Ask the Expert – Fatigue

Posted on April 30, 2024 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: What symptom affects up to 80% of people with MS and can worsen as the day goes on?

Answer: Fatigue.

Question: What are your recommendations for people with MS who are experiencing fatigue?

Answer: Fatigue is the most common symptom of multiple sclerosis. Although fatigue occurs in the general population, it’s more common and often more problematic in people with multiple sclerosis. The first approach should be to investigate the cause of fatigue with your clinician or neurologist. When MS is the only cause for the fatigue, it is labeled primary fatigue.

Continue reading →

Tips for De-Stressing and Unwinding

Posted on April 29, 2024 by Diana Cruz

By: Diana Cruz

As the month of April comes to an end, I’d like to take a moment to honor National Stress Awareness Month by reflecting on a few of the everyday steps that can be taken to cater to mental health. Lately, it’s been feeling as if life has really been taking its toll. With the most fragile aspects at hand including health and wellness, as well as work, personal obligations, family matters, and planning for the future, it can feel nearly impossible to handle it all – especially in a manner that allows for space for unwinding and enjoyment. Luckily, I’ve taken some time to write down a few tips that have really allowed me to feel more comfortable and confident with moving forward successfully.

Continue reading →

Conectando con la naturaleza para el bienestar mental

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Claudia Chavez

La naturaleza es una parte muy importante de nuestro mundo. Aunque no me agradan los insectos que la habitan, aprecio su belleza y todos los recursos que nos proporciona. ¿Sabía que la naturaleza puede ayudarnos a controlar el estrés? Esto se conoce con diversos nombres, como terapia de la naturaleza, ecoterapia, o terapia verde. Independientemente del nombre, se refiere a los beneficios terapéuticos de pasar tiempo en la naturaleza.

Continue reading →

Connecting with Nature for Mental Well-being

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Claudia Chavez

Nature is such an important part of our world. While I am not fond of the bugs that call it home, I appreciate the beauty and all the resources nature provides. Did you know that nature can help us with stress management? This is known by a variety of names, including nature therapy, ecotherapy, and green therapy. Regardless of the name, it refers to the therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature.

Continue reading →

Exercising and Moving With MS

Posted on April 24, 2024 by MultipleSclerosis.net

So much can change in the body following a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. The toll MS takes on moving the body is significant. A forum on MultipleSclerois.net asked members for their insights to several questions:

How has MS impacted exercise or bodily movement for you?
Are there exercises or movements that seem to work really well for you and, alternatively, some movements that are difficult to do now?
Have you had to modify any movements? If so, how?
How do you set yourself up for success when moving your body?

There were many valuable responses!

Continue reading →

Beat The Stress

Posted on April 22, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

We are living in a fast-paced world and to fit ourselves in society, we dive right into the whole rigamarole often forgetting that stressing over something that we cannot control is not going to improve the situation. Everyone has their threshold of handling stress. When you start noticing subtle signs like changes in appetite, breathing, energy levels, sleep, etc., that is your body’s signal to slow down. Don’t let stress take control over your life, rather figure out ways to combat it. It is rather easy to get overwhelmed, so the next time you feel bogged down by stress, keep these tips handy:

Continue reading →

Understanding and Managing Stress

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Courtney Merker

April is National Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about stress, its impact on mental and physical health, and strategies to cope effectively. Stress is a universal experience that touches everyone at some point in life. Whether it stems from work deadlines, personal relationships, financial strains, or unexpected challenges, stress is a natural response that can often feel overwhelming. However, understanding stress and learning effective management techniques can empower us to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and grace.

Continue reading →

Including Stillness as a Fitness Goal

Posted on April 17, 2024 by MSAA

By: Stacie Prada

April is National Stress Awareness Month, and it’s a perfect reminder for me to check in with my stress level. It’s an extra busy month for me each year meeting professional and personal commitments while accommodating my health needs.

I recently did a 15-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout, and I followed it with a guided meditation of the same duration. When I found myself needing more willpower to stay engaged during the meditation portion than I needed during the high-exertion portion, it occurred to me I really needed to work on calming my mind more.

Continue reading →

Recipe of the Month: Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Melissa Young

These cottage cheese pancakes are high in protein, low in carbs, gluten free and taste delicious! They are easy to make and store very well in the freezer. Once you try them, you will be hooked just like me.

Give them a try!!!

Continue reading →

Stress and Mindfulness

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Alexa Moreno

Stress is unfortunately inevitable. We all can experience stress in some form, and it can manifest itself into physical and further emotional distress as well. Multiple sclerosis patients especially can experience stress or anxiety when it comes to managing their diagnosis. Managing stress is important for MS patients to help prevent relapses and to strengthen their immune response.

“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.” – Khalil Gibran

To better manage anxiety and stress, a great place to start is with our thoughts. Often, our thoughts and worries lead down a deeper hole of anxiety. Take a minute to think about the top stressors in your life right now. If your mind goes to the “what-if,” then begin to shift it to the “what can.” The “what-if” is what easily spirals our thoughts. Focusing on what can be done about it in the here and now is a more productive way of thinking. We also forget to think about what is the best thing that can happen!

Continue reading →

FOLLOW MSAA ON: