Providing Support for NEIDs With Pandora Org

• The president of the National NEID (chronic fatigue syndrome) non-profit whose members are heat intolerant.
• Testimonial with products - Lori from Pandora Org
• Story about NEIDs and why we're working with them
• ME/CFS Symptoms - Temperature control problems, including night sweats or cold sensitivity.
• Fibromyalgia Symptoms - Sound sensitivity, light sensitivity, temperature sensitivity

Last year, Polar Products noticed an order from an unfamiliar name - Pandora Org. After some research, our marketing manager Erin discovered that this was a blossoming non-profit organization that was split between Michigan and Florida. After some discussions and learning that those with NEIDs suffer from heat sensitivity, Polar Products wanted to help.

We are now looking forward to a new partnership with Pandora Org. 

Together we hope to help raise awareness for NEIDs and support those battling the diseases.

Look for a cooling vest program collaboration between Polar Products and Pandora Org in the near future!

What are Neuro-Endocrine-Immune Diseases?
"Neuro-endocrine-immune diseases (NEIDs) are chronic multi-system illnesses that take a dramatic toll on society, individuals and their families. They include myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome, chronic tick-borne infections, multiple chemical sensitivities / environmental illness and Gulf War illnesses." (from www.pandoraorg.net)

To learn more about a specific disease, please visit the About NEIDs section of Pandora Org's website.

The Pandora Org Mission/Vision:

"Through the following efforts, we seek to alleviate the suffering caused by neuro-endocrine-immune diseases:

• Advocating for improving patient quality of life
• Community awareness projects
• Patient education programs and conferences
• Physician education programs
• Research grants
• Partnerships with other patient organizations
• Collaborations with academia and biotech industry

We advocate for and work toward establishing centers of excellence for research, clinical care, physician education and government services assistance for NEIDs patients and their families."

For more information, please visit Pandora Org, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

While working with the lady from NEIDs (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) she mentioned 

Orthostatic Intolerance as a condition that cooling vests can help with and that most people with 

NEIDs have. I looked it up, be a good idea for everyone to know the term:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthostatic_intolerance

Bill

Orthostatic Intolerance

What are neuro-endocrine-immune diseases?

Neuro-endocrine-immune diseases (NEIDs) are chronic multi-system illnesses that take a dramatic toll on society, individuals and their families. They include myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome,fibromyalgia syndrome, chronic tick-borne infections, multiple chemical sensitivities / environmental illnessand Gulf War illnesses. Millions of Americans suffer from NEIDs.
Many of these patients cannot find knowledgeable healthcare, face obstacles in accessing social services and do not have the physical and emotional strength to be their own advocates.


The good news is that NEIDs are now receiving state and national attention. More good news is that scientific breakthroughs have brought a greater understanding of the biological abnormalities that may explain the debilitating symptoms associated with NEIDs. Even better, PANDORA Org and other patient organizations are now working together to advocate for physician education, increased government-funded research and government policies that will improve these patients' quality of life.

"A True Bonus in My Recovery" #BePolarCool

We love hearing what customers think about our products, and we've gotten a lot of great feedback about our circulating cold-water therapy system, the Active Ice® Therapy System:

"Most physicians simply tell patients to "ice" an injured body part. But when the physician becomes the patient, she learns how messy and inconvenient most ice packs can be - not to mention they simply don't outlast the pain. No matter where you hurt, or why you hurt, pain takes your life away. When I blew out my knee I was not sleeping, in pain, and frustrated that nothing seemed to help. I purchased the active therapy system and now I call it my portable life support system - it provides immediate, continuous pain relief that is non-sedating and not addicting (unless ice is a vice!) I love this machine and it goes everywhere with me - day and night. Used as needed, intermittently, I find that I am more rested and relaxed - I thank you and I am sure my patients will thank you also!"

- Malinda Bell, M.D., F.A.C.E.P., Emergency Physician in Manistee, Michigan.

Jil, Polar's MS Consultant, using our Active Ice® System

"I bought my unit 4 years ago to help me through a series of knee surgeries. It has been excellent... A month ago I bought one for my mother who recently had a partial knee replacement surgery. This is a high value product that I would recommend to anyone with joint pain or swelling."

- Craig in Greenville, South Carolina

"This has been a life saver. My wife was having great pain in her knee and we had tried ice packs and it just didn't seem to work. It was hard to keep in place and needed changed out. We purchased the ice therapy system and she was able to relieve her pain and get the sleep needed to go to work."

- George

"The Active Ice System was an integral part of my recovery from double knee surgery. I had torn both my quad tendons from the bone as a result of an accident. The inflammation was unbelievable! In the absence of the Active Ice system, I do not believe that my overall recovery would have been as successful. I cannot think of a viable substitute. After surgery, my neighbor gave me the use of his system. After several weeks, I was sold and contacted Polar Products to acquire one of my own. I'm so glad that I did. My recommendation: Buy one of these units to facilitate recovery. You'll not be disappointed!"

- Steve in Ohio

Our Active Ice® System can be ordered with a y-shaped hose
connector (#AIS-D) to use two therapy bladders at once!

Polar Products' Active Ice® Therapy System is specifically designed for post-surgery, drug-free pain relief. Our comfortable and easy-to-use cold therapy system is great for knees, shoulders, back, ankles, elbows, calves, limbs and more!

Don't forget to share your photos and selfies with the hashtags #PolarProducts and #BePolarCool for a chance to be featured on our Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!

We ❤️️ to see customer photos!

Thanks to all of our customers who have shared their feedback with us! You help our product line continue to grow and evolve. Please CONTACT US to share your experience and feedback with our garments.

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

Cool First. Transport Second.

"Death from exertional heat stroke is 100 percent preventable when proper recognition and treatment protocols are implemented..." 

"Cold water immersion is the most effective way to treat a patient with exertional heat stroke..."

"An athlete suffering from exertional heat stroke should always be cooled first (via cold water immersion) before being transported by EMS to an emergency facility..." 

Excerpts from the Executive Summary of National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement on Exertional Heat Illnesses (2014)

Mike and Bill at the NATA Clinical Symposia and AT Expo
this summer in St. Louis, MO. 

The Polar Life Pod® is the only product expressly design for the purpose of cold water immersion... whenever and wherever needed! (Comparison of cooling technologies link)

Watch a Real Time Demonstration 

of the Polar Life Pod®:

The patent pending Polar Life Pod® was designed by Mike Laycox, a licensed athletic trainer, paramedic and former certified emergency room RN with over 30 years of clinical sports medicine, emergency room and EMS experience. 

See what Mike has to say about the Polar Life Pod®: 

Do you have questions about the Polar Life Pod®? 

www.polarlifepod.com 
Contact Mike Mockbee, Senior Product Manager 
E-mail: mike@polarproducts.com

Call: 1.800.763.8423

defibrillator

Just a few short years ago it was highly recommended that schools across the United States have a defibrillator somewhere accessible in the school in case of an emergency for its students.   Though the risk was low of having to use it, the thought was that if it was accessible and was used to save just one life from cardiac issues it was worth the minimal cost to have it in the school building. 

Many schools took heed of having one and even some parents got together and purchased a defibrillator to donate to their school because no one wanted to have to face the day of a ‘what if.’ 

Much like a defibrillator the Polar Life Pod offers the same piece of mind that having a defibrillator provides schools.  For athletes, who are in danger of heat illnesses, the Polar Life Pod offers a portable safety “piece of mind” solution to athletes who could possibly get very ill due to heat exhaustion or a state where the body temperature is over 104 degrees. 

The Polar Life Pod opens to immerse the entire human body covering everything but the face and allows the rapid cooling of the body.  If you would like to learn more about this product please visit www.polarlifepod.com.

Calling All Athletic Trainers

Polar Products provides many different options for coaches, athletic trainers and directors who want to ensure that their athletes can continue to receive outstanding care.

The Coach's Sports Therapy Kit is an essential, on hands kit for commonly injured joints. It includes an item to help every athlete - whether it is for a shoulder, knee or both. This kit can be applied for both cold and heat therapy. Coaches, athletic trainers and directors can help benefit their athletes with all of these items.

Everything included within a Coach's Sports Therapy Kit from Polar Products

The Polar Life Pod™ is another new, innovative way to assist athletes who overheat. Our product is a portable, collapsible immersion system that goes where you go. Ice- or cold-water immersion has proven to be the best, quickest to bring down the body temperature of an overheated athlete and it is recommended to "Cool First, Transport Second" from the University of Connecticut's Korey Stringer Institute. 

The Polar Life Pod™ can help an athlete who it up to 7' tall and weighs up to 400 lbs.

Please visit the NATA website for more information or find them on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

NEW! Cool Kids™ Toddler Vests

Heat-sensitivity can be a difficult symptom for an active child.  

We’ve helped kids with Dravet Syndrome, Down Syndrome, mitochondrial diseases, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and other medical conditions beat the heat! 

Cooling for big "kids" and little kids, too!

New! CoolKids™ Toddler Cooling Vest

This summer, Polar Products is proud to announce our expanded pediatric body cooling line, including new products (toddler vest!), new colors (light blue!) and new projects (cooling seat cushion for strollers - coming soon!).

Cool58® cooling packs

Our cooling vests for toddlers and kids use reusable, lightweight and non-toxic Cool58® cooling packs that cool at a safe and comfortable temperature of 58° Fahrenheit.

Here's what moms have to say about Polar's Cool Kids™ Cooling Vests:

CoolKids™ Toddler Cooling Vest in Light Blue

“This CoolKids™ Toddler Cooling Vest works wonders for my son! He was born with Down Syndrome and has a hard time regulating his own body temperature. With this vest we have been able to play outside without the constant worry of him overheating. His safety means everything to us and this vest certainly helps my husband and I worry a little less. The vest is easy to use, easy to clean, and it really does only take 20 minutes in ice water to recharge. We also opted for the extra ice packs; I highly recommend getting them if you plan to be out in the heat for more than a couple hours. On a side note: The light blue vest is super cute on my little man! 

I could not be happier with this product!” 

− Courtney in VA

“My 12 year old son loves his Cool58® Vest. He is totally sold on how wonderful it is and says, “It is amazing, Mom.” He likes it especially because it is easy to use, and “I don’t need your help, Mom.” He even wore it under his life jacket on the boat and I think he was the most comfortable one. I can tell that it helped him not be fatigued as much and he didn’t sweat like he normally would. That was a huge help in keeping him hydrated. When I brought it home he said, “I know this will make me feel better when I am out and during band camp too.”  Thank you so much, you have no idea how much this will improve his quality of life.” 

− Amy in Ohio

CoolKids™ Toddler Cooling Vest in Pink

“This is a true lifesaver for my daughter. She has a skin condition called Ichthyosis that prevents her from sweating and regulating her body temperature. With this CoolKids™ Toddler Cooling Vest she is able to attend recess and PE with her friends at school and participate in other outdoor activities. The ice packs stay cool for a long time in 80 degree weather.” 

− Cynthia in Texas

“My son loves Star Wars, so I put a few iron on patches on his new Polar Products cooling vest.”

– Kapka

“Kindergarten success! Thanks to the cooling vest, my daughter has been able to actively participate in physical education and recess without risk of overheating. It is easy for her to use by herself. She keeps it in a mini-fridge in her classroom and uses it as needed. Thank you so much for your product!”

- Jen in WV

Beat the Heat!

Learn more about our pediatric cooling garments!

Click here for a PDF of our Beat the Heat! brochure.

Have a great summer!

Kool Max® versus Cool 58® Which type of cooling is right for you?

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

Natural Relief for Women

We offer natural, drug-free comfort during all stages of a woman's life!

According to WebMD, a simple tip to help manage hot flashes is "Stay cool at night, a 'chill pillow' filled with water or other cooling material might help."
WebMD: How Can I Manage My Hot Flashes

"My 65-year-old mother, who is experiencing hot flashes, came to visit me here in Houston in the early summer. I knew it would be too hot for her to endure so I ordered her a Kool Max® Cooling Vest and an extra set of packs for her to have upon her arrival. Needless to say, she absolutely loves her vest and told me it was the BEST gift I ever gave her!"
- Pamela in Houston, TX

The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before using any hot/cold therapy or body cooling product for a medical condition.

http://www.polarproducts.com/Natural-Relief-for-Women.htm

NASA / MS

All circulating cooling systems started with NASA

From MSAA’s “Multiple Sclerosis and Cooling, Third Edition:

http://www.mymsaa.org/publications/cooling/#space

Space Technology Refines Cooling

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) developed space suits to protect astronauts from the hazards of space. A space suit, however, will also trap heat inside the suit. To stabilize an astronaut's body temperature, space suits are equipped with an undergarment containing a network of small tubes held against the body. A chilled liquid is pumped through these tubes, removing the body's heat by heat transfer between the skin and the tubes. These garments are known as liquid-cooled garments (LCG's), but are often referred to as "cool suits." Cool suits are now used in a variety of industrial and military applications.

Known for their expertise with LCG's, NASA scientists continued to refine and adapt this technology for the advancement of biomedical research. These advancements include cooling systems for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, children who suffer from HED (insufficient sweat glands), and those
diagnosed with MS.

MSAA Advances Cooling Technology

As MSAA and NASA continued to expand the science of cooling and MS, both agencies realized the need to pool resources and accelerate the goal of bringing symptom relief to thousands of people with MS. On May 23, 1994, officials from MSAA and NASA signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" to establish a framework for cooperative efforts.

This provided a springboard from which many joint endeavors have been completed. These include national workshops, equipment evaluations, and finally, a national clinical research study funded by NASA, in which MSAA staff played a significant role.

Enhancement of Cognitive Processing by Multiple Sclerosis Patients Using Liquid Cooling Technology: A Case Study

L.D. Montgomery, R.W. Montgomery, Y.E. Ku, Lockheed Martin Engineering & Sciences Company; and NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California (completed in 1997).

A Randomized Controlled Study of the Acute and Chronic Effects of Cooling Therapy for MS

S.R. Schwid, MD; M.D. Petrie, RN (University of Rochester, Rochester, New York); R. Murray, MD, Jennifer Leitch, RN (Rocky Mountain MS Center, Englewood, Colorado); J. Bowen, MD, A. Alquist, PhD (University of Washington, Seattle, Washington);
R.G. Pellegrino, MD, PhD, Maria Dawn Milan, RN (Institute for Neurology and Neuroscience Research, Hot Springs, Arkansas);
Adam Roberts, Judith Harper-Bennie (Multiple Sclerosis Association of America); R. Guisado, MD (Center for Neurodiagnostic Research, San Jose, California); B. Luna, MS, Leslie Montgomery, PhD, Richard Lamparter, MS, Yu-Tsuan Ku, MS, Hank Lee, BS, Danielle Goldwater, MD (NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California); G. Cutter, PhD (AMC Cancer Research Center, Denver, Colorado, independent biostatistician); Bruce Webbon, PhD (NASA program manager and principal investigator), Neurology, 2003, 60, pp. 1955-1960.

https://www.polarproducts.com/MS