1. Do you know how important it is to take steps to keep warm? If living in a cold climate try to have someone warm your car or installing a remote start?
  2. Do you have an emergency ‘warm’ kit in your car: including blankets, chemical toe warmer packets, gloves and hats, etc?
  3. Have you considered getting a handicap tag to shorten your outside time?  You will get to the heated buildings faster!
  4. Have you considered carrying a bag, with items to keep you warm,  in case you experience an unexpected change in temperature (malls, restaurants, office buildings, medical facilities, etc.).  Air conditioning can be challenging for us!
  5. Have you considered drinking room temperature fluids?  Some people with cryo avoid ice based drinks and frozen foods.
  6. When you breathe in the cold air, do you cover your nose to warm the air?  A scarf or ski gear can add warmth.
  7. Do you have a portable heater/fireplace or some method of keeping you warm in the event of heater failure; a back up generator?  Do you have a back up plan in place in the event of a power failure?
  8. Do you have a back up plan in place in the event emergency? Do you have someplace warm to go?
  9. When you go to the dentist, do you request warm water to be used?
  10. Do you wear gloves when you reach into the freezer?  Do you dress warm or avoid the grocery store cold and frozen aisles?
  11. Do you request a ‘Bair Hugger‘  (a medical device that forces warm air into a blanket) for all medical procedures or operations?  Do you request that any blood products or medicine infusions be warmed?
  12. Did you know that every Cryoglobulinemia patients has a different ‘temperature tolerance’ ?   Do you know what at what temperature you tend to flare?
  13. Have you thought about trying to track your symptoms as it relates to temperature?
  14. Have you considered vacationing or moving to a warmer climate during the colder months? Have you considered staying indoors more during winter?
  15. Have you asked your doctor to explain all the complications that might occur with Cryoglobulinemia?  Some symptoms are more common than others but ask our doctor to explain what you should do when you see specific things.
  16. Did you know that cryoglobulinemia (vasculitis) can affect the periphery of our bodies? Do you check your face, ears, hands, feet and toes regularly for any sores, spots or rashes? If you notice anything different talk to your doctor and make sure they heal completely.