Women and MS – Ask the Expert

Posted on August 23, 2019 by MSAA

Did you know that on average, women are three times more likely than men to develop relapsing forms of MS? While we don’t yet know the cause of MS, many researchers and physicians are working to clarify aspects of the disease and provide more information to women who may be affected by the condition.

In an excerpt from the cover story of our Fall 2008 edition of The Motivator, Connie Easterling, a nurse practitioner who serves as clinical coordinator of the MS Care Center, Neurological Services of Orlando, explains how Continue reading →

Recreationally resting and leisurely relaxing…

Posted on August 21, 2019 by MSAA

By Scott Cremeans

The idea of relaxation is simply subjective as everyone has their way of finding a happy hiatus. Some people find a benefit in working on tasks that they enjoy, yet others need to stop working altogether to find pure relaxation. Specific individuals need the assistance and support of good friends to find absolute cessation. Countless people require total solitude to attain relaxation, while many desire groups of friends to achieve an immersive intermission.

There is the idea of enjoying Continue reading →

Reaching a New Level of Rest

Posted on August 19, 2019 by MSAA

By Alene Brennan

I used to think I could proudly check off the “rest” category in my healthy lifestyle plan because I slept like a champ.

I would sleep about seven hours every night.

Rest is all about sleep, right?

Then my doctor would ask me what I do during the waking hours to rest… um… hmm… I never thought about that actually.

In my opinion there was always Continue reading →

Sound Advice

Posted on August 16, 2019 by MSAA

By Doug Ankerman

I’m a sound guy. I like to listen (though my wife would disagree). My affinity comes from a long background working in radio. Using words, sound effects and music to evoke emotions – that was my gig. It also helps having ears the size of a satellite dish. And no, I cannot get Direct TV – hardy har har.

Since relaxation is the August theme of MS Conversations, I found it fitting to compile a list of Continue reading →

No-Bake Chocolate Chip Balls

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Melissa Young

No-bake chocolate chip balls make the perfect breakfast, snack, or even dessert. They only take five minutes and six ingredients to make! If you need a quick pick-me-up or an on-the-go snack, this recipe is worth a try.

Ingredients Continue reading →

Strategies to Relax: Kick Back with MS

Posted on August 12, 2019 by MSAA

By Lauren Kovacs

That’s funny, relax with MS. Like being drawn and quartered is relaxing. It is possible, I think, to kick back. We often hear about not relaxing and it’s negative effects. Easier said than done. I know.

For me, I relax by trying several things. First, don’t beat yourself up. MS stinks for us all. Just acknowledge that fact. Distraction is a great way to relax.

I admit to putting myself in a “show-hole” frequently. I fall into those Continue reading →

The Value of Doing Nothing: Same Thing, Different Feel

Posted on August 9, 2019 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

It’s interesting to me that the same task can feel stressful sometimes and relaxing others. It really shows that it’s not about what I’m doing, rather it’s how I feel when I’m anticipating or doing it. It’s how I judge the task in the moment.

Needing to cook dinner after a long workday may feel like one more burdensome thing that needs to be done, while spending hours in the kitchen baking or creating a new dish on a weekend might be a therapeutic activity resembling meditation for the focus and relaxation I feel.

The same can be true for Continue reading →

What Helps You Relax?

Posted on August 7, 2019 by Angel Blair

I’ll be the first to admit that I can be a bit of a high-strung person. It’s hard for me to relax sometimes. I assume it’s because of my A-type personality that constantly has me on-the-go and anxious about even the littlest things. Even when I think I’m relaxing; my mind is still going a mile a minute thinking of anything and everything. I find it’s worse as I’m getting older.

I’ve always envied those who seem to relax easily. Now I’m making assumptions for some who may appear relaxed but have tons of things on their mind Continue reading →

Melanie Paquette – August 2019 Artist of the Month

Posted on August 2, 2019 by John MSAA

Each year, MSAA features the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis in the annual MS Ability and Four Seasons Art Showcases, including highlighting one artist each month as our Artist of the Month. This month, we are proud to feature Melanie Paquette of Spencer, MA:

Melanie Paquette August MS Artist of the Month blog

“That is the One That Got Away”

About the Artist

Continue reading →

The Frustration of FWV (Fumbling Word Vomit)

Posted on July 31, 2019 by MultipleSclerosis.net

It does have a name. That maddening feeling of being stuck, unable to express what’s on your mind. In the Multiple Sclerosis community, it’s now called fumbling word vomit.

In her piece, Ashley Ringstaff details what many of you have experienced—that inability to find the right words in the moment. It’s yet another piece of MS that’s hard to live with.

We posted Ringstaff’s piece in the MultipleSclerosis.net Facebook page, and more than 100 of you commented, venting along with Ringstaff and sharing solution as well.

Here’s what you had to say. Continue reading →

FOLLOW MSAA ON: