MSAA Partners with Modify Watches for MS Awareness

MSAA is excited to be teaming up with Modify watches as their Together Partner for the month of April.

Modify will be donating $20 to MSAA for EVERY Together Watch sold during April (even for members of our Mod of the Month Club who are receiving a 20% discount). If you would like to purchase a Together Watch to support MSAA visit Modify’s Non-Profit Collection.

Support  MSAA  today with themodify watch Modify Together watch!

 

Share Button

Let’s Go Outside…

So we’re coming up on that time of year again, where winter will be a memory and the times give way to the arrival of spring! Though some areas across the country are still experiencing the last remnants of winter, spring is upon us and we can start going outside again without the harsh and bitter cold, and perhaps before the hot and humid summer feel…

How do you like to take advantage of the nice weather? Perhaps you have a certain activity you like to do outdoors when the weather permits? Well, if you’re looking for something to do outside, here are some ideas to celebrate the end of winter!

*Please remember to consult with your physician before taking on any new exercise or physical routine*

  • Take a walk- If able, taking a stroll around the neighborhood with a friend or relative can be an enjoyable and relaxing time to chat and get some exercise
  • Like to garden? The winter months were definitely not kind to plant life, so planting some fresh flowers and vegetables can add rejuvenation to the ground after the harsh cold
  • Attend a sports game- do you have a friend or relative who plays in a little league, or someone who plays in a sports league for fun? Going to a game can be relaxing and entertaining and a way to enjoy the sunshine!
  • Like to read? Sitting outside with a good book or magazine can provide a chance to enjoy the change in weather

So what are some of your favorite outdoor activities?

 

 

Share Button

News from MSAA’s South-Central Region

Howdy!  For the past 6 years, I have been the South-Central Regional Director, and most recently I have taken on the duties of also serving our clients in the Northwest Region.  During this time I organized many patient, physician and healthcare provider education programs, where we focus on providing the most informative, educational and enjoyable programs possible. I have met the most dedicated neurologists and nurses in my region, and have been privileged to become acquainted with many MS patients and family members. They have allowed me into their lives, and I am always very happy to catch up with them when I have an event close by.

Some of my favorite programs are those aimed specifically for women with MS.  We have had several “Women’s Retreats” in my region, and each one has been very special. The format is simple: Provide a weekend of education, relaxation, friendship and fun. These weekends are focused on how to juggle the many hats women wear on a daily basis: mother, wife, employee, chauffeur, cook, housekeeper and MS patient.  Everyone feels the stress to be superwoman, and these weekends provide a respite, as well as some tools to help keep it all manageable.

At another recent program we focused on “Movement and Music” and everyone was shown simple ways to keep moving by using music throughout the day.  Instead of focusing on the “E” word (exercise), we simply learned fast, simple ways to incorporate stretching and strength training in everyday activities.  We learned how to use the beat to any song we heard to help keep us limber and stronger, thus keeping drop foot or spasticity at bay.

If you are interested in upcoming programs in your area check out MSAA’s calendar of events, which lists educational programs all across the country. If there is a specific topic you would like to see added to our education programs, please let us know.  We would love to include it!

Share Button

Let Me Introduce Myself

Hello MS bloggers!! My name is Samantha. I am the newest member of the Client Services team here at the MSAA. I am more than excited to begin this journey exploring the complex world of multiple sclerosis (MS). I am eager to learn from you and hear your individual stories.

I would like to share a quote with you all. In my office hangs a scroll printed with my daily mantra, my “words to live by” my inspiration to do good things in this world. The quote is from the Dalai Lama, titled A Precious Human Life.

“Every day, think as you wake up:

Today I am fortunate to have woken up.
I am alive, I have a precious human life.
I am not going to waste it.

I am going to use
all my energies to develop myself,
to expand my heart out to others,
to achieve enlightenment for
the benefit of all beings.

I am going to have
kind thoughts towards others.
I am not going to get angry,
or think badly about others.

I am going to benefit others
as much as I can.”

These words provide comfort to me. The quote helps to move me forward during a difficult day, or slow me down to help appreciate life. Whenever I encounter a new struggle, I look to this quote to provide support and security.

Thank you in advance for sharing your stories throughout this blog. I look forward to hearing more from you!

Share Button