REGULATING BODY TEMPERATURE

Our bodies cannot regulate our temperature following spinal cord injury. Sometimes we will feel cold although the climate is warm. Other times we feel hot and the climate is cold. Getting warm, or cooling off, can both be tricky.

Hot weather can be deadly because we don’t sweat normally, so we cannot cool off. Don’t spend excessive time in the sun. Use an umbrella on your chair. Most importantly, bring lots of cold water. Way more than you think you may need. Prepare for the worst: getting stuck in traffic in a hot vehicle for hours, getting stuck at a location without shade, etc. Bring ice on road trips, and towels for getting wet and applying to flushed skin.We like cooling off with:Water vestsFreezer packsLight, loose cotton clothesGel cool matsDesktop fans Rechargeable battery-powered fans that attach to chair Spray bottles Wet towels
Cold weather can also be miserable for quadriplegics. We can’t shiver; our arteries don’t constrict to save heat. We are at risk for hypothermia. Don’t spend excessive time in the cold. If you’re already feeling freezing, pile the layers on. Be prepared, in cold climates, and always bring extra blankets, and a beanie, just in case.Heat escapes through your head and feet. We recommend scarves, hooded sweatshirts and hats like beanies that cover your ears. We keep warm with:Neck wraps heated in microwave  Rice packs warmed in the microwave  Hand warmers Hot tea Hot water bottles Blow dry socks/shoes/clothes before putting them on Desktop heaters Wearable blankets Gloves Fleece lined boots and slippers Electric heated throw blankets (Can also plug into car lighter) Electric heating pads Heated jackets and vests with rechargeable batteriesPractice caution when applying heat to skin; We can be at risk for burns.    “Try to figure out your temperature limits. I always start to get cold at 70 and hot at 79+ so I have a thin or thick jersey according. Summer I wear short sleeve button ups so you can undo or do up the buttons according. Also have Longs that unzip to shorts and vice versa.” Anthony, C5  “I bought a heated throw and put it in between the sheets of the bed. About 2 hours before bedtime I turn it on so when I get in bed it's all nice and toasty; then I put the warm blanket (turned off) on top so I can easily toss it if/when I get too warm.” Debbie, C6-7