial. The pool works great, until you have to leave it.
CommunityMember364 Member
Heat causes my left leg and foot to hurt, and eventually go numb. #CoolDownMS
1iwvk35 Member
Hot Flashes and this heat is not a good combination 🤷🏽‍♀️
Morgan Member
I can’t sleep when it’s this hot. AC is never enough it seems. But i’m thankful I have it
CommunityMemberb05b1c Member
#COOLDOWNMS For me when the temperatures soar above 80 degrees outdoors, I overheat in a matter of a few minutes. Fatigue sets in, legs drag and get heavy, pins and needles with prickliness set in. Even if I’ve tried to hydrate that helps very little. I’m only 2 years in this being dx June 2021. It started happening to me last summer.