PEDIATRIC MS

Many people with multiple sclerosis are heat sensitive. MS research has proven that heat and humidity often aggravate common MS symptoms. MS research has also proven that cooling the body can help lessen the negative effects of heat and humidity on a person with MS.

Polar Products is a proud supplier for the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Cooling Program that offers cooling vests and accessories for adults with multiple sclerosis as well as children diagnosed with pediatric MS.

The children’s cooling vests are designed to fit children and pre-teens up to 100 lbs. 

(Teens should apply for the MSAA Adult Cooling Program.) Rather than using ice packs which freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, a children’s cooling vest uses ice packs that freeze solid at a moderate, safe temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit. These cooling packs release their cooling energy at this consistent and comfortable temperature for up to three hours. They can be frozen in a freezer, refrigerator or cooler of ice water. Packs are non-toxic and non-flammable.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit www.mymsaa.org/msaa-help/cooling/ to print an application.

Please call MSAA at 1.800.532.7667 or email clientservices@mymsaa.org.

http://www.polarproducts.com/MSandCooling.htm

FAQs: Cooling Vests for MS

Q1. What is the role of cooling vests for patients in general (whether those with MS or possibly other conditions that may benefit from such).

A. There are many medical conditions affecting adults and children that can have heat intolerance as a symptom. Research has shown that cooling vests and wraps can help lessen the negative effects of heat and improve the quality of life for people with these conditions. Cooling vests are a non-invasive, drug-free and cost-effective method to manage this symptom and enable people with MS to enjoy daily activities outdoors and in the heat.

Q2. Why are cooling vests important for patients with MS in particular? What benefits can they provide?

A. The majority of people with MS experience some level of symptomatic heat intolerance. Symptoms may include: blurred vision after exercise, fatigue, dizziness or a weakness in one or both legs. Prolonged exposure to heat might make fatigue worse, which might in turn make other symptoms feel worse. Although this temporary worsening of symptoms (known as pseudo-exacerbation) may feel like a real MS attack, the symptoms will usually improve as the body temperature returns to normal.

Studies have shown that nerves with damaged myelin are sensitive to changes in temperatures. A rise in temperature may cause a failure in the effective transmission of signals from the brain to the body (nerve conduction), and a reduction in temperature may allow more signals to be transmitted across the damaged nerve.

Q3. Are cooling vests more suited for some MS patients over others? 

A. There is a saying in the MS community: “Everyone’s MS is different”. This can be true of heat intolerance also. Each person’s cooling needs can vary according to their own particular needs, their activity and their environment. 

Heat or exercise related symptoms may be brought on by activity, sunbathing, hot baths, emotion, exercise, fever or other things associated with an increase in body temperature. Many people with MS find hot weather difficult, but even in cooler weather, hot showers, or even daily activities like cooking in the kitchen or using a hair dryer can sometimes be a problem. 

A good example is that a small percentage of people with MS have a particular problem with overheating of the lower leg and feet. These people can benefit from Kool Max® cooling ankle wraps and they may not need a vest at all.

Q4. What are key features MS patients should look for when looking for a cooling vest? 

Key considerations include:

• Climate
• Activity
• Cost
• Access to a freezer
• Flexibility of the cooling garment (i.e., does the vest allow the wearer to vary the location of cooling and number of cooling packs?)

Q5. Are there any features or things in particular to avoid when looking for a cooling vest? 

A. see question 8 - hammer/nail

Q6. What's the general price range for a cooling vest?

A. Polar Products is the only manufacturer offering the most affordable cooling vests and accessories in every cooling technology.

Water-Activated / Evaporative Vests: $30 - $200

Cooling Pack Vests (water base): $100 - $250

Cooling Pack Vests (phase change): $140 - $350

Circulating Water Vest Systems: $800 - $2,000


Q7. Are cooling vests typically covered by insurance? And are there any resources for people with MS who may need assistance with the financial cost of a cooling vest?

The short answer is that most insurance providers do not offer coverage. However, insurance coverage can vary by provider and plan, so we encourage customers to contact their provider. Occasionally we hear that insurance companies will cover the cost of a vest with proper documentation from their doctor.

Several non-profit organizations have cooling programs and will provide cooling garments at no cost to people with MS who meet financial eligibility guidelines. These non-profits include the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (mymsaa.org) and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (msfocus.org). Polar Products is proud supplier for these outstanding cooling programs, which include several of our most popular cooling vests and accessories.

Additionally the VA Hospital system provides Polar cooling vests for veterans with MS. Veterans may have to specifically request such a system.


Q8. What product recommendations do you have for people with MS?

Vests and accessories with Kool Max® frozen water-based cooling packs: the number one choice for MS cooling. These garments are available in a variety of configurations of vests and accessories for different activities or needs. They are lightweight, affordable, easy-to-use and ideal for any environment. 

Other popular cooling technologies for MS include:

Cool Comfort® Hybrid Water-activated Systems: these garments can be very effective in low humidity climates (and outdoor activity...)

Vests and accessories with Cool58® 58 degree phase change cooling packs: These garments use packs that will recharge in a cooler of ice water. An excellent choice when traveling or whenever freezers are not available. They are a bit higher cost and have a lower cooling energy than frozen water-based packs.

http://www.polarproducts.com/MS

Kool Max® Love from Down Under

We've said it before: our customers are the best! We've received some amazing testimonials from our customers with MS over the years, but this is our first poem and we love it. Thank you for sharing, Karen!

I had a condition this we did know
Whatever it was it still had to show
Through tests and worry it turned out MS
It could have been worse, a tragic big mess.

Hospital visits and long sleepless nights
I knew I would have to put up a fight
Then came the treatment of needles with pain
Three times a week, again and again.

Most times it does hurt, injecting that is.
But what can I do, it is what it is.
Depression, Fatigue, weakness and more
I wish this MS would go out the door.

My husband, my children and friends far and near
I thank you ALL for lending your ear.
When I’m sad or in pain or just feeling blue
I know that I can always count on YOU.

You’ve all been my rock from the very start
I hold you all dear and close to my heart
Without you all, who knows where I’d be
Your love and support you’ve shown towards me.

This my dear friends is why we need help
Donations abroad it all will be felt
Let’s kick this disease, a cure we’ll find
Then we can all rest with a peace of mind.

Near 4 years have passed,injections have changed
From rebif to Plegridy,what next is in store for me.
Though lately injections,they bring on the flu
They say take some painkillers, that’s all you can do.

The heat of last summer, well it threw me for six
I'm hoping this summer, will be a new fix.
Through internet I'm lucky to have found a great vest
Polar Products, that’s them, you guys are the best.

I wore mine today, and my thoughts, OMG,
this vest is amazing. What more could you need.
With all of my cooling, Hoping summer’s a breeze
Just hoping and praying, I'll handle it with ease.

Well this is my update of MY life with MS, Please call Polar Products, You will be impressed.

World MS Day & the CMSC

What a week! We honored Memorial Day, celebrated World MS Day and traveled to Indianapolis to exhibit at the annual meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers! 

World MS Day is a yearly event that brings the global Multiple Sclerosis community together to raise awareness, share stories and offer support for one another. As we work closely with many MS non-profits and individuals with MS, we are proud to help spread the word about World MS Day. We believe that everyone is #StrongerThanMS!

Click here to learn more about World MS Day 

and the mission of the MS International Federation.

Polar Products attends the annual meeting of the CMSC every year. It's a great opportunity to meet with neurologists, MSRNs, MS non-profit organizations and many other key professionals in the MS community. We love making new connections as well as seeing old friends!

At the Polar Products booth, Bill and Rose have been sharing how body cooling can greatly benefit those dealing with MS heat sensitivity and demonstrating the benefits of our five different cooling technologies.

Click here to learn more about the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. 

Rose at the CMSC in Indianapolis, IN

In honor of World MS Day, Polar Products is hosting a cooling vest giveaway! 

One lucky winner will receive a Kool Max® Men's Fashion Vest or Kool Max® Women's Fashion Vest, while five other winners will receive an MS Awareness Fashion Cooling Scarf.

The contest is open until Monday, June 1st. No purchase necessary.

Click here to enter!

Are You Up for It? The MS Fitness Challenge!

Polar Products is proud to introduce one of our newest partnerships in the battle against MS. 

Polar Products is the official cooling sponsor of the 

MS Fitness Challenge

The MS Fitness Challenge (MSFC) began with David and Kendra Lyons' desire to turn David's MS Bodybuilding Challenge into something more. The challenge was created to inspire others impacted by MS to stay strong - both emotionally and physically. Together, the Lyons invite others to help fight against MS through health and fitness.

Kendra and David Lyons, MS Fitness Challenge

The goal of the MS Fitness Challenge is to provide certified personal trainers to people with MS in order to educate them about the benefits of health and fitness training. Everything someone with MS would need to compete - trainers, supplements, supplies, support - is provided free from the non-profit.

Polar Products will be supplying cooling vests and accessories to David and the MS Fitness Challenge team for all of their cooling garment needs. 

"Polar Products is proud to partner with David and the MS Fitness Challenge. Our body cooling garments reduce the impact of MS heat-sensitivity and help people with multiple sclerosis stay active. Together with David and the MSFC, Polar hopes to continue to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis and improve the quality of life for people with MS heat-sensitivity." - Bill Graessle, President

Read our partner biography on the MSFC website here.

Polar Products offers a wide variety of cooling garments for Pre-Cooling, Cooling During Exercise and Post-Cooling. Our Cool Comfort® evaporative hybrid garments are especially helpful during workouts!

The Cool Comfort® Sports Kit from Polar Products

"MSFC implements the support people with MS need to stay as fit as possible, overcome limits and keep their bodies moving. Help us help those with MS to beat this disease through health & fitness and combat its devastating effects on the body." - MSFC Facebook page

Learn about the MS Fitness Challenge:

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn

Win an MS Awareness Scarf this week!

March is MS Awareness Month, and there are many ways to show support for people with MS. MS Awareness Week 2015 is March 2nd through 8th. Throughout this week and the entire month, we encourage you to learn more about MS and how you can make a difference. See how you can get involved this month! 

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is continuing their #Orange4MSF #4MSF campaign. Share your support and post a selfie with an orange on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides a list of resources and events across the country for those who would like to be involved during March. The NMSS also has a new website to help people to connect and show support for one another; check out MS Connection. Every connection counts!

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America has many resources for people to learn more about MS. Their blog, MS Conversations, provides many different ways to for people to increase their knowledge, understanding and support of people living with MS.

Use MSAA’s badge as the profile picture on your social media platforms.
Don’t forget to use the hashtag #MSAwareness in your posts!

Show your support with an MS Awareness Cooling Scarf!

One way to help show support is by wearing our “MS Awareness” cooling scarves. These stylish scarves give comfort and relief from the heat.

20% of sales from Polar’s cooling scarves benefit national Multiple Sclerosis non-profits!

Cool Comfort® MS Awareness Neck Band
MS Awareness Fashion Scarf with Kool Max® and Quick Cool Packs

During MS Awareness Week, you can enter to win one of our MS Awareness Fashion Scarves! Simply click the link to complete your entry - one lucky winner will receive either a blue or an orange scarf. Enter here to win!

Our mission is to be the leading provider of effective, high-quality and affordable body cooling products for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) throughout the global MS community.

Bring out the Sunscreen, Bill's Heading to Florida

After visiting MSAA in New Jersey last week, Bill is traveling again this week - this time to sunny Florida! While we're sure he will get much accomplished while meeting with the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) in Fort Lauderdale, we feel a little jealous here at the office - it's only 7° today here in Ohio!

Check out the MSF website for more information.

MSF is another wonderful non-profit with whom Polar Products works closely. They also have a great  cooling program to help provide cooling garments to people with MS who qualify for financial assistance.

Polar Products is proud to supply two high-quality kit options for the MSF Cooling Program:

1) The first option is the Polar Cool Comfort® Evaporative Kit. That kit includes a full vest, hat, necktie and wristbands that come in a blue or tan color.

The Cool Comfort Evaporative Kit from Polar Products

2) The second option is the Polar Fashion Vest Kit for Men or Women. This kit includes our best-selling fashion cooling vest and necktie that come in a black or tan color. The kit comes with your choice of our Kool Max® cooling packs or our Cool58® Phase Change cooling packs. (Click here to learn the difference.)

Men's Fashion Vest from Polar Products

Women's Fashion Vest from Polar Products

TO APPLY FOR THE COOLING PROGRAM:
Those interested in seeing if they qualify for the MSF Cooling Program 

may either print the application or apply online.

The Orange Campaign for MS Awareness

From now until the end of March, everyone is encouraged to join MSF to help raise awareness for multiple sclerosis by using the hashtags #Orange4MSF and #4MSF. Wear orange, post selfies with an orange and spread the word! Together with MSF, we can Paint the Internet Orange and continue to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis.

The Orange Campaign is on Facebook!

Social Media Manager Emily is #Orange4MSF

You can always stay updated with MSF via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and their blog!

Visiting with MSAA

This week Polar’s president Bill is off to visit with the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Bill will go meet with Pete Damiri, the Vice President of Programs and Services along with many other fine folks at MSAA. Some of you may remember Pete from our visit to the Christmas Story House in December! MSAA is one of many wonderful non-profit organizations that help to assist people with MS; they provide cooling garments at no cost to people with MS who qualify for financial assistance.

MSAA Home Page

Polar Products supplies two kit options for the MSAA Cooling Program. The first kit, Option B, is our Polar CoolFit® Kit. That includes a Secrets Torso Cooling Wrap with elastic sides and Velcro attachment, Necktie, 2 Wrist Wraps, 2 Ankle Wraps and an extra set of cooling gel packs for all items.

Our second option, Option C, is the Polar Zipper Style Vest. This kit includes cooling gel packs must be frozen at 32 degrees, a vest that is worn over clothing and has adjustable at the shoulders, chest and waist. The kit also includes an extra set of cooling gel packs, Neck Collar and & extra set of segment packs.

Option B: Polar CoolFit Kit

Option C: Polar Zipper Style Vest

Check back next week as Bill heads down to warm Florida to visit with the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF). To learn more about the non-profit cooling programs Polar Products has with both MSAA and MSF, please visit our Non-Profit Cooling Programs web page.

Check out what some of our customers have said about these kits:

“We bought the CoolFit® Kit as a gift for my sister-in-law. She calls us every day to tell us how much she loves it and how many new ways she has found to use all the pieces. This was the best gift ever for someone with MS who lives in a hot, hot climate!”

- Greg in CA

“I am writing to thank you, with all my heart, for the wonderful Kool Max Vest, ice packs, and other cooling items I received from you just a week or so ago. I never could have afforded such items, and I really do know now that I can become more active now with this heat resistance equipment."

- Elaine in Lexington, IN

Visit mymsaa.org to learn more about MSAA's mission, programs and services for people with MS.

Click for more information about the MSAA application.

"I had no idea how much I needed this."

Deluxe Neck Tie with Kool Max® Pack

 "I cannot believe these are not on "must-have" lists for pregnant women. It seriously saved me from feeling like I was going to die of heat at least 3 times this week (despite the fact that it's the middle of winter)... 

"Its best feature is its flexibility. It doesn't have to just go around your neck. Sometimes I wrap it around my head. Other times I put it under my breasts. Sometimes I just hold it... 

"I can't imagine going through pregnancy without it."

- Rachael in Chicago, IL

Rachael wearing the Kool Max® Deluxe Neck Tie

We were so excited to get this product review from Rachael! How great that she's found a new use for the neck tie? We love hearing about all the ways that our customers adapt our products to meet their unique needs.

Rachael writes the laugh out loud funny blog In It For The Parking about her life with MS and a seizure disorder. In her words, "This blog is all about living well, finding your happiness, maintaining positive relationships, and caring for ourselves and our caregivers." 

In September she wrote a great post reviewing our Secrets Cooling Vest and comparing our Kool Max® and Cool58® packs. Check out the post A Very Cold Love Story to see what she had to say!

We wish you and your growing family the best, Rachael!

Matt's Kool Max® Vest Video Review

From Matt's blog at mattcavallo.com:

"From May until September, temperatures in Chandler, Arizona are constantly in the triple digits. For the first four summers since I moved to Chandler, the heat constantly affected my MS. I found that during the high heat that I was more fatigued, more irritable and had less energy than I did during the cooler months. I also noticed that my cognitive abilities and vision were not as crisp when temps were in the hundreds. I often wondered if cooling products could actually improve my quality of life.

Matt is an author, blogger, and motivational speaker with MS

I recently had the opportunity to try out a cooling vest when I was sent a Kool Max® [Men's Fashion] cooling vest by Polar Products. I wanted to conduct some tests to see if cooling vests really made a difference. It was important to me that the vest was comfortable, easy to move in and didn’t obstruct my routine.

Click here to see Matt’s YouTube Video Review!

To review the Kool Max®, I tested it in tough desert conditions. Typically to avoid the sun, I do my outside chores in the early morning before the sun comes up. For this experiment, however, I cleaned the pool and picked up the backyard during the late afternoon hours. The temperature was 102 degrees and my chores took me an hour and half to complete. I also took my dog for a walk in the afternoon when it was 104 degrees, wearing business casual clothes.

Here are my results:

• The vest is lightweight and I had no problems moving around while wearing it.
• Despite the heat, the cooling cartridges stayed frozen the entire time.
• The compartments that hold the cooling cartridges kept my clothes dry, but I still got the cooling benefit.
• Because my core stayed cool, I had more energy to stay outside despite the triple digit temperature.
• If I could change one thing, I would have taken the cooling cartridges out of the plastic bag they came in and placed them in the freezer flat. Because I froze them balled up, they were harder to insert than if I would have put them flat in the freezer.

Kool Max® Cooling Packs

In conclusion, I found the Kool Max® cooling vest to be comfortable and lightweight, allowing me to conduct my daily routine without getting in the way. My core stayed cool, which seemed to give me more energy and allow me to be outside for a greater time than I would without a cooling solution. As a person living with a chronic illness, I would definitely recommend the Kool Max cooling vest as a way to stay active in the heat while keeping your core temperature cool. I will be using mine all summer long!"

Click here to see Matt’s YouTube Video Review!

About Matt: Matt Cavallo was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005. Matt is an MS blogger, author, patient advocate, and motivational speaker. Matt also has his Master’s degree in Public Health Administration. Matt is the proud father of his two sons, loving husband to his wife, Jocelyn, and best friend to his dog, Teddy. Originally from the Boston suburbs, Matt currently resides in Arizona with his family. To learn more about Matt, please visit him at: http://mattcavallo.com/blog/

March is MS Awareness Month

 As we celebrate our 30th year of business, and honor Multiple Sclerosis Awareness month, we look back at three decades of relationships with MS non-profits, MS clinics and individuals with MS. Today we are proud to be the leading manufacturer of high-quality and effective cooling garments for the MS community worldwide. 

Learn more, spread awareness, and get involved this month!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MS AND BODY COOLING

Many people living with MS experience heat intolerance. When a person with MS experiences a rise in body temperature, nerve conduction may be slowed or even blocked which can cause a temporary worsening of MS related symptoms. The effects are reported to be temporary with symptoms returning to their normal level as the body cools. 

Cooling garments are a major resource that can be used to help beat the heat. There are many types, technologies and styles of cooling garments that can help in a variety of situations.

Here are some resources to help you learn more about MS and cooling:

• Visit www.MSCooling.info to learn more about web-based studies on MS and cooling on a single, unbiased website.
• See "How do I decide?" for a full comparison of the types of cooling technologies.
• Contact us for our powerpoint presentation on multiple sclerosis and cooling.
• Read an article about MS and cooling research.
• Watch a webinar on Cooling Techniques and Devices presented by Can Do MS and the MSAA.

SPREAD AWARENESS ABOUT MS

Cool Comfort® MS Awareness Neck Band
MS Awareness Fashion Scarf with Kool Max® and Quick Cool Packs

Show your support with our "MS Awareness" cooling scarves while getting comfortable relief from the heat! 20% of sales of Polar's cooling scarves benefit national MS non-profits!

GET INVOLVED IN THE MS COMMUNITY

There are many outstanding MS non-profits worldwide. Each has a unique mission; for example, focusing on a research for a cure, programs to offer assistance to people with MS, and/or offering support to the MS community. We have a list of resources on our website. 

See how you can get involved this month!

Our mission is to be the leading provider of effective, high-quality and affordable body cooling products for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) throughout the global MS community.

Visits to MSF and MSAA

Bill and Pete at an MSAA Fundraiser in Yellowstone. 

My thanks to the fine folks at the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. I recently had the opportunity to visit both organizations, have lunch together and give a very informal “in-service” on MS and body cooling. I always learn from these visits and come away with new product ideas. Most of all I am always impressed with the dedication, skill, service and heart that the people who work at non-profits provide.

Thank you to all who have dedicated themselves to such good work.

Warm Regards,

Bill

Visit their websites to learn more about these non-profit organizations:

mymsaa.org

msfocus.org

Be cool (even when it's cold outside!)

Despite unusually frigid temperatures across much of the country this winter, sometimes people still experience heat-sensitivity as a result of medical conditions, medication, or simply being very hot-natured! 

For example, many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience a temporary worsening of symptoms year-round when they get overheated from exercise or activities like cooking, working in hot indoor environments or simply being in excessive indoor heating. 

Cooling garments may help! 

(even in the winter!!!)

Here's what our customers have to say:

“I use my Kool Max vest while cooking in the kitchen. 

Keeps me cool and cooking!” 

- Carol in West Paterson, NJ 

Kool Max® Zipper Vest

“I have MS and simple things like blowdrying my hair, washing a few dishes, or ironing clothes would make me miserable. My Polar cooling vest has changed my life!” 

- Pam in Houston, TX 

Kool Max® Zipper Vest

"I recently got diagnosed with MS and I am a very active person who lives in a very warm tropical environment. I love to cycle but the MS was making hard, until I got the Kool Max® Neck and Upper Spine Wrap. It does an amazing job at cooling me down and the symptoms that I experienced went down by half. Combined with riding early morning, I don't feel anything and I ride about 30 miles. I'm so happy with the product."

- Yajaira in Key West, FL

Kool Max® Neck and Upper Spine Wrap

"I'm a food server in a beautiful restaurant. I take tamoxifen for breast cancer. I wear the black vest to work instead of my uniform vest and its amazing. I feel refreshed and ready to go all day and night. I wish more people knew this product was available. I tell everybody and highly recommend it."
- Laura in New Jersey

Kool Max® Fashion Vest

"I bought this vest as a gift for my pastor. The polyester robe he wears for church is like an oven to him. I wanted to help him with a useful gift to express my appreciation to him for serving our community."

- Deborah in TX

Kool Max® Zipper Vest