Laughter Is Essential When Living with a Chronic Illness

Posted on July 16, 2018 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

Sometimes feeling crummy and being overwhelmed makes a person forget to do things that didn’t take any thought when they felt well. It’s natural to focus on what’s wrong and stop thinking things are funny. It’s easy to let the hard things override any impulse to be lighthearted.

I haven’t really found a way to laugh at my MS symptoms. They’re inconvenient and sometimes debilitating, they’re an indicator of how much damage my MS has done, and they’re scary for the damage that may be yet to come. Continue reading →

Laughter Therapy and Other Research Highlights

Posted on July 13, 2018 by MSAA

Recently, MSAA published an article highlighting the vital information presented at this year’s Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC). This article, now available on MSAA’s website, features a large collection of research summaries, which provide a quick overview of the results of several important studies in the treatment of MS.

Topics featured in this article include:

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in research pipeline
Long-term efficacy, safety, and comparative analysis of approved DMTs
Wellness strategies, laughter therapy, and reproductive-health topics, including information on exercise, symptom management, pregnancy, and more

Read an excerpt on laughter therapy here: Continue reading →

How I Find Laughter in the Face of MS

Posted on July 11, 2018 by MSAA

By Alene Brennan

Incurable. Degenerative. Chronic. The weight of the words is heavy. The reality of living with them is even heavier. We can easily sink into the quicksand of worries and struggles or… we can find acceptance in this beast of a disease and sprinkle in a heavy dose of laughter.

Laughter is Medicine

We hear it often that laughter is the best medicine, but what actually happens when we laugh? And is laughter strong enough to take on MS? Continue reading →

Let Humor In

Posted on July 9, 2018 by Angel Blair

I think we can agree that life is very serious a lot of the time. We all encounter situations or predicaments that require much thoughtful attention and focus, and many moments that elicit extremely strong feelings that can get overwhelming. Life can shell out some pretty unpredictable obstacles and experiences and it’s hard not to feel overcome and bogged down with the heaviness of it. That’s why it’s so important to reap the benefits of positivity, especially humor, when we can. Because dealing with illness, loss, and change can be physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausting we have to find and take advantage of moments of joy in between. Continue reading →

Does that Thermometer say 101?!?!

Posted on July 6, 2018 by Ro Washington

I’m not sure about where you are but summer has been brutal so far this year in the North East! For you pessimists let me say “Yes, I know two months ago we were all complaining about winter and wishing summer would get here already.” But these temps are something else. Whether you have MS or not, the high heat index can make you rethink that stroll outside (like, really how is it 75 degrees out at 6AM?!?!?!).

Now I know cabin fever is usually reserved for the middle of winter blues but we can get stuck in doors in the throws of summer, also. Continue reading →

July 2018 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on July 2, 2018 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2018-19 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

We have received many wonderful submissions from across the country and are delighted to share their work and their stories with you. Please visit our online gallery to view all of the new submissions.

Martha Sue Meek – Arlington, TX
July 4th Cookout

About the Artist: Continue reading →

Staying Cool in the Summer

Posted on June 29, 2018 by MultipleSclerosis.net

For most people living with MS, summer does not bring feelings of excitement and joy. Rather, it’s a time of strategizing, planning and being careful to avoid the heat, which tends to worsen symptoms.

To start a conversation, we at MultipleSclerosis.net asked our Facebook page for tips and tricks to avoid summer’s worst. More than 500 community members reacted to the post, and 34 offered their strategies for staying cool and comfortable all summer long. Here’s what they had to say! Continue reading →

Flying With One Wing

Posted on June 27, 2018 by MSAA

By Doug Ankerman

For me, traveling with multiple sclerosis (and being in a wheelchair) has never been a problem.

I’ve rolled through airports with every conceivable three-letter combination in the entire alphabet. And my latest trip to Phoenix (or should I say PHX) would be no exception.

But this trip WOULD be a challenge for two reasons. Continue reading →

Bon Voyage

Posted on June 25, 2018 by MSAA

By Lauren Kovacs

Most of us with MS see travel as a visit to an energy sucking monster. At least, it is a trip I avoid. Ok, fine, my voyages include a trip to my couch most days. If I am adventurous, I might go to a drive-thru and get ice coffee.

There are handicapped-type plans you can make. When booking a hotel stay, ask for a handicapped accessible room. They generally have more room in the bathrooms and have shower grab bars. Grab bars in the shower are a must. I also found a travel shower chair. Continue reading →

Meet the Board

Posted on June 22, 2018 by MSAA

MSAA strives to be a leading resource for the entire MS community by improving lives today through vital services and support – and we could not accomplish this without the help of our volunteer board members. MSAA’s Board of Directors is comprised of accomplished professionals from across the country who volunteer their time to further MSAA’s mission. With our ongoing series, Meet the Board, we hope to introduce you to our wonderful volunteer board members!

This month, MSAA is proud to highlight board member Paula Nitto, CPA, and a member of the Audit and Finance Committee at MSAA. Continue reading →

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