3 Ways People With Disabilities Can Beat the Heat This Summer

Does anyone else wish we could press fast forward on summer?

While prolonged heat and humidity exposure are typically not fun or comfortable for most people, the heat actually exasperates symptoms for many people living with chronic conditions and disabilities, causes extreme pain, and makes being outside feel unbearable.

Fortunately, there are many products that can help you stay cool in the summer heat. In addition to choosing lightweight clothing in breathable fabrics, (read my what to wear in the summer heat with AFOs post here) here are some great finds that will help you to stay cool.

1. Stuff your bra and wear cold patches.

Have you tried stuffing ice packs inside your bra or leg braces? I know, it sounds ridiculous. But after freezing them, these tiny cloth-backed ice packs provide about an hour of fabulous relief. Bonus, they’re reusable.

There are also cool patches available that you can literally stick anywhere.

Buy reusable ice packs on Amazon.

 

2. Carry fans and misters.

Another easy way to keep cool is to carry a portable air conditioning unit, misting fan, or even a headpiece with a built-in fan attached. These products are easy to throw in a tote for a day at the beach or a neighbor’s barbecue.

Buy a portable misting fan on Amazon.

3. Use cooling towels and blankets.

Cooling towels are perfect for people experiencing heat intolerance due to disability (or pre-menopause in my case). They can last for three hours and are great to take on the go.

Buy a cooling towel set on Amazon.