Community Views: Do MRIs Tell the Whole Story?

An MRI machine sits in the bottom right hand corner of the frame. There are 3 question marks flying out of the machine with one that has a "no" symbol on it.

For many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), the relationship with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is complicated. This imaging tool can be helpful in determining how quickly the disease is progressing in the nervous system, but can also give complicated results.

We turned to our community members to learn more about your experience with MRIs. We asked Continue reading

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War is Heck

By Doug Ankerman

You, with multiple sclerosis, fall-in, and listen up! You’ve got a battle to win. It’s time to step up and fight!

As you know stress is your enemy in this war. Your silent, invisible, debilitating nemesis.

Now, stress is Continue reading

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My Favorite Fruit Dip

This simple fruit dip recipe is always a hit at BBQs, parties, and holiday gatherings. Kids love it and it can be a great way to encourage them to eat a healthy snack. This dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. It is delicious served with pretzels or pound cake. Continue reading

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Helpful Ways to Combat Stress

When living with MS, it is super important to learn simple yet helpful ways to combat stress. Effectively managing stress levels can have long-lasting benefits on your body. Practicing relaxation is more than just a desire to be happy or be at peace. Relaxation is meant to bring relief not only to your mind but also to your body. Practicing relaxation techniques is a great way to help you cope with both daily stressors and also MS-related stress. Here are a few ways to combat stress: Continue reading

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Relaxation with Multiple Sclerosis

By Chernise Joseph (Zivvy)

It’s Friday, August 14th on another sauna of an afternoon in Texas. I’m hot, yes, but there’s something else to it, too: I’m stressed.

After a moment, I push away from my work desk and decide to shift gears. It’s been an eventful few months, but I’d learned fairly quickly that corona wouldn’t matter if my atria weren’t functioning right. So, I take a break and call a good friend of mine. Continue reading

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The Rx for Stress? It Depends.

By Stacie Prada

Stress is one of the many symptoms that come with living. It isn’t a root problem, although it can feel like one. Stress is the indication that there is something else going on, and it isn’t always bad. The excitement of an upcoming event causes stress, and I wouldn’t want to skip over the feelings of anticipation and accomplishment that come with looking forward to or working hard for something.

That said, it would be great Continue reading

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Combat Stress – Relaxation Strategies from MSAA

Dealing with stress is often a challenge, even when we are not living through a pandemic. While stress is a natural reaction for the body to feel, too much stress for too long can cause harm. For anyone with a chronic health concern, such as multiple sclerosis, sustained stress can lead to worsening MS symptoms. Whether needing relief from emotional or physical stress, finding ways to relax is an important part of any wellness care. MSAA offers a number of resources to help combat stress. Here are a few of our most recent programs highlighting wellness: Continue reading

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Relax, Chill

By Lauren Kovacs

This, unfortunately, is a battle most MS folks fight daily. I do. Each situation requires a custom battle to fight stress. We have to adapt. Change our warrior armor based on the battle ahead.

I find a day might be needed to access the situation, if multiple days of Continue reading

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Needed Now More Than Ever

Stress. One tiny word that packs a big punch. With everything that’s been going on in the world, this little term has been doing its part in wreaking havoc. Maybe it’s not all bad—some stress can be good to help with productivity in certain situations. But overall, stress can really take a toll on the mind and body. And finding ways to reduce stress that works for you may take some time. To be honest, I often find it hard to relax and decompress. Just thinking of ways to try to relax can sometimes Continue reading

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Jacquie Young – August 2020 Artist of the Month

Each year, MSAA features the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis in our annual MSAA Art Showcase. We also highlight one artist each month as our Artist of the Month. This month, we are proud to feature artist Jacquie Young of Lewes, DE:

Jacquie Young Artist of the Month artwork for August 2020

“Solitude Serenity”

About the Artist Continue reading

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