By Dr Eva Jackson

Let us take a moment and go back into time. Remember your life before multiple sclerosis. Now stop and take a big breath as you let your memories unfold. You may visualize the days of going to a theme park and riding all the rides, or running on a sandy beach, just having fun. The days before watching your steps to ensure that there were not any barriers that would create a fall hazard or looking at the handicap parking spaces at your local grocery store to ensure that you did not have far to walk.

Now smile, because if you can visualize this, just know that you are not alone. Most of us are very independent people. People who never relied on others when making plans to go places. Independent individuals who very seldom had to go to the doctor regularly or spent days researching healthcare plans because this work was often done by your jobs.

As you think about those days, I will tell you a little secret. I have not been to a Christmas parade in over 5 years. During my last parade, I experienced several falls and sustained a shoulder fracture the next year. The risk is not worth the fulfillment of watching a parade in person.

Now MS has created a need in you to find safety nets in your home, communities, and healthcare. A safety net that you may have never thought you would need. A safety net could be financial, healthcare, family, or community support.

Let’s look at different safety nets and how they may vary for you.