I'm an Outdoor Person!

I love the Outdoors and have always been a person who spends alot of time Outdoors.

I have a question that I could use some insight on. Last Summer and Fall I spent approximately 2+ hours per day, 4 to 5 days per week being outdoors. On the days that were hot I’d go outdoors during the cooler part of the day. I live in a Northern U.S. Climate. The Winter’s are long and cold so I spend very little time outdoors.

Throughout the Summer and Fall months I noticed that the warmth from the Sun made me feel better. I had less pain, less fatigue, and more energy. Now as Winter has gone on these symptoms have worsened. The last week or so we had a few nice days so I sat outdoors in the sunlight and just soaked in the warmth of the sun. My pain decreased on those days and the fatigue wasn’t as bad.

So my question is: Does the UV Rays from the Sunlight help all MS Patients and is there a way to similate the UV Rays of the Sun in the Winter months? Do Tanning Booths help, do they affect the body the same as the UV Rays from the Sun?

It’s not just heat that helps because when I’m really hurting I’ve used Heat Pads and it’s somewhat helpful but still not the same. I've had MS for 10 years and just over the last 2 years there's been a rapid progression. I am constantly looking for ways though to be active outdoors. But, Winter, especially this Winter, has really slowed me down.

I would appreciate it if someone could please give me some input on this?

Thank you!