BRRR.....

It's been a roller-coaster week with the weather hasn't it? Does the constant temperature and barometer changes have an effect on your pain? It's like that for many of us I think and as the seasons change it can be that much harder on our bodies. One day it's the heat and humidity of the summer, the next you're watching torrential down pours of rain, and then the next day?...you're wrapped in blankets with the windows closed, shaking and shivering debating to turn the heat on.

WEATHER! it sure does make getting dressed in the morning difficult when it's cold in the mornings and warmer in the afternoons but there are things we can do to help ourselves navigate through the weather and season changes....take a look at the following and see if any can be incorporated into your daily routine...

• wear layers that are easy to take off and put on when needed..multiple light layers as opposed to heavy bulky layers that will cause added stress and weight to your body..wear clothing with zippers instead of buttons...some find velcro to help too when hands are stiff 
  
• consider carrying a pair of gloves with you...they can help keep hands warm on those cold mornings even when there is no snow
  

• consider trying compression socks for circulation, comfort and warmth..they'll help keep the blood flowing to your lower extremities..diabetic socks also work well and can be found in most stores at a reasonable cost
  
• a heating blanket is also a warm idea on a cold day to shake the chill...many are portable and can be brought to work...be sure to communicate this need to your employer - logic? when you're warm you get more work done
  
• leave a warm comfy sweater at work that you can put on..it saves you carrying extra layers every day
• portable heaters are also becoming very popular...they are small, safe when used correctly and they pump out a lot of heat! they're cheaper on the budget than turning the furnace on and off to match the weather or if you're in a "cold spot" in the office
• take a nice long hot bath or shower to warm your body when you need...dressing in your warm comfy clothes afterwards

These are just a few ideas to help keep you warm as we move into fall. I would encourage you to plan for the unpredictable weather we are so famous for having...the dramatic weather changes can also have a dramatic effect on our pain, but it is something we can also learn to prepare for and manage. Give some thought to how will you keep you warm.

Stay warm and take good care of you oikay?