By Therese Iknoian

Ask your doctor what to do when you head outdoors when you suffer from Reynaud's, and the answer might be as simple as one from Michael Sawka, also a U.S. Army environmental physiologist: "Put on gloves."

Certainly, he's kidding. But only a little bit. Biofeedback techniques seem to be successful, but take daily training for several months in biofeedback laboratories. Other researchers tell sufferers to "train" the vessels into coping with cold by sitting in a cold area with the hands immersed in warm water. This rigamarole needs to be repeated three to six times a day, every other day, for several weeks. Sounds painful to me.

A low-tech method involves briskly swinging your arms in 360-degree circles for a minute or two. Can't say I've tried that one. (One warning: In rare case, Raynaud's can be a sign of more serious connective-tissue disorders such as scleroderma or lupus. Blood tests can rule out those.)

Simple advice to continue to enjoy the outdoors:
• Stay warm. Sawka wasn't kidding. Use several layers to trap body heat; never neglect covering the head, neck and hands.
• Change out of sweaty workout clothes immediately, even when indoors. After exercise, your body temperature will drop, and the decline will be exacerbated by wet clothes and might trigger an attack.
• Try instant heat packs. Some are chemical; some require batteries; others activate with oxygen or with a quick twist. I often carry along a set with gloved hands in the winter when I exercise outdoors.
• Avoid caffeine or smoking since both constrict blood vessels. Non-caffeinated drinks can be soothing, however.
• Don't get stressed out about events since anxiety can prompt vessels to clamp down in susceptible people.
• Borrow a friend's (a really good friend's) armpits or back when an attack strikes until you can get to a warm place.
• Keep exercising since some researchers theorize that lower fitness levels can make people more likely victims.

No matter what, remember (you knew I'd say this), cold hands, warm heart.

© 1999 Therese Iknoian. All Rights Reserved.