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 →

Traveling with Multiple Sclerosis Isn’t Always Easy

Posted on June 20, 2018 by MSAA

By Penelope Conway

Before multiple sclerosis came along I was an avid traveler. At different times I even lived and worked In Germany, France, Mexico and Jamaica. I loved getting out and meeting new people, experiencing different customs and enjoying amazing new food.

When my mobility became a struggle, it was then that I realized just how inaccessible so much of the world truly is, both here in America and abroad. You never really think about those things until they affect you personally. Continue reading →

Top 3 Must-Have Travel Accessories this Summer

Posted on June 18, 2018 by MSAA

By Alene Brennan

Just because you have MS doesn’t mean you can’t have fun in the sun. MS or not, you want to enjoy summer vacations, barbeques and outdoor activities. So how can you achieve this without having the heat triggering or exacerbate your symptoms?

Check out these “accessories” that helped me manage MS during my mission trip to Haiti just one year after my diagnosis. Continue reading →

Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad

Posted on June 15, 2018 by Melissa Young

July 4th is almost here! This recipe only takes a few minutes to make and is fantastic to serve to a crowd. This is the perfect summer pasta salad to serve warm or cold too!! Continue reading →

Making Travel Possible and a Priority When MS Symptoms Make it Hard

Posted on June 13, 2018 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

In 2014, I visited France for the first time. I went to Sainte-Chapelle at the recommendation of a neighbor who raved I needed to go when I visited Paris. It was incredible. The gothic architecture of the building relies on a web of supporting arcs that creates a pattern like no other I’d seen before in real life. It was awe-inspiring. I’d been told the main floor was beautiful and the upper floor exponentially more incredible.

At the time I recall there was construction and signage indicating only one way to access the upper floor. As I climbed the tightly curved, narrow and steep stairway, I experienced a visceral moment that had me choking back a sudden sob. My thoughts flashed to friends with mobility issues that would not be able to navigate this route. I realized that this is something that someday I will not be able to experience. In that moment I felt profound grief for what I haven’t yet lost – the ability and freedom to go anywhere without my body limiting me. Continue reading →

Summer… Is That You?!?

Posted on June 11, 2018 by Ro Washington

With the end of the longest winter in history outside of Westeros (I see you Game of Thrones Fans) we turn our attention to sunshine and warmer days. And with those warmer days comes vacation season. Not that you are not allowed to take a vacation at other times during the year but the summer months tend to be high points for packing up and taking off to places away from home. But there is something to be said for vacationing right in your own home town. Continue reading →

Accessible Travel Guides

Posted on June 8, 2018 by MSAA

Looking to plan a vacation this summer, but you aren’t certain what your options are? Below are three travel guides available in MSAA’s Lending Library that offer insight into travel ideas and destinations that can accommodate someone with limited mobility:

Continue reading →

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