Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD
MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer
Question: How is weakness in MS best treated?
Answer: Weakness in multiple sclerosis can be divided into “primary weakness,” due to injuries from lesions of the spinal cord and brain; or “secondary weakness,” which comes from issues such as inactivity, fatigue, pain, or medications used to treat multiple sclerosis and its symptoms.
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There are an endless number of events that can cause a change in holiday traditions. An impending move may mean it’s the last Christmas in a childhood home; circumstances can cause a change in who attends or who hosts the gatherings; or there could be a gradual shift in activities as abilities change. A change in tradition can bring heightened feelings of panic, insecurity, or worry – feelings similar to a huge change of plans, only multiplied by 100 because they were previously solidified by years of stability.
When things change, it is alright to feel those emotions, as humans thrive on routine after all! However, allowing it to affect your holiday and time with loved ones may lead to regret and negative memories of this holiday. The most important thing to remember is WHY you love certain traditions, and how you can continue those feelings when the “perfect situation” is unavailable. Do you love lighting the menorah because of the candles, or because your family is around you and singing in its glow? Do you love Christmas dinner because it takes you 6 hours to prepare, or because your nieces helped you in the kitchen and delicious food tastes better with loved ones?
Continue readingThe most awaited time of the year is here again. This time is magical, and keeping your holiday traditions alive is important as it makes the season feel festive and complete. Try to make the most of the holiday season by spending quality time with your family and friends.
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There’s something timeless about the holiday season. It has a way of bringing us back to the simplest, happiest moments of our childhood, where laughter and love were the only things that mattered. For me, one of my favorite holiday traditions has always been decorating the Christmas tree with my family.
Continue readingHappy Holidays!! This no bake recipe is fun to make and delicious. You can make ahead and decorate any way you would like. I found the wreaths to be festive and cheerful. They also are a crowd favorite.
Las fiestas navideñas están llenas de tradiciones que reúnen a familias y amigos para celebrar y crear recuerdos duraderos. Este año, mi familia y yo empezamos una nueva tradición que no solo es divertida, sino también inclusiva y accesible para todo el mundo: las exhibiciones de luces navideñas o festivas desde el automóvil.
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The holiday season is filled with traditions that bring families and friends together to celebrate and create lasting memories. This year, my family and I are starting a new tradition—one that’s not only fun but also inclusive and accessible to everyone: drive-thru holiday light displays.
For years, my family has enjoyed driving around town to look at holiday lights. We love visiting our local coffee shop to grab a warm drink and then drive around our neighborhood in search of the best holiday decorations. Last year, we realized we could make the experience even more magical by embracing the new wave of drive-thru light shows. These events are popping up in many cities, offering families a unique and safe way to enjoy festive displays without leaving the comfort of their vehicles.
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Every year, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) highlights the artistic talents of the MS community in our digital Art Showcase. We have received many wonderful submissions from individuals with MS across the country and are delighted to invite the community to participate once again in MSAA’s 2025-2026 Art Showcase.
Now until January 10, 2025, individuals with MS are encouraged to submit up to three works of visual art along with their personal stories to be highlighted in MSAA’s 2025-2026 Art Showcase. We welcome various types of art including paintings, drawings, photography, and more. To participate, please visit MSAA’s Call for Submissions webpage, or email us at showcase@mymsaa.org.
Eligibility:
Please be sure to read through all Art Showcase rules and release form requirements prior to submitting your work.
Eligible submissions will be featured on MSAA’s website beginning in March 2025 in recognition of MS Awareness Month. Throughout the year, 12 artists and their work will be highlighted as Artists of the Month. To view submissions from previous Art Showcases, please visit our online gallery.
MSAA’s 2024-2025 Art Showcase recently won a Silver Digital Health Award! To learn more about this accomplishment, please read MSAA’s Latest News article.
By Stacie Prada
Bright lights on buildings and cool decorations
Brighten the landscape and cause a sensation
Snail mail and email share tidings and cheer
Wishes for wellness and Happy New Year
Kindness from strangers and heartfelt connection
Show us what matters and trigger reflection
Posts on the social show who they hold dear
Wishes for wellness and Happy New Year
Visit with loved ones and arrive gift bearing
delight in giving while sharing and caring
Joy, peace, and goodwill for those far and near
Wishes for wellness and Happy New Year
When fatigue hits
When the stress rears
When I’m overwhelmed
Focus on what matters, let go of the rest,
and deem the season success!
This was written for fun to be sung to the tune of “My Favorite Things,” by Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers in their musical, “The Sound of Music.” Take good care all!
*Stacie Prada was diagnosed with RRMS in 2008 just shy of 38 years old. Her blog, “Keep Doing What You’re Doing” is a compilation of inspiration, exploration, and practical tips for living with Multiple Sclerosis while living a full, productive, and healthy life with a positive perspective. It includes musings on things that help her adapt, cope and celebrate this adventure on earth. Please visit her at http://stacieprada.blogspot.com/
One overlooked symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) is sensory overload. Noise, lights, and crowds cause panic and lead to feeling overwhelmed. Many with MS do not realize sensory overload is a symptom. It feels confusing when it first happens.
MultipleSclerosis.net published an article about sensory overload that resonated with many readers. The insights and responses from the community are worth sharing!
