The Winter Warm Up

The winter is a tough time for many of us.  The cold wreaks havoc on our already riddled bodies which can lead to more pain and flare-ups of other symptoms.  So, since we all can’t afford a nice long vacation away from the weather, we need to find ways to get comfortable and keep warm through these cold months.  I would love to say it is as easy as turning up the dial on our thermostats but the rising costs of oil and just about everything else, may not make this the perfect option for everyone.

Here are just a few ideas to keep us all warm and comfortable:

·         Keep out the cold:  Try covering your bare floors with rugs and put up plastic and heavy drapes on any windows that are drafty. Draw blinds and curtains at night but reopen in the morning so the sunlight can get in.

·         Wear lots and lots of layers: Try fingerless gloves under mittens, wear hats and scarves even in doors if need be and, as many of you probably already have found, compression garments can be very warm and as an added bonus can help faulty lymphatic systems and keeps swelling down where needed.  I find wearing layers is great during those days that start out really cold and warm up in the afternoon and can be much less expensive than going out buying expensive coats and jackets.

·         Get cooking:  OK, I know not all of us have the time nor the energy to do this but how about throwing together some ingredients into a large pot and making a nice hot stew or soup.   Not only will you have a hot meal to eat and warm up your insides but just having the stove top on and/or having your oven running, your kitchen will warm up as well.

·         Make sure heat flow is not obstructive: Check all your radiators and heat vents to make sure that the air flow is not being blocked.  If a couch or another piece of furniture is blocking the heat flow, you are paying for heat that is not getting to you.

·          Try some heated slippers:  In my opinion, one of the greatest inventions in the last few years has to be heated slippers.  Who ever came up with this idea should be given a huge award.  Also try a heated neck wrap.  Not only do these items warm you up but they help ease some of the aches and pains that come with having DD or other related diseases. 

Hope these tips help you all.