The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national nonprofit organization and leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support. MSAA provides free programs and services, such as: a Helpline with trained specialists; award-winning publications, including, The Motivator; MSAA’s nationally recognized website, featuring educational videos, webinars, and research updates; a mobile phone app, My MS Manager™; safety and mobility equipment products; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; MRI funding; My MSAA Community, a peer-to-peer online support forum; MS Conversations blog; a clinical trial search tool; podcasts; and more. For additional information, please visit www.mymsaa.org or call (800) 532-7667.
The holiday season for me is one of convergence. A convergence of work demands, holiday tasks, gatherings, gifts and merriment. It feels like everything needs to get done, and there’s not enough time in the day or energy in my body to do everything. It affects my routines, eating habits, cash flow and health. Yet I love it and look forward to it every year.
Decorations brighten the landscape, workplaces and homes. Stress abounds, but so does good cheer. Frenzy and serenity coexist.
MSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annualMSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Vanessa Willison as the December Artist of the Month. Vanessa is from Dorchester, NE.
Recently, my son Steve approached me with an idea. “Mom, how about we create a mother and son team supporting MSAA for the Disney Marathon Weekend?” Having participated before with TeamMSAA in the Disney events and getting the opportunity to do this with my son, I was all in with his great suggestion. It also made me think about how thankful I am to have his support as a team member in our collective efforts to raise funds and awareness for the MS community.
When Multiple Sclerosis fatigue rears up, my first noticeable sign is when I stop telling stories that come to mind. I edit myself more, and I contribute to conversations less. A decision point noticeably inserts itself into the thought process.
Do I have the energy to share this story? Am I able and willing to commit to staying in the conversation? When I’m experiencing fatigue, the answer is no. Things I find funny, interesting or relevant become thoughts too big to share.
Team MSAA includes a wide community of people whose lives have been touched by MS. In fact, our fundraising runners, walkers, and swimmers come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. The upcoming runDisney weekend has perhaps our youngest participant yet – 8-year-old Berkley Keene, running with Team MSAA in January’s Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend’s 5k!
MSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annual MSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Ben Lang-Roma as the November Artist of the Month. Ben is from Lynnwood, WA.
Enjoy the weather. The heat is gone, and the mosquitoes are dead. I don’t think they came from the same place. Rejoice. Hallelujah. Just those two things being gone are enough to make me dance.
Sit back and relax. Ladies you can shave your legs less and cover up the cuts with pants. Even electric razors cut. Thought the electric razor would save me from bleeding out. I was wrong and I often still get cuts.
Now I can cover them with pants and not be boiling hot.
Fall means no snakes here in NC too. I don’t have to worry about the dog having an ego trip, if I let him out back. Pumpkin pie and coffee are good at breakfast too. Took me years to enjoy pie at breakfast. Why not? We are adults.
Hoodies are great, but wear zip up hoodies. There is a reason why older folks wear cardigans. Easy on and off is vital for many. I find body temperature regulation is better dealt with when you dress in layers.
MS requires more thoughtful planning. Dressing is no exception . We can easily overheat. Layers are the way to go. Try zip off stuff. Pullovers can be an issue.
I once got stuck in a sweatshirt trying to get it off. It is funny now. I learned from it at least. I learned hard wood floors can be napped on. I also found a love for zip up sweatshirtsEnjoy fall. Lots of perks.
Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer
Barry Hendin, MD
Question: How does psychological therapy, either alone or in conjunction with medication, make a difference for someone with MS who is experiencing depression?
Answer: This question highlights the fact that there is more than one approach to treating psychological problems. Anyone may experience depression, but this symptom is more common in people with MS. Much of this is biologically determined, meaning that depression in MS is often caused by changes in the central nervous system (CNS), but we’re also aware that situational problems may occur in anyone’s life, including those with MS.
Antidepressant medications from a psychiatrist (or other appropriate clinician) can be very helpful for the biological aspects of depression. But for many people, an additional benefit may be derived from psychotherapy or “talk therapy” with a psychologist or counselor. This psychological support can help individuals to develop strategies to navigate complex situational issues.
Beyond these professional interventions, there are several things that people with MS are able to do independently. For many, exercise can reduce depression. For others, mindfulness, yoga, or meditation may be helpful. And for everyone, focusing on the other aspects of wellness, which include maintaining a healthy diet and healthy social relationships, can’t be emphasized enough!
Please note that anxiety may occur along with depression and is also more common in the MS population. Many of the approaches to treating depression are also useful in reducing anxiety, but as with depression, this symptom should be diagnosed by a professional and treated accordingly.
Barry A. Hendin, MD is a neurologist and Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Arizona. He is also Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Banner University Medical Center and Clinical Professor of Neurology at the University of Arizona Medical School.
For me, autumn elicits memories of a new school year, football games, raking leaves, carving pumpkins, and pressing apples for cider. Prepare for winter with home tasks and wardrobe shifts. Move sweaters, boots and winter wear from boxes or the back of the closet to the front for easier access. Suggestions for weatherizing homes and belongings are prevalent and specific, but they are less so for personal health and well-being.
Often, I experience recurring and seasonal symptoms before I realize I have a method that helps me cope. I’d love to be able to avoid the suffering it causes if at all possible. I decided to create and follow a seasonal list of tasks to proactively address my health needs. It has an emphasis on issues that Multiple Sclerosis challenges or creates for me each year.
Step outside and you’ll notice the change. Temperatures beginning to dip. Breezes blowing a tad harder. Trees morphing from green to an artist’s palate of reds & yellows.
My once vibrant flowers now pots of muddled blandness. Fall sucks the life out of everything once bright and lively. A looming forecast of what’s to come.
Fall is gnarly…Err wait, what? No, no fall is good!
