Exercise, Part II

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Angel Blair

“Jogging is very beneficial. It’s good for your legs and your feet. It’s also very good for the ground. It makes it feel needed.”

~ Charles M. Schulz

”Never eat more than you can lift.”

~ Miss Piggy

Resolutions. Most of us have made them, and they commonly include some type of exercise plan. They usually occur in celebration of the start of a new year, to help mark new beginnings and make meaningful changes. Though we all know that resolutions may start off strong with promises, schedules and routines, they do not always last with the same enthusiastic energy. Compared to any other time of year, (Halloween resolutions are not that common), New Year’s is the identified time that marks the declaration of these resolutions, but who says they have to be created only when the clock strikes midnight?

As summer is slowly coming to a close, we are ready to embark on yet another season change. The fall brings relief from the heat but not the bitterness of winter, the start of a new school year for some, and another “beginning” for people to make changes. So as the weather gets cooler, perhaps it is time for those exercise resolutions to be resurrected, or made for the first time. Take advantage of the cooler weather by exercising outside, or enjoying outdoor activities without the overwhelming heat. What can we do so that exercise does not remain a forgotten resolution?

Exercise, Part I

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Angel Blair

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”

– John F. Kennedy

Exercise. Honestly, we know that not everyone likes to do it. The idea of exercising can make some of us cringe at times, but it plays such a crucial part in our health. We hear it constantly from all sources; the media and our doctors. We know exercise can be good for us, yet sometimes we resent it and try to avoid it at all costs.

So how can we warm up to the idea of making exercise a part of our regular routine? Here are some ideas to make exercise a little more bearable…and maybe even fun!

*Please remember to consult with your physician before taking on a new exercise routine*

Exercise during the part of the day when you feel you have the most energy
One key word: moderation. Don’t overexert yourself; exercise at your own pace
Exercise with a friend or relative; this can make the time more enjoyable and fun
Listening to music while you exercise can be relaxing and entertaining
Pick an exercise that you enjoy; take a walk around your neighborhood, do water aerobics, take a dance class, practice yoga…

What are some ideas that you have to make exercise enjoyable?

Saddle up for a Texas-sized adventure for MS

Posted on August 24, 2012 by John MSAA

Join us for the 4th Annual MSAA Lone Star Roundup Cattle Drive

September 20 – 23, 2012

You, your friends, and your family may have walked for MS. You may have ridden a bike for MS. You may have even participated in Swim for MS. MSAA now invites you to add a horse into the mix and join us for an adventure of a lifetime – all while benefiting those who have MS!

When: September 20 – 23, 2012

Where: The Beaumont Ranch in Grandview, Texas

(just a few minutes south of Dallas/Fort Worth)

The Fourth Annual MSAA Lone Star Roundup Cattle Drive is ready to roll! This four-day, three-night western adventure returning to the beautiful Beaumont Ranch will be the most fun you have ever had for a good cause! All money raised will go to support the many programs and services MSAA offers to help people affected by multiple sclerosis.

“The MSAA Cattle Drive is a chance to fulfill a life long dream, meet some great folks, enjoy some wonderful Texas hospitality, get some fresh air and exercise, chow down on superb Texas grub…and still know at the end of the day, I am helping to make life a bit easier for all of us that live with multiple sclerosis.”

– Linda Martin, diag: RRMS – 2000

All levels of riding experience are welcome for this event:

Never been on a horse? We’ll teach you everything you need to know to get on and stay on!
An expert rider? We’ll turn you loose in the Texas back country for some challenging riding and herding.

To learn more about the Lone Star Roundup, including information on your meals, accommodations, and how you can register, please visit this link.

Any questions, please call (800) 532-7667, ext. 137 to talk to Becky Remington, the “Trail Boss” for this event.

Or, if you can’t attend and wish to make a gift to support MSAA and the MS community,

please visit support.mymsaa.org/lonestarsupport.

Yee Haw! Hope we see you there!

Swim for MS Ambassador Wins Gold at London Olympics

Posted on August 22, 2012 by MSAA

Swim for MS Ambassador Missy Franklin Wins Gold at the London Olympics

Missy Franklin, MSAA’s Swim for MS Ambassador, won a total of five medals – four gold and one bronze – at the Games of the XXX Olympiad from London!

One of her many highlights in London included sweeping the women’s backstroke events, winning gold in both the 100-meter and 200-meter finals, setting a world record in the latter. Her first medal was a bronze, which came in her first event as part of the 4x100m freestyle relay. In her last race of the meet, Missy earned another world record as a part of the 4x100m medley relay team that won gold!

With summer quickly coming to an end, what better way to enjoy one last day at the pool than by getting the word out about YOUR Swim for MS Pool Party!

If you haven’t already done so, please make sure to post pictures or videos to MSAA’s Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube pages to help collect pledges from friends and family for your chosen activity.

Please check to be sure your Swim for MS Pool Party page is ready for action before the summer is over – visit msaapoolparty.org!

#SwimForMS

Pick a Date,

Join the Party,

100 Days to Make A Difference!

Please call or go online to learn more and register your own Swim for MS Pool Party:

MSAAPoolParty.org

(800) 532-7667 ext. 157

msaapoolparty@mymsaa.org

MSAA’s Educational Programming

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Kyle

One of the hallmarks of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America’s (MSAA) services that we provide on a regular basis to individuals living with MS are educational programs that include “thought leaders” in the MS field. These programs offer the MS community timely and vital information.

As a Regional Director at MSAA, it is my job to make sure that these programs are exciting, informative, intimate, and frankly, a good deal of fun.

In the planning process for these programs, it is incredibly important to us that these educational programs are truly interactive opportunities that allow people living with MS and their families or friends the chance to speak in depth with the presenting physician. It is our hope that these educational programs allow you to get that burning question answered that you’ve always wondered about in regard to a disease that, for many, is quite mysterious.

Across the country we have held educational programs on a wide variety of topics such as:

New and emerging therapies for MS

Symptom management in MS

The benefits of physical therapy

Programs such as our in-person S.E.A.R.C.H. series that overviews not only our new S.E.A.R.C.H. tool kit but also how it can apply in your regular interactions with your physician and care team in choosing the right MS therapy for you.

With five Regional Directors working hard to produce high-quality programming, it’s very likely there is an in-person program coming to your area. Please visit our calendar of events today!

We’d love to see you at one of our events!

The Things that Make You Smile

Posted on August 17, 2012 by MSAA

Recently, I was driving in to work and stopped in traffic when I looked out of my window to take in the nice summer morning. As I was looking out the window, I saw a man in a work uniform walking on the sidewalk listening to an iPod and singing. As he passed my window, I could hear him belting out a few words to the song. He was so moved by the music that I believe I could feel his grin.

This gentleman was a perfect reminder that sometimes you need to do something that is good for the soul. Maybe it is loudly singing your favorite song and not caring who listens. Maybe it is reading a “guilty pleasure” book. It may even be something as simple as looking at a photograph of a loved one, but sometimes you just need to do something that makes you smile.

Dealing with a chronic illness is a challenge, but joy is contagious! Please share some of the little things you do that always make YOU smile.

Resilience

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Angel Blair

“The best way out is always through.”

– Robert Frost

“Life is not a matter of holding good cards,

but of playing a poor hand well.”

– Robert Louis Stevenson

What does it mean to be resilient? The dictionary defines resilience as the power or ability to return to original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched; elasticity.

Life can be like that sometimes. It bends and pressures people, stretches them to their limits, and individuals continue to fight back and react to things even stronger than before. So what does being resilient mean to you? What motivates you to bounce back and overcome struggles that come your way? Share your thoughts on being resilient and what helps you power through…

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America’s Webinar “How to S.E.A.R.C.H.™ for the Right MS Therapy for You!” Wins Award

Posted on August 13, 2012 by MSAA

MSAA is proud to announce that a 2012 APEX Award for Publication Excellence has been given to our online video webinar, “How to S.E.A.R.C.H.™ for the Right MS Therapy for You!” This is the first APEX Award MSAA has received in the category of webinars and the eighth APEX Award received overall. This year’s APEX award competition drew approximately 3,400 entries across a range of 11 categories.

“The recognition of being named an APEX Award winner demonstrates the excellent work of our staff and Dr. Corey Ford,” states MSAA President and CEO Doug Franklin. “It is also a great testament to the high quality of the programs offered by MSAA.”

MSAA’s S.E.A.R.C.H. program encourages individuals to take an active decision-making role in managing their MS and selecting a disease-modifying therapy. Presented by MSAA’s Healthcare Advisory Council Member Corey Ford, MD, PhD, the one-hour on-demand video provides an update on current and emerging MS therapies and explains how the S.E.A.R.C.H. acronym helps organize six key questions to ask one’s healthcare team when deciding on a therapy.

S.E.A.R.C.H stands for:

S. = Safety

E. = Effectiveness

A. = Affordability

R. = Risks

C. = Convenience

H. = Health Outcomes (overall wellness and quality of life)

We invite you to learn more about our S.E.A.R.C.H. program and view this award-winning webinar at the following link:

https://mymsaa.org/manage-your-ms/videos/search-webinar/

The S.E.A.R.C.H. program is made possible through unrestricted educational grants from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Biogen Idec, and Teva Neuroscience.

Humor

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Angel Blair

“Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing”

-Mark Twain

Have you heard the saying that “Laughter is the best medicine?” Well, there might be something to it. Throughout time individuals have sought comedy and amusement to entertain themselves for a variety of reasons. Whether to brighten a mood, lighten up a bad day, or simply just for a good laugh, humor is continuously sought out for its’ contagious and pleasant effects.

It can relieve stress, help someone cope with a difficult situation, and bring happiness to one’s predicament that may have been absent before. Humor provides the possibility to lift one’s spirits and bring people who enjoy a good laugh, together. Perhaps humor is a luxury we’ve been fortunate enough to experience and can continuously share with others. So share a funny moment you’ve had, a time when humor got you through a rough day, or your thoughts on humor being a useful tool…

Presenting MSAA’s Artist of the Month for August 2012

Posted on August 8, 2012 by MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2012 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

August Artist of the Month:

Margie Kapaczewski – Philadelphia, PA

“ Change in life is inevitable. However, we create time stamps along the way…painting is my time stamp. It is the moment that I become intentionally lost in my thoughts and inspiration. I create my vision and stamp it onto a canvas, a paper, or a piece of material to keep forever.

With MS, memory is a gift…without MS, memory is still a gift. Art is my visual memory where I can reflect on a time with fondness or be triumphant as I was strong enough to make it through.”
Read more

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Margie Kapaczewski and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

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