Additional Needs

Ways to Cool Down

Posted by Naomi Aldridge on 2nd July 2020 Additional Needs, Advice & Support, Disabilities

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The warm weather has been around for a few weeks off and on in the UK. We have been enjoying bits of it in our garden. This time of year is fairly tricky to try and keep Ethan cool and not overheating.

Ethans seizures can be triggered by heat so we often notice an increase in seizures during the warmer months because of this. We have found a few things that work to try and keep Ethan cooler so I thought I would share them with you.

Pet Cooling Mats

Pet cooling mats or gel pillow pads are great for popping under ethans back or feet to cool him down. Ethan spends a lot of time in his wheelchair so these can easily be popped under his back. All you need to do is keep replacing them as they will warm up so need to be back in the shade to almost recharge a bit and make them cool again.

Wet Cloth

When we're out and Ethan gets hot, we use a muslin square or any piece of material really and soak it with water. We then wrap this round the back of Eths neck, head or wrists to cool him down. He really enjoys this and it’s easy to take out with us and you can keep refreshing the water to make it colder. Cooling the wrists really helps to lower the body temperature.

Wheelchair Umbrella

We use a wheelchair umbrella to help keep Ethan in the shade while we are out. This is great and if you look around you can find them to be UV protected and also to be a umbrella for in the rainy times too. You can also buy umbrella attachments to go on the wheelchair if you already have a suitable parasol or umbrella to attach.

Water Play

We love water play of all types in the garden or inside. Popping feet in will help cool down and its great fun too! Playing with ice cubes is also a great activity to help keep you cool, and you can make them in all different shapes too!

Handheld Fans

Handheld fans are great to hold when you're out for that Instant quick relief. Blowing the cold air onto wet areas will help too. Having to wear splints and be in equipment all day can get sweaty, so this is a nice treat for after you take them off to quickly cool the feet while you are out.