Beating the Heat with MS: Lessons from the Walk-In Freezer

Posted on July 9, 2025 by MSAA

By Samuel Fitch

Before my multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, I never understood why I always felt so warm—especially compared to others. Looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to work in my family’s restaurant. One unexpected benefit? A built-in cooling station. On particularly hot days, the walk-in freezer or refrigerator offered immediate relief when my body felt overwhelmed by the heat.

Like many of my fellow MS warriors, managing body temperature—especially in the heat—is a constant challenge. For me, warm weather isn’t just uncomfortable; it can completely derail my ability to function the next day. It’s frustrating because, here in Western New York, beautiful sunny days are few and far between. When I miss them, I feel guilty. I want to be outside enjoying them with my family—but sometimes, the risk just isn’t worth it.

So what’s my advice for managing the heat when you live with MS?

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Ask the Expert: Heat Sensitivity

Posted on June 30, 2025 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: What are the symptoms of heat sensitivity in MS, and how is it best treated?

Answer: Heat sensitivity, also known as Uhthoff’s Phenomenon, describes an increase in MS symptomatology caused by overheating. This could be due to external influences, when a person with multiple sclerosis is in an excessively hot environment. Alternatively, this can relate to an internal increase in body temperature due to exercise or infection with fever. Sometimes, of course, it’s a combination of the two when people are exercising in an overheated environment.

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Ask the Expert: Dizziness and Vertigo

Posted on April 30, 2025 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: For people with multiple sclerosis, what can be the causes of dizziness and vertigo?

Answer: Dizziness and vertigo are common in the general population and even more common in people with MS. More than half of people with MS will experience dizziness or vertigo at some point.

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Mobility Changes With MS

Posted on April 9, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) takes a huge toll on the body. One of the greatest challenges is mobility changes. Those living with MS often find their activity level changes. Things that once came easily, such as walking, cooking, gardening, and shopping, become difficult.

MultipleSclerosis.net published an article about coping with changes in mobility. Many community members responded by sharing their experiences. Here are some of their insights.

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Life After an MS Diagnosis

Posted on March 12, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

A multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can stir up many emotions. Fear, anger, relief, denial, and confusion are common. Each person’s experience is unique.

The team at MultipleSclerosis.net invited the community to “Share what life with MS after diagnosis really feels like.” Respondents provided their insights into life after diagnosis.

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Ask the Expert: Tremor

Posted on March 2, 2025 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: How do tremors with MS differ and what types of treatments help?

Answer: Tremor or shaking is relatively common in multiple sclerosis, affecting as many as one quarter to one half of people living with MS. Tremors may range from a mild nuisance, to moderate or severe, and affect activities of daily living.

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Numbness and Tingling With MS

Posted on February 5, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

One common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) is feelings of numbness and tingling. Most often, this symptom affects the hands or feet. It makes everyday tasks more difficult. Holding a toothbrush or standing to cook is challenging when hands and feet go numb.

MultipleSclerosis.net recently shared an article on this topic. Many community members shared their experiences with these symptoms.

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Trouble Swallowing Food or Drinks

Posted on January 6, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Many symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) are challenging to endure. For example, having difficulty swallowing is a common issue with MS. It can prevent any pleasure or comfort when eating a meal. Many people with MS report being discouraged from eating at all due to the severe pain and terror it can cause.

We reached out to the MS community to learn more. We asked, “Do you ever feel like your food gets stuck in your throat or experience other difficulties when it comes to swallowing food or drinks?”

We received 280 responses to our prompt! The MS community was moved to share their symptoms.

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Ask the Expert: Weakness

Posted on December 30, 2024 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: How is weakness in MS best treated?

Answer: Weakness in multiple sclerosis can be divided into “primary weakness,” due to injuries from lesions of the spinal cord and brain; or “secondary weakness,” which comes from issues such as inactivity, fatigue, pain, or medications used to treat multiple sclerosis and its symptoms.

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MS and Sensory Overload

Posted on December 9, 2024 by MultipleSclerosis.net

One overlooked symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) is sensory overload. Noise, lights, and crowds cause panic and lead to feeling overwhelmed. Many with MS do not realize sensory overload is a symptom. It feels confusing when it first happens.

MultipleSclerosis.net published an article about sensory overload that resonated with many readers. The insights and responses from the community are worth sharing!

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