Turning Over a New Leaf

Posted on October 17, 2022 by Courtney Blewett

September knocks on our door and before we know it, the season of change is among us. Autumn arrives with crisper air, vibrant colors and fresh perspective. I’ve always viewed autumn as a transformative season, a time to “turn over a new leaf”- quite literally. Fall arrives with an array of beautiful colors and then eventually they tumble to the ground. Come next spring, the tree’s will be bursting with bright and fresh new leaves. The changing of season to autumn is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf in life and set new goals and embrace change.

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Fall Into Your MS Health Journey

Posted on October 13, 2022 by Emily

By Emily Gordon

The change of seasons is exciting for most, but for those living with MS, it can be a daunting time. The weather is getting chillier, which means for some of us, our spasticity is kicking in. The extreme fatigue can reach an all-time high, and cognition can begin to suffer.

The colder months ahead can cause a bit of stress regarding the uncertainty of your health. Tremors, numbness, tingling, trouble with balance, issues with cognition… OH BOY! It can be nerve-racking to have to think about all these things. I have picked up a few things throughout my 10-year MS journey that have helped me manage these symptoms.

Get moving

You could find it more difficult in the coming months to get moving. Daily movement is not only good for your body, but it is also great for your mind. Take time to enjoy the season! Get outside for a walk if you are able and take in the beauty of autumn and the colorful foliage. Or stay indoors and do some stretching and/or yoga. An MS diagnosis does not mean you need to stop living. It is a time to START living. Enjoy the little things in life!

Boost your mood

Every morning I meditate. I take 10 minutes before everyone in my house wakes up to just BE. Be still, be present with my thoughts, set my intention for the day, and be mindful of my emotions. Living with a chronic illness – can bring rough days, be mindful of these rough days and feel what you need to feel, whether it be frustration or sadness.

Be proactive and productive

It is so easy to fall into a rut. I have used the “I’m too tired” statement one too many times. The truth is yes, I was tired, however, I have learned in this journey that being “too tired” and not doing anything will only make you more tired. Fatigue is unfortunately a big part of battling MS. I know my limits and sometimes I do have to say, “I’m too tired” and rest. But on the days my body and mind can afford to get ready, put some makeup on, get dressed and have a wonderful time are always the times I am glad I pushed through my fatigue.

Stay on top of your health

Write down when you are experiencing a new symptom and talk to your doctor about it immediately. Be conscious of even the slightest change in speech, mobility, or balance. In 2020, my infusion center had to shut down due to the pandemic. I was behind on my disease-modifying treatment by 2 months. I woke up one morning and was unable to swallow, move the left side of my body, or speak. I spent two months in the hospital and 12 weeks (about 3 months) in rehab teaching myself how to walk, talk and write again. MS is completely unpredictable and changes in your health can happen overnight. Take it from me. Be your own patient advocate, since after all, no one knows you better than well… you!

MS has been a part of my life for a decade. It has certainly never been easy. This disease is extremely unpredictable. I will leave you with a saying I use when I am having a rough day.

“It is not about the cards you’re dealt, but it’s about how you play them.”

PLAY WISELY.

Seasons of Change

Posted on September 16, 2019 by Angel Blair

It’s hard to believe that fall is right around the corner. Where does the time go? I don’t know if it’s the culture of our society that makes time go by even faster with its quick pace, but time sure does fly and change is constant. The change that comes with the start of fall has begun, especially in the form of back-to-school routines for the kiddos.

I do not do well with change but that doesn’t stop it from happening. Life constantly evolves and moves forward. And there are times that change can Continue reading →

Is that fall around the corner?

Posted on September 7, 2018 by Angel Blair

September is here! Now let’s hope that it brings with it some cooler temps. Summer was especially cruel around the country this year with multiple heat waves, rain, devastating fires and other challenges. I don’t think I’m alone when I say I’m glad to see it go. But just because it’s September doesn’t mean it’s autumn-like weather just yet either. It’s been Continue reading →

Employment Changes

Posted on September 6, 2017 by Angel Blair

For this month’s MS Conversations blog we wanted to focus on the topic of changes in routine, but with this thought, it was important to highlight employment changes as well, as this is something that comes up often when talking with clients. The timing is appropriate, as Fall always marks a time of change in the year itself, not only in the season’s colors and temperatures but with the familiar sights of back to school and holiday displays (because of course stores are already doing this!).

There are many individuals within the workforce living with MS, and oftentimes its symptoms can impact one’s work routine and abilities in their position. This can be very frustrating and challenging for those affected because with it comes the added stress over job security, self-worth and independence. Because of how our society views work and the roles we fulfill, many people identify themselves by their job and what they do for a living—so if this changes, one’s self-perception can change too. But it’s important to know that there are resources available to help accommodate changing needs in the workplace or help to find another position if an overall change is needed. Separating one’s self-worth and perception from one’s job role is going to be a continuous feat that society as a whole must work on, because individuals are and should be defined by more than just the work they do.

For those who have human resource representatives in their workplace sometimes it’s a good idea to start the discussion with this department if you need something modified in your role; whether it is your schedule, job location/environment or something else, there may be procedures in place for how to ask for these in the workplace. The Job Accommodation Network is a helpful source of information on employment accommodations as well. And for additional help receiving workplace accommodations or finding employment, a Vocational Rehabilitation office is a resource throughout each state that assists those living with disabilities on information and resources regarding employment needs and changes. Working with one’s doctor/healthcare team may be another avenue to assist with employment matters too, especially when discussing symptom issues and their (potential) impact.

Change can be difficult to encounter at times so it’s important to know what resources are in place that could help. Being aware of MS symptoms and how they could impact needs in the workplace can be a good starting point.

Is it That Time of Year Already?!

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Angel Blair

So this week marked the start of many students heading back to school and the unofficial ‘end’ of summer with the fall season being just around the corner. This time of year usually generates many nostalgic feelings; how it felt having to go back to school, which was sometimes a drag at first but eventually turned into excitement to learn new things, the change in routine and schedules, and the countdown to the holiday season. Even just the colors and smells of fall have the potential to bring about joyful feelings—it can be a very pretty and festive time of year.

For some people this week may represent new beginnings and changes, for others it may signify an anticipated change of season with teasingly cooler temperatures being just around the bend (hopefully). For others it may just represent a hope for change and new things to come. This particular week and time of year doesn’t necessarily look or mean the same to each person and it doesn’t have to; everyone goes through different things at different times and holds unique perspectives towards it. It’s more about finding what is special or important to you and holding onto that—knowing what feelings are prompted or what memories are beckoned when you experience time and season changes during the year. It’s a chance to create new memories, make adjustments to change, prioritize your needs, and most of all, to self-care—because there is only one you, and you deserve the most that time has to offer.

10 Things To Do Before Fall Ends!

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Melissa Young

Back-to-school time is here and fall isn’t far behind. Glorious fall!!! I can smell the leaves and cool crisp air, and don’t get me started on how obsessed I am with pumpkin-flavored everything. Summer will end soon and before you know it the holidays will be here.

Back-to-school excitement will soon end but don’t let autumn fly by. Take advantage of the crisp cool weather and beautiful foliage with this list of fun things to do:

1. Make s’mores on a cool night.
2. Take fall foliage pictures and frame one/or a family photo.
3. Play in the colorful leaves, even if you crunch them in your hands.
4. Make a new fall craft project; carve a pumpkin.
5. Bake pumpkin bread or muffins – told you I was obsessed!
6. Enjoy warm apple cider outside under a cozy blanket.
7. Go apple picking.
8. Start holiday shopping early, plan ahead this year.
9. Write someone a love letter and mail it – no email (It’s fun to open mail).
10. Do whatever makes you the happiest!!

I hope that by sharing some of my favorite fall activities you will be inspired to make the most of my favorite season!!

What is your favorite thing to do in the fall?

Happy Halloween 2014

Posted on October 31, 2014 by MSAA

Boo! From all of us here at MSAA, we’d like to wish the multiple sclerosis community a safe, happy, and fun-filled Halloween!

Feeling SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder

Posted on October 15, 2014 by MSAA

It is commonly known that MS can impact mood and can cause an increased risk for developing depression and anxiety which MSAA detailed in the Winter/Spring 2014 issue of The Motivator. However, you may be unfamiliar with another condition – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – which may be something to pay attention to as the seasons change.

SAD is a type of depression which is hallmarked by its “seasonality” generally beginning in the fall and lasting through the winter months. SAD typically tends to creep up as the daylight hours get shorter and the weather gets cooler and the impacts on mood may become more severe as the season goes on. Like other forms of depression, individuals who experience SAD may experience low energy (fatigue), may lose enjoyment in activities they once enjoyed, may experience changes in eating or sleeping habits, may have persistent sad or depressed thoughts, and may even think of engaging in self-harm. As with other forms of depression, individuals with SAD may benefit from the use of medications and/or talk therapy to help address this issue. One major difference with teasing out SAD from other forms of depression is that individuals with SAD may also benefit from using “phototherapy” or specialized light therapy; a person may even be assigned a specific amount time in their day to sit under the specialized light or lamp to help improve their symptoms.

If you have noticed that the fall and winter seasons tend to impact your mood, or if you have noticed a lower overall mood, please discuss the issue with your treating physician…sometimes just shedding some “light” on a situation can make a world of difference.

It’s beginning to look a lot like fall….

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Angel Blair

Cooler temps forecast across parts of the country this week remind us that the fall season is approaching. Cooler nights, falling leaves and seasonal colors like orange and yellow are some of the trademarks of this festive time of year. Though some areas are still consumed by warm temperatures and strong sun rays, it is the time of year where the seasons start to evolve.

For those affected by the heat, fall is a welcomed time of the year that brings with it opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in a more comfortable manner. Sports activities, ball games, gardening and festive fall events are some ways to embrace the season’s change by spending time outside, and to perhaps ‘escape’ from hibernating methods used during the summer months when the unbearable heat was avoided.

Some look at the season change as a way to start new ventures, set new goals, or make plans for the rest of the year. New beginnings can create feelings of excitement and hope as new memories are made and added to those past. Though change can be difficult at times, it’s how you embrace it and make it work for you that matters. How the journey is spent experiencing something new is as important as the destination.

What are you looking forward to this fall?

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